selection criteria and application...selection process date note candidate application preparation...

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Chinese Language Immersion Program Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad

Advanced Language Program

Program Announcement, Selection Criteria and

Application

The Selection Committee

The Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad

Advanced Language Program

The China Program Center at University College

University of Massachusetts Boston

100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125

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Table of Contents

FULBRIGHT PROGRAM ABSTRACT.......................................................................................................................... 2

FULBRIGHT PROGRAM DETAILS ............................................................................................................................. 3

PROGRAM PHASES AND TIMELINE ..................................................................................................................................... 3

KEY PROGRAM FEATURES ................................................................................................................................................ 4

WHO SHOULD APPLY ...................................................................................................................................................... 5

APPLICATION PROCESS .................................................................................................................................................... 5

APPLICATION PACKAGE ................................................................................................................................................... 5

SELECTION CRITERIA ....................................................................................................................................................... 6

EQUAL ACCESS .............................................................................................................................................................. 7

FEES ....................................................................................................................................................................... 7

SHAANXI NORMAL UNIVERSITY INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................... 7

SCHEDULE A: SELECTION CRITERIA RUBRIC ............................................................................................................ 9

SCHEDULE B: APPLICATION FORM ....................................................................................................................... 13

SCHEDULE C: STATEMENT FORM ......................................................................................................................... 15

SCHEDULE D: CONFIDENTIAL PHYSICIAN’S REPORT ............................................................................................. 17

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Fulbright Program Abstract

niversity of Massachusetts Boston’s Chinese Language Immersion Program received

funding from the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA)Program for FY 2012. This

project will allow 16 college students from UMass Boston and other universities in New England

to participate in a funded language immersion program in China. This program will provide

participants the opportunity to study Chinese language and culture at Shaanxi Normal University

and to participate in an internship at Xi’an High-Tech Development Zone. The program runs

from January 2013 to August 2013. Students should be at the intermediate mid level of Chinese

language proficiency in order to participate in academic studies, an internship, and home-stay

situation.

This project includes the following five major activities:

Mandarin and Chinese culture studies at Shaanxi Normal University

An Internship in the Xi’an High Tech Development Zone

A home-stay with Chinese host families to celebrate the Chinese New Year

Field-trips while studying in Shaanxi Province

A tour of Beijing.

This study abroad program will create a solid foundation for these 16 American participants to

acquire a good command of the Chinese language and a deep understanding of Chinese culture

including business culture, which will help them become “China hands.”

This program will fulfill the mission of the International Education Programs Service to meet the

national needs for expertise and competence in foreign languages or international studies, and to

promote mutual understanding and friendship between American and Chinese peoples.

U

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Fulbright Program Details

Program Phases and Timeline

The program consists of three phases: Pre-departure, in China, and post trip.

During the pre-trip session, candidates will go through the selection process. Those who are

selected will attend an orientation and complete other pre-departure preparations before heading

to China as a group.

Selection Process Date Note

Candidate Application Preparation

10/26/12-

11/26/12

ALL of the following (Application, Statement, Resume, Transcription, References, Physician’s Report) must be received by us no later than NOVEMBER 26, 2012. We will notify you when we receive your application package.

Selection Committee Review 11/29/12-12/4/12

The committee will notify potential candidates via email on 12/4/12.

Interview 12/5/12-12/12/12

Language test and interview. Notice to the selected program participants will be sent out via mail and email on 12/15/12.

Trip Preparation 12/16/12-1/11/13

Visa application and on site orientation

Once in China, there will be four sessions: winter session, home-stay, spring session and summer

session. Please note the final dates might change slightly and participants will be informed of any

changes in a timely fashion.

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Sessions Date Main Activities

Winter Session 1/12/13-2/2/13 Study at Shaanxi Normal University

Home Stay 2/3/13-2/22/13 Celebrate Spring Festival with Host Family

Spring Session 2/22/13-7/5/13 Study at Shaanxi Normal University/ field trip to Beijing

Summer Session 7/8/13-8/16/13 Summer Internship at Xi’an High Tech Development Zone. Return trip is scheduled for Aug. 20, 2013

After their return to the U.S., participants will engage in active sharing of their experience and

learning in their communities and will also help with the orientation for the up-coming year’s

program.

