Opportunities

Students see Chinese Studies come to life beyond the classroom through regular cocurricular programming. Study abroad, which offers the best opportunity to learn the language and experience the culture, is also available. 

Study Abroad

Beijing and Shanghai, China and Taipei, Taiwan

Photo of students

Students are encouraged to enrich their studies of Chinese language, literature, and culture through semester and yearlong study abroad opportunities available through Holy Cross. Our study abroad programs allow you to dramatically improve your language proficiency while experiencing Chinese culture firsthand through complete immersion. 

The ideal time for Chinese language study abroad is after three or more semesters of language study at Holy Cross. Holy Cross offers one- and two-semester language immersion programs in Beijing, China, and Taipei, Taiwan, and a two-semester program consisting of the fall semester of language immersion in Beijing and the spring semester in a language and culture program in Shanghai. Both the Shanghai program and the Taipei program include an internship.

If you are serious about learning Chinese but studying abroad during the academic year does not fit into your schedule, you should pursue intensive summer language study, either in China, Taiwan, or the United States.

Learn more about studying abroad in China.

Study Abroad Scholarships

If you receive financial aid at Holy Cross, your financial aid applies to study at Holy Cross study abroad sites. In addition, students may apply for the following competitive national scholarships.

Freeman-Asia Scholarships

Description: Need-based funding to assist the recipient with the cost of the study abroad program and related expenses, including airfare, basic living costs, local transportation, books, etc.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents studying at the undergraduate level at a two-year or four-year college or university who demonstrate financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia.
More information: Visit the IIE website  

NSEP Boren Scholarship

Description: Boren Scholarships provide up to $20,000 to U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad, including China.
Eligibility: Undergraduates studying the language in question.
More information: Visit the Boren Awards website

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships
Description: Support for study abroad for a semester or an academic year
Eligibility: Pell grant recipients
More information: Visit the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship website

Summer Study

In addition to the Holy Cross programs in China offered during the academic year, we encourage you to pursue summer study.

Recommended Programs

Abroad Programs

U.S. Programs

Summer Study Scholarship

Critical Language Scholarships

Description: The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a summer intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. The program includes intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains at selected sites in China and Taiwan.
Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate and graduate students at the intermediate and advanced levels of Chinese. 
More information: Critical Language Scholarships website 

Events

Students take part in a lion procession as part of the Chinese New Year Party on campus.

Students take part in a lion procession as part of the Chinese New Year Party on campus.

The Chinese Studies Program organizes monthly activities in the fall and spring semester each year, including:

  • The Mid-Autumn Festival Party
  • Mahjong and Chinese Chess instruction and games
  • End-of-semester Chinese dumpling parties
  • The collegewide Chinese New Year Party
  • The Pasta Olympics competition (with Italian Studies)
  • Chinese calligraphy instruction
  • Tea tasting and tea culture in Chinese
  • Chinese paper cutting and decorative arts
  • special lectures by guest speakers

Chinese Language Partners Program

The Chinese Studies Program brings together international students from China with students who are studying Chinese for weekly social gatherings that foster friendship and community.

Teacher Education Program

The Teacher Education Program (TEP) at Holy Cross prepares students for licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the Teacher Education Program, Holy Cross offers the only undergraduate program in Massachusetts that leads to licensure in teaching the Chinese language at the secondary or middle school level. In addition to taking courses in the major, students enroll in education courses specifically designed to promote excellence in teaching.

The Holy Cross TEP places a special emphasis on issues surrounding urban education.

Visit the Teacher Education Program site for more information.

Claudia N. Ross Chinese Studies Award

Claudia N. Ross Chinese Studies Award is to recognize one graduating senior who has demonstrated excellence and commitment in the study of Chinese language, literature, and culture. In order to apply, students must be a major in Chinese Studies at Holy Cross.