The study abroad in China for UVM students is managed by the Chinese program and university partners in China, including the International Education Exchange Center of Yunnan University (1999-2001), the Institute of Chinese and International Studies of Yunnan Normal University (2002-2010), the College of International Students of Yunnan University (2011-2016), and Shandong University of Science and Technology (2017-). The program offers courses on Chinese language and courses conducted in English on subjects like Chinese culture and cross-communication strategies, Chinese minority nationalities, Chinese religion, Chinese philosophy, and Sino-American Business Relations. This is a valuable opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the Chinese culture and language. 

Learn more about study abroad opportunities at UVM

Learning doesn’t begin and end in the classroom. As part of the Chinese language community at UVM, there are many activities and events that build on your language skills in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Chinese tea hour is held every Friday afternoon. Events throughout the year, like the annual Chinese student talent show, celebration of Chinese New Year, Chinese films, acrobatic or martial arts shows, and music and dance performances by Chinese artists, enhance the learning experience.

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Three University of Vermont seniors completed their last few credits by teaching Mandarin to students in a Burlington elementary school. Rutland, Vt., native Ian Reilly on Wednesday taught a class the word "Miàntiáo," (pronounced: mee-an-tee-ow) or noodles in English. He wriggled his arms in a wave-like gesture and asked the students to repeat after him. He and the other student-teachers Nicholas Palmer and Lily Kim (pictured here) taught the students six words for foods that are eaten in China including: Jiǎozi (gee-ode-zah), or dumplings, in English.

"What I find most interesting is how learning Chinese is connecting the Nepali students with their own culture," said Ying Hu, a Department of Asian Languages and Literature professor at UVM. Hu described how a student, after writing her Chinese name under her English name, also wrote her Nepali name, displaying all three with pride. This summer Hu is continuing the language instruction practicum anthropology professor Emily Manetta began last year.

Manetta's grant-funded pilot program made Mandarin and Japanese available last year to elementary school students at no cost to the district. The UVM students improved their language proficiency through teaching and acquired a marketable skill.