Summer Education Abroad
China Mass Communications
China
3 credits in MASC 683
May 18-31, 2009
Dr. Judy VanSlyke Turk
$2,345 plus airfare and applicable VCU tuition
Registration deadline: March 25, 2009
Status: Program full
The VCU School of Mass Communications is pleased to present a three-week opportunity for participants interested in global public relations and journalism with a focus on China. This three-credit program is designed for students in the M.S. in Strategic Public Relations, students in the M.S. in Multimedia Journalism and talented undergraduate students interested in the practice of public relations and journalism in China.
Course and credit options: 3 VCU credits
Undergraduate students will enroll in MASC 491 while graduates will enroll in MASC 683.
Course description
Public relations students enrolled in MASC 683 or MASC 491 will explore how public relations is practiced — with both a global and local perspective — from Beijing and Shanghai, China. They will meet with Chinese public relations practitioners as well as experience Chinese culture. Journalism students enrolled in MASC 491 will have the opportunity to develop multimedia news packages based on meetings with and information gathered from news sources in China.
The program is led by Dr. Judy VanSlyke Turk, professor of public relations and director of the School of Mass Communications. June Nicholson, associate director of the school, will also accompany the group as the instructor for journalism students who are participating. Both have previous experience in leading student groups traveling to China and are familiar with both Beijing and Shanghai. In addition, Dr. Ernest F. Martin, Jr., associate professor in the School of Mass Communications and currently on leave with an assignment to Fudan University in Shanghai, will assist with local Chinese arrangements.
Registration deadline: March 25, 2009
Applications will be accepted until the deadline or until participant space is full.
Program cost
$2,345 plus airfare and applicable VCU tuition
The program fee includes the following:
- Accommodations
- Most meals
- Study visits and tours
- Excursions
- On-site program director support
- Application fee and deposit
- Pre-departure orientation
- VCU administrative fees
- International Student Identification Card
The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
- Airfare
- VCU tuition and fees
- Some meals
- Passport application fee
- Personal expenses during the program
- Anything not specifically mentioned above
Please budget for these additional expenses.
Airfare
Airfare is not included. Participants are responsible for their own round-trip travel arrangements from the U.S. to China. Dr. Turk will assist participants in identifying a low-cost option. She will work with you to ensure that the group arrives in Beijing within a window of time that permits for meeting and transportation to local lodging. For best fares you should purchase your ticket prior to April 15.
Eligibility
Students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA to participate in this program.
While in China
The itinerary will include seminars featuring faculty at Fudan University and Beijing Foreign Studies University, as well as public relations practitioners in both Beijing and Shanghai. Participants will also have ample opportunity to visit historic and cultural sites in both Beijing and Shanghai.
Included in the program cost is double-occupancy lodging at a hotel and at a university-supported hotel in Shanghai.
Important facts
- Tuition
- Financial aid
- Passports
- Payment of fees
- Refund policy
Tuition is charged separately at applicable VCU rates.
Eligible VCU students may apply for need-based financial aid to participate in this program. Contact VCU Financial Aid, Ginter House, Room 110B at (804) 828-6669 or e-mail faidmail@vcu.edu. VCU offers its students a limited number of scholarships for study abroad participation. Contact VCU Education Abroad or see our Web site for further details.
If you have a passport, make sure it is valid for at least six months after your return date. If you do not have a passport, apply early because the processing time can take up to eight weeks. For more information on how to apply for a passport, visit http://travel.state.gov.
The non-refundable registration fee of $250 is due upon registration. The balance of the program fee and the tuition costs (based on the number of credits taken) will be billed separately through VCU Student Accounting after May 2010 (both amounts may be billed at the same time).
All withdrawals must be made in writing and submitted to the Director of Education Abroad.
The refund schedule is as follows:
- Prior to Jan. 8: I am eligible for a refund of the portionof the program fee that has not already been expended in payment of costs outlined on the individual program sheet in support of my participation. I understand that, as the spring progresses, the charges may reflect an increasing amount, depending on what payments have been made on my behalf. After Jan. 8, I understand that the entire program fee may be due. I understand that the refund amount cannot be determined until I formally submit written withdrawal from the program.
- After Jan. 8: I will be responsible to pay the entire program fee. In the event of an unexpected emergency that occurs after Jan. 8, I understand that I must provide a physician’s certification that my condition prohibits participation. In this case, refunds will be limited to recoverable expenses.
Every effort is made to provide updated and accurate information at the time of publication. The sponsors reserve the right to make necessary changes to the programs and costs. The university reserves the right to revise or alter all fees, regulations pertaining to student fees, and fee collection procedures at any time.