Key Program Features

21 weeks of study at Shaanxi Normal University.

The applicant can receive minimum 12 credits from Shaanxi Normal University, and very

likely, UMass Boston will recognize these credits.

5 weeks internship in the Xi’an High Tech Development Zone.

3 weeks home-stay with host family.

1 week field trip to Beijing.

Multiple field trips to historical and cultural sites in Xi’an, the ancient capital during 13

dynasties in the history of China.

2 holiday celebrations: Spring Festival and Labor Day.

Tuition, international travel, field trips, food and lodging are covered by the Fulbright scholarships.

Participants will engage in the study of Chinese language, Chinese culture from the aspect of its history, culture, literature, and a comparative study of U.S. and China's

societies and histories.

Participants will host workshops to introduce American culture to Chinese audiences.

Logistical on-site support will be provided by UMass Boston and Shaanxi Normal University.

A 2-day orientation in the U.S. and a 1-day orientation in the host country will be conducted.

Reading assignments and assessments will be given both before and after the trip.

A mentor and study partner will be assigned to participants in China.

Participants will have access to computer labs, library, an electronic information system, and a gymnasium while on campus.

Active sharing for the participants through different venues will occur after the trip.

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Who Should Apply

Graduates, junior and senior college students from UMass Boston and other universities of New

England area are welcome to apply for this project. Applicant needs to reach Chinese proficiency

at intermediate mid level at least. Applicant is required to be American citizen, or permanent

resident.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted starting on October 26, 2012. The selected candidates will head to

China on January 12, 2013. Aapplications must be received no later than November 26, 2012.

The selection process is merit based.

The selection process consists of two rounds. In the first round, candidates will submit their

application package, which the UMass Boston Selection Committee will review and determine

who will enter the second round of selection. Decisions will be communicated in writing and

emailed to the candidates by December 4, 2012.

In the second round, the candidates will have a face-to-face interview and will be given language

tests to test their skills in reading, writing, listening and conversing. This is in addition to any

previously submitted language proficiency evaluations.

After the second round, a list of final candidates will be determined with a waiting list generated.

The final results will be communicated to the selected candidates on December 15, 2012.

In the selection process, a rubric will be used to grade each candidate in the first round. And all

application materials must be completed before an application can be considered for admission

to the program.

Application Package

All information on the application form will be in English. The following are the required

documents to apply for the Fulbright scholarship.

Application Form – Please fill out the form with your computer and print it, then mail to us.

Please view the attached Schedule B for the application form.

Statement Form and Resume –Please detail academic and work experience that the applicant

believes are relevant to this program. Please type your statement using a 10 point font and 1.5

spaced or larger. Please print and mail to us.

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References – At least two letters of reference are required. One of them must come from a

student’s Chinese language instructor. It is recommended that the letter provides reference to the

applicant’s Chinese language proficiency level.

Transcript – all applicants should request an official, sealed transcript from the university or

college they are attending or have most recently attended. If applicants have studied Chinese at

other institutions, they should have an official transcript reflecting their grades in those classes

sent to the China Program Office at UMass Boston.

Applications will not be reviewed for admission until all of the required materials have been

submitted. The application package (Application, Statement, Resume, Transcript, and

Physician’s Report) should be received by us no later than November 26, 2012:

Wanli Hu

The China Program Center, University College

University of Massachusetts Boston

100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125-3393

Submissions must include the following:

Name, contact information and academic affiliation of the candidate.

Name and contact information for his/her academic advisor(s).

Selection Criteria

To foster openness and fairness in the selection process, the Selection Committee has determined

that the following are the qualities we are looking for in a candidate:

Language proficiency o Proficiency in Chinese

Chinese language tests will be conducted to assess the Chinese language

proficiency of candidates in the skills of reading, writing, listening and

speaking after a candidate enters into the interview round.

o Proficiency in English

Personal qualities - adaptability, cultural sensitivity and ability to serve as a cultural ambassador

General communication skills

Leadership skills

Interpersonal skills

Please view schedule A for selection rubric.

