Reporting China Maymester Abroad Program

Overview

Program Type: Faculty-led Maymester Abroad Program (Program Code 355041)
Dates: Spring semester (with travel end of May to end of June)
Application Deadline: November 1
Language(s) of instruction: English
UT instructor: Professor Tracy Dahlby
Information Session Schedule

Special Feature: China on the Move

This apprenticeship-style course in international reporting represents a unique opportunity for students to acquaint themselves with the day-to-day realities of international reporting in one of the world’s most complex, fast-evolving and fascinating journalistic beats – the People’s Republic of China. Designed to stress the application of critical thinking and reporting, writing and media production skills, it will help participants foster an understanding of how to frame and prepare for reporting stories from the field and to deal with logistical and professional challenges presented by overseas work. Students will develop tools for cross-cultural inquiry and understanding that are necessary to grasp important issues in a rapidly shrinking, globalizing world and to communicate them to audiences back home in the United States in ways that are engaging, informative and integrative.

Eligibility

The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students of The University of Texas at Austin. Undergraduate applicants must have successfully completed at least one of their two required 'writing component' courses by the end of fall. All applicants are required to complete a questionnaire and write an essay. Finalists will be interviewed and decisions will be announced via email shortly thereafter.

Courses and Credit

Courses include International Reporting (J349T/J395) and a spring semester pre-departure component course, International Learning Seminar (UGS119). Undergraduate students are required to enroll in both courses. Graduate students are not required to enroll in UGS119, but will be expected to participate. The UGS119 course generally meets over 8 sessions, on a Monday 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. schedule.

This work is considered in-residence credit. Maymester courses are part of spring registration, although they begin after the spring exam period and conclude prior to the second summer session. The SAO will register all applicants for SAB 300/400 during the spring registration period. Registration does not guarantee acceptance.

Accommodations

Students will travel to several locations in China, and all housing arrangements are made in advance by the Study Abroad Office.

Student Expenses

Students pay spring semester tuition & fees (flat rate tuition applies for undergraduate students, graduate students pay per credit hour), airfare, and a Maymester Abroad program fee. Estimated program expenses are $4750-$5250. The cost includes courses, accommodations, some meals, field trips, program activities and international health insurance. Once registered, tuition & fees refunds will be applied according to University policy.

Additional expenses include: Round trip airfare ($1,600), some meals ($250), local transportation ($150), books and supplies ($75), and a passport & ISIC card ($130). 

There is an additional $50 application fee that applies to graduate students only. For undergraduate students, the application fee is included as part of flat rate tuition. This fee will be appear on graduate student’s “What I Owe” page, along with other Maymester program costs.