China Summer Institute

Ginling CollegeChina is one of the biggest countries in the world with a population that accounts for 20% of the world's people. Now you can witness the grandeur of the Great Wall and Forbidden City! The Mount provides you with the opportunity to study in this magnificent and mystical country.

China Summer Institute (three weeks):

• Earn a half-credit by spending three weeks in China:
  April 21 - May 11, 2011
• Two weeks at Ginling College in beautiful Nanjing
• One week exploring Shanghai and Beijing
• Program includes: Elementary Chinese, Traditional Chinese Sports, Chinese history and Geography and Appreciation of Chinese Traditional Arts
• Cost: $3000 CAD. Includes: airfare; local travel; accommodations; tuition; visa; as well as select sightseeing tours and select meals.

Tentative Itinerary

Days 1 & 2	Depart Halifax, arrive Shanghai, dinner and tour.
Days 3 & 4	Tour Shanghai: museums and dinner.
Days 5-16	Arrive Nanjing, Summer Institute courses: Mandarin, Chinese culture, history, geography, Tai Chi, Chinese cooking. Final day: exams and graduation ceremony.
Days 17 & 18	Arrive Beijing, tour Great Wall and dinner.
Days 19 & 20	Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Silk Road Market, etc.. and depart Beijing.

Currency Exchange
Chinese money is called Renminbi (RMB) means "The People's Currency". The popular unit of RMB is the yuan.
1 Canadian dollar = 6.5 yuan RMB  (xe.com)
There are many banks in Nanjing. However, the Bank of China changes major currency and travelers cheques. There’s a 24-hour ATM which takes international cards.

Weather
In central China – in the Yangzi River valley area, including Shanghai – the summers are typically uncomfortable, long, hot and humid. The three cities of Wuhan, Chongquing and Nanjing are called the ‘three furnaces,’ sweltering between April and October.

Tipping
In China, almost no one asks for tips. Cheap restaurants do not expect a tip. Taxi drivers throughout China do not ask for or expect tips.

Shopping
Since foreigners are often overcharged in China, bargaining is essential. You can bargain in shops, markets and hotels, but not everywhere. In shops and department stores where prices are clearly marked, there is nobargaining.
 
In small shops and street stalls, bargaining is expected, but be polite. Keep in mind that entrepreneurs aren’t going to sell anything at a loss. Your goal is to pay the Chinese price, as opposed to the foreigners’ price – if you can do that, you’ve done well!

There’s little you can’t buy in Nanjing – from designer clothing to trinket souvenirs. Hunan Lu has a late night market and is lined with shops and stalls. It’s good for clothes shopping during the day. The area surrounding Fuzi Temple is a pedestrian zone with souvenirs and antiques for sale.