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Equal Access

The China Program Center is committed to diversity in Chinese language education, and

encourages persons of all races, nationalities, age, and gender to participate in language teaching

and learning. Personnel as well as participants will be selected without reference to gender,

sexual preference, marital status, race, nationality, age, religion or disability status. Language

background will be a factor in selection, but this will not be tied to either race or nationality.

This policy is in accordance with state law, including Massachusetts Human Relations Act, and

with federal law, including Title IV and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the

Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age

Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 and the American Disabilities Act of 1990.

This anti-discrimination policy provides equal access and treatment for project participants and

the selection of the project personnel.

Fees

Each participant will have a cost sharing of $2,500, which will cover the visa fee, medical

insurance, travel insurance and operational costs. *If a student is admitted to the program, a

full payment of the cost sharing is required in order to reserve his/her space in

the program.*

The Fulbright scholarship covers the following fees:

International travel to China from Boston.

Tuition for studying at Shaanxi Normal University.

Up to $200 worth of supplies while studying on campus.

One round trip to Beijing from Xi’an, and several field trips in Xi’an area.

Food and lodging on campus, with the host family, and at the hotel while in Beijing.

Cultural activities allowance including fares, tickets, etc.

Shaanxi Normal University Introduction

Founded in 1944, Shaanxi Normal University has 19 schools and 2 basic course departments, 61

undergraduate majors, 10 post-doctoral mobile research stations, 67 doctoral programs, and 175

master degree programs. Please refer to their website for more information at

http://english.snnu.edu.cn/.

The university has established multiple programs in the areas of Chinese Language and

Literature, History, Management, Education, etc. The university has over 2,800 faculty members

and 60,000 students of various backgrounds are currently enrolled. The university places a strong

emphasis on the education of international students using its abundant teaching resources. They

http://english.snnu.edu.cn/

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are known for excellence in their approach to teaching Chinese as a second language to students

from different language backgrounds. International students were first admitted to the university

in 1965, and there are currently about 5,000 international students enrolled at the university.

Actively engaging in international cooperation and exchange, Shaanxi Normal University has

established friendly working relationships with more than 60 institutions and organizations in

over 30 countries and regions, such as the USA, the UK, France, Germany, Japan, Australia,

Canada, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

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Schedule A: Selection Criteria Rubric

The candidates will be measured based on the following five metrics. The maximum score a

candidate could receive is 100 points.

Chinese Language Proficiency (at least at intermediate mid level)

Personal Qualities - adaptability, cultural sensitivity and ability to serve as a cultural ambassador

General Communication Skills

Leadership Skills

Interpersonal Skills (measured at the time of interview)

The following is the rubrics for each quality.

Chinese Language Proficiency

Extremely effective –

20 points

Acceptably effective –

15 points

Somewhat ineffective

– 10 points

Unacceptable- 5

points

Unable to

evaluate – 0

point

From tests –

Test result is from 80

to 100.

From Interview-

communicate thoughts

very clearly in Chinese

all the time. Has very

good command of

Chinese language.

From tests –


to 80.

From Interview-


clearly in Chinese most

of the time. Has good

command of Chinese

language.

From tests –


to 70.

From Interview-

communicate

thoughts clearly

sometimes in

Chinese. Has fair

command of Chinese

language.

From tests –


to 60.

From Interview-

communicate

thoughts in Chinese

vaguely most of the

time. Has poor

command of Chinese

language.

From tests–

Test results is

under 50

From

interview–

Failed to

communicate

in Chinese.

10

General Communication Abilities

Extremely effective – 20

points


15 points

Somewhat ineffective

– 10 points

Unacceptable- 5 points Unable to

evaluate –

0 point

From essays –


clearly in essays. Has

good command of

English language. Is

organized, articulate

and engaging.

Communicates ideas

effectively.

From reference letter –

high recommendation

with adequate evidence

to support.

