In the first two years of the programme, our faculty members and TAs will lead students to explore various regions in mainland China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan, and understand the local culture through in-depth fieldwork, and engage in the local community. The immersion studies component will also allow students to intensively train their language ability in real-life situations, which will benefit them in the job market and their academic career.

On top of the immersion studies courses, there will also be experiential and social enterprise learning courses that introduce students to the Chinese society through practices in various areas, including business, education, non-governmental organizations, etc.

After the first two years, students who are now well-equipped with first-hand knowledge of China can seek opportunities to apply for internships, or get involved with research projects related to China in their third and fourth years. Overall, the immersion studies component aims to prepare students for launching their China-related career after graduation.

Previous trips went to the following parts of China with the respective themes:

2018-19
Hengdian, Shanghai and Suzhou
Tradition and innovation in contemporary China through the lens of the Yangtze River Delta
led by Prof. GAO Yunwen
2017-18
Guangzhou and Foshan
Urban development in the Pearl River Delta: Guangzhou and Foshan
led by Prof. LI Chen
2017-18
Chongqing and Langzhong
Uses of the Past: History, heritage and politics in Chongqing and Langzhong
led by Dr. Laura POZZI
2016-17
Guangzhou and Foshan
Urban development in the Pearl River Delta: Guangzhou and Foshan
led by Prof. LI Chen

2015-16
Beijing

How Chinese politics works in practice
led by Prof. Christoph STEINHARDT
2014-15
Shanghai, Suzhou and Yiwu
Urbanization through the lens of the Yangtze River Delta
led by Prof. LING Minhua
2012-13
Changsha and Shanghai
The revolution in contemporary China
led by Prof. Denise HO
2011-12
Huizhou, Anhui
Rural China: The Villages of Huizhou
led by Prof. John LAGERWEY and Prof. Jan KIELY