PUBLIC HEALTH IN CHINA

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Location: Beijing, China
Institution: Peking University
Term: Summer Quarter (2013 Program Dates: June 24 - August 18)
Application Deadline: March 1, 2013
Language Requirement: None - all classes are taught in English
Academic Interests: Global Health, Pre-Med, Social Policy, Alternative and Traditional Medicine, Chinese language

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Northwestern IPD Public Health in China program introduces students to major public health issues in China and to the theory and practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Students study the Chinese public health system, looking into key players and institutions, the challenges of HIV, TB, and other infectious diseases, and control measures. Students also gain an understanding of traditional Chinese medicinal practices, including acupuncture, massage, and herbal remedies. Public Health courses are taught by faculty at Peking University Health Science Center and include site visits to local hospitals, clinics, TCM centers, and a weekend herb-collecting excursion to Lin-Long Mountain.

THE UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1898, Peking University, colloquially known as "Beida," was the first formally established modern national university of China. With over 30,000 students, of which seven percent are international students, Peking University is a premiere institution for education and research, particularly in natural and social sciences. It is frequently ranked as one of the best universities in China. The campus is located in northwest Beijing, in the Haidian district, which is concentrated with many well-known colleges and universities.

COURSES

Public Health in China (1 credit)
This seminar consists of a series of lectures, in English, on the healthcare system and public health in China. Lectures will introduce students to the most common health problems in China, the role of government, the organization of the health care system, and issues such as environmental health, SARS, HIV/AIDS, and emergency preparedness and disaster relief.
Course Instructor: Peiyu Wang

Traditional Chinese Medicine (1 credit)
Students will learn about acupuncture, massage, and herbal remedies and the role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in contemporary Chinese culture. This course will also include a weekend herb-collecting excursion to Lin-Long Mountain.
Course Instructor: You Xu

Chinese Language: Interdisciplinary Course (2 credits)
While there is no language prerequisite to participate in the China summer program, students are required to take intensive language training while in China. Seven levels are offered, depending on the student’s skill level. The material covered during the program will be equivalent to two quarters of Chinese classes at Northwestern.
The courses will be taught by Chinese language instructors from the local university.

EXCURSIONS

All students on NU-IPD programs in Beijing will have the opportunity to participate in several guided excursions to famous sites in and around the city of Beijing.  Excursions include trips to the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace, among others.

HOUSING & MEALS

Students on all NU-IPD programs in Beijing live in the Zhong Guan Xin Yuan international dormitory in shared suites.  Rooms are air-conditioned and furnished.  Group lunches with language instructors are provided each weekday, but students are responsible for breakfasts and dinners. 

EXCURSIONS

Tiananmen Square
The center of Beijing is occupied by the largest square in the world: Tiananmen Square, which translated literally means “Gate of Heavenly Peace”. It was originally built in 1417 but was renovated after the Communist Party gained power in 1949, and it soon became a symbol of Communist power and Mao Zedong.

The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is located directly in the center of Beijing next to Tiananmen Square and was the Imperial Palace during the last two dynasties, the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It is the world’s largest imperial complex and is over 500 years old.

The Great Wall
One of the more beautiful locations to visit the Great Wall is called Jinshanling, known as one of the most well preserved sections of the wall. This section is located approximately 125 kilometers to the northeast of Beijing and is 10.5 km long.

The Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings located in southeast urban Beijing in the Xuanwu District. It is regarded as a Taoist temple, although the worship of Heaven, especially by the reigning monarch of the day, pre-dates Taoism. The Temple of Heaven is the biggest of the four great temples located in Beijing.

The Summer Palace
The Summer Palace was originally built for the Dowager Empress Cixi in the late 1880s for over 50 million USD.

PROGRAM COSTS

Summer 2013 Program Fee= $6,750, which includes tuition, housing, program-related excursions, some meals, visa, and HTH health insurance. Students should also budget $810 for the Study Abroad Administrative Fee, about $2,500 for international airfare, and approximately $2,000 for books and discretionary expenses, including meals, non-program transportation, and incidentals.

Students applying to this program are eligible for IPD Study Abroad Fellowships and may be eligible for external funding opportunities. Students participating in this program are subject to Withdrawal Policies for Northwestern-Sponsored Programs.

For more information about billing, finances, and financial aid for study abroad, please refer to the Money Matters resource page of the Study Abroad Office website or contact Krista Buda in the Financial Aid Office.