From essays –

writes quite clearly and

is organized, but lacks

style at times to engage

readers in the subject

matter. May be

verbose but still makes

the point. Answers to

questions may lack

clarity.

From reference letter -

good references with

good amount of

evidence to support.

From essays –

difficult to follow

because of lack of

command of the

English language

and/or failure to

organize ideas. Fails

to make concrete

points. May fail to

answer questions.

From reference letter–

passable reference

with some evidence to

support.

From essays –

is inarticulate, difficult

to understand and/or

so poorly organized as

to be almost or totally

unintelligible. Unable

to understand or

answer questions.

Unable to carry on a

discussion.

From reference letter–

no reference from the

reference letters.

From

essays –

Insufficient

knowledge

or

expertise

to

evaluate.

From

reference

letter–

no

reference

at all.

Leadership and Collegiality

Extremely effective- 20

points

Acceptably effective- 15

points

Somewhat ineffective-

10 points

Unacceptable- 5 points Unable to

evaluate- 0

point

Has experience in

effectively working with

others on various types

of projects. Shows

strong interest in

participating in

departmental activities

both from the essays

and from the reference

letters.

Has limited experience

in working on team

projects. Expresses

some interest in

departmental activities.

May need some

encouragement to

participate both from

the essays and from

the reference letters.

Has no experience in

working with others.

Shows little interest in

departmental needs

or activities both from

the essays and from

the reference letters.

Shows no interest in

working with others

and no potential to

develop such interest

both from the essays

and from the

reference letters.

Insufficient

knowledge

or

expertise

to evaluate

both from

the essays

and from

the

reference

letters.

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Interpersonal Skills


points


15 points


10 points

Unacceptable- 5

points

Unable to

evaluate- 0

point

Is approachable. Com-

fortably interacts with

new people. Easily

engages in

conversation. Makes

eye contact. Shows

good listening skills.

Displays confidence in

expressing opinions.

Listens respectfully to

opinions of others.

Strong potential to

contribute to a positive

environment.

Interacts with others in

a reasonably comfor-

table manner, but may

show some reticence or

unease. May not

exchange opinions

easily, either by not

listening well or not

confidently expressing

own ideas. Has

potential to contribute

to a positive

environment but needs

encouragement.

Has a hard time

interacting with

others. Shows unease

or reserve. Makes

little eye contact.

May do better in one-

on-one conversation

than in larger groups.

Does not express

opinions easily. Does

not listen well. Has

little potential to

contribute to a

positive environment.

Interacts poorly with

others. Makes no eye

contact. Expresses

opinions forcefully, or

not at all. Does not

respect opinions of

others, or cannot

respond to them.

Does not engage in

easy conversation.

Shows no potential to

contribute to a

positive environment.

Insufficient

knowledge

or

expertise

to

evaluate.

Personal Qualities - adaptability, cultural sensitivity and ability to serve as a cultural

ambassador


points


15 points


10 points

Unacceptable- 5

points

Unable to

evaluate- 0

point

Had great amount of

experience living

overseas.

Demonstrated strong

ability to be sensitive to

cultural differences and

to handle cultural

shocks with grace, had

much evidence to

indicate active sharing

of American culture

while overseas from

the essays.

Had good amount of

experience living

overseas.

Demonstrated good

ability to be sensitive to

cultural differences and

to handle cultural


some evidence to


of t American culture

while overseas from

the essays.

Had some experience

living overseas.

Demonstrated fair

ability to be sensitive

to cultural differences

and to handle cultural


little evidence to


of the American

cultural while

overseas from the

essays.

Had few experience

living overseas.

Demonstrated very

little ability to be

sensitive to cultural

differences and to

handle cultural shocks

with grace, had little

to no evidence to


of American culture

while overseas from

the essays.

Insufficient

knowledge

or

expertise

to

evaluate.

