Frequently Asked Questions

What is the strength of the Duke Study in China Program?

The Duke Study in China Program (DSICP) has 25 years of experience taking students to mainland China to study Mandarin Chinese. Our program is intensive, giving each student an opportunity to improve his or her language ability in an immersed environment. Every student must sign a language pledge agreeing to only speak Chinese while they are on the Program. During the summer program the students are asked to abide by the language pledge.

Can I live with a host family? Is there a charge, and what other things do I need to know about the host family option?

To be eligible to live with a host family, an applicant must have at least completed his/her second year of Mandarin Chinese. We do not anticipate any additional charge for a host family stay.

Those who choose to live with a host family should be aware that DSICP will try to place students with host families that live as close to campus as possible, however sometime students end up living a 10–15 minute bus ride from campus. Students who choose to live with a host family will need to respect the host family’s rules, which have in the past included a curfew. If a student is unhappy with his/her host family the Directors will try their best to move the student back into the dorm but it may take a couple of weeks to move the student if the dorm is full. Please consider these possibilities carefully before making your decision.

How do I register for classes?

Duke Study in China Program students are registered for courses through Duke University by DSICP staff. Even if the student is a Duke student, the staff will register the student in all the necessary classes.

If I go on the program, how will I get my visa?

Each student will be responsible for applying for his/her own visa with the help of the DSICP staff.

What type of visa will I be on?

DSICP students apply for either an F Business Visa or an X Student visa. Students who know that they will be in China for less than six months need to apply for an F Business Visa. Students who will be in China for more than six months must apply for the X visa.

How will I apply for my own visa?

The DSICP will give you specific instructions on how to apply for a visa if you are accepted into the program. The staff will then be available to assist you as you have questions about the process. For more information see the Chinese Embassy's web page at:

http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/

I have been accepted into this program, what should I pack?

The program will provide you with a handbook which includes a list of items to pack (2007's handbook is available by clicking on the menu option on the left hand side of this page). We strongly encourage participants to take only what they can carry.