Gustavus Exchange with United International College (UIC), Zhuhai, China
The University and City
Located on the southern seacoast in Guandong Province, Zhuhai (meaning pearl of the sea), shares its southern border with Macau. With a population just under 1.5 million, it is a relatively small city (by China's standards) and is known as one of the most beautiful cities in China.
United International College (UIC) was established in 2005 as China's first western-style liberal arts college. It is affiliated with Beijing Normal University and Hong Kong Baptist University. The campus accommodates more than 5,000 undergraduate students. Students come from all over China and from around the world.
With English as the main language of instruction and administration at UIC, exchange students are able to take courses in English while also taking an introductory course in Chinese language and culture (if desired).
Exchange Model:
Note that this is an exchange program. In the exchange model, participating Gustavus students enroll directly in courses offered by a partner college or university located abroad or elsewhere in the US. In these programs, there is less direct support for participating students when compared to programs run by Gustavus or by partner organizations with US staff members and offices. The model requires some extra effort on the student's part, to navigate an unfamiliar institution and its systems, but the rewards are demonstrably greater (research shows this), as students who complete such programs experience the most immersive form of study away.
Academics & Courses
At UIC, exchange students must take a full course load, which includes five to seven classes (most are 0.75 Gustavus units each). Discuss credit translations with your CICE advisor (how the creidts work), your major and minor advisor(s) [how they can apply to your major(s)/minor(s)], and the Registrar's office (how they can apply to general graduation requirements).
The areas of study include, but are not limited to: International Journalism, Social Work, Teaching Language as a Second Language, Public Relations and Advertising, Cinema and Television, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Technology, Accounting, Finance and Applied Economics.
Students may also choose to take all of their courses as part of the Chinese Language and Culture Center. Students will take 15 semester credits (two Chinese language courses, and additional courses in history, literature, philosophy, culture, etc.).
For more information on courses, see
UIC's course information for exchange-in students.
Accommodation
International students are housed on campus in residence halls.
Accommodation information is here.
Eligibility & Suitability
To be eligible for the UIC exchange, students must:
- Be in sophomore or higher class standing at the time of studying at the UIC (you can apply as a first-year student);
- Have a 2.75 cumulative GPA at the time of application; and
- Be in good academic and conduct standing at Gustavus.
UIC is a young college undergoing vast changes at any given time. Therefore, this program is best suited for adventurous, independent, flexible students who have a high tolerance for ambiguity and change and are excited about the idea of learning how to integrate into an interesting academic environment.
Application & Deadlines
Students must first apply for Gustavus approval through this site. Deadlines are March 1 for the fall semester or academic year, and September 15 for the spring semester only.
Costs
Students pay their Gustavus tuition as normal. Room and board is paid on site in China (Gustavus room and board is waived). Generally, all financial aid applies, except student employment and certain scholarships that require participation on campus. Students are responsible for their own transportation, visa costs, and other personal expenses. A $500 deposit is due upon acceptance.
Dates
The Fall Semester at United International College runs from mid-September to late January. The Spring Semester begins in mid-February, and goes until late June or the first few days of July.