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Overall, I find this candidate to be:

Highly acceptable Acceptable Marginal

Not acceptable No opinion

Additional comments on the candidate’s strengths or any concerns you might have:

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Schedule B: Application Form

1. Family Name (as it appears on your passport) __________________________

First_________________Middle____________Suffix (Jr, Sr, III, etc.)_______

2. Preferred/Nickname____________________

3. Current Degree of Pursuit___________________________________________

Current School____________________________________________________

Start Date of Current School_______________(Month________________(Year)

4. Mailing address

Address 1________________________________________________________

Address 2________________________________________________________

City______________________State_________________Zip_______________

Telephone_______________________________________________________

Email____________________________________________________________

5. Date of Birth_______________(Month)___________(Day)____________(Year)

6. Place of Birth_______________(City)________(State) _____________(Country)

7. Date of naturalization____________(Month)_________(Day)__________(Year)

8. Gender___________

9. Residence or trips abroad during the past five years

Country Purpose/Sponsorship From Month/Year To Month/Year

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10. Previous Fulbright Grant(s). List any previous Fulbright Grant(s) you have received. List

the year and country of your grant starting with the most recent.

Type of Grant Academic Year Host Country/Program

11. Provide a complete list of Chinese courses taken.

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Schedule C: Statement Form

Please write the Statement based on the following questions in space provided.

a. Why do you want to study in China?

b. Why do you think you are qualified?

c. What work experience have you ever had?

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d. What is your field of interest for an internship?

e. What are your experiences to deal with cultural difference? Give us an example of

how you have handled any cultural differences in any context. Give us one example

to show your adaptability.

f. What contribution can you bring to your school & local community on your return

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Schedule D: Confidential Physician’s Report

Fulbright-Hays Group Project Aboard, Advance Language Program 2013

Confidential Physician’s Report

Please complete and return (fax or mail) this form to the address below by 11/24/12.

The China Program Center, University College, UMass Boston 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston 02125-3393

To be completed by the applicant:

Name of Applicant: _________________________________________________

Applicant’s Signature: ___________________Institution:____________________

This student has applied to UMass Boston’s Fulbright-Hays Study Abroad Project. If possible, please

complete this form and return it to the student. Otherwise, please mail it to the address above before

November 24, 2012. Please note that we have rolling admissions; forms should be completed as quickly

as possible so that the application can be processed.

To the examining physician: Sound physical and emotional health is an all-important factor in study

abroad. We therefore request your careful and complete evaluation of the applicant’s health.

Applicant’s general state of health: Excellent Good Fair Poor

If the answer to any of the following questions is yes, please give specific details in the space provided.

Please print as clearly as possible.

1. Does the applicant have any dietary restrictions? Yes No

2. Does the applicant have any allergies? Yes No

3. Does the applicant need any special prescriptions or medications? Yes No

4. Other comments:

Name of physician: ________ Signature: _________________________

Address: Date: __________

Phone number: E-mail:______________________________

Family Name as it appears on your passport: First: Middle: Suffix Jr Sr III etc: PreferredNickname: Current Degree of Pursuit: Current School: Start Date of Current School: Month: Address 1: Address 2: City: State: Zip: Telephone: Email: Date of Birth: Month_2: Day: Place of Birth: City_2: State_2: Date of naturalization: Month_3: Day_2: Gender: CountryRow1: PurposeSponsorshipRow1: From MonthYearRow1: To MonthYearRow1: CountryRow2: PurposeSponsorshipRow2: From MonthYearRow2: To MonthYearRow2: CountryRow3: PurposeSponsorshipRow3: From MonthYearRow3: To MonthYearRow3: Type of Grant: Academic Year: Host CountryProgram: 11 Provide a complete list of Chinese courses taken: Name of Applicant: Institution: Check Box1: OffCheck Box2: OffCheck Box3: OffCheck Box4: OffCheck Box5: OffText7: Text8: Text9: Text10: Text11: Text12: Text13: Check Box14: OffCheck Box15: OffCheck Box16: OffCheck Box19: OffCheck Box20: OffCheck Box21: OffCheck Box22: OffCheck Box23: OffText24: Text26: Text27: Text28: Text29: Check Box30: OffCheck Box31: Off

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