Study Abroad - Tours

Study Tours at Pierce College

Study Tours are one-to-two-week study abroad programs perfect for students with busy work schedules or family obligations. Pierce College is pleased to announce a Study Tour to China in Summer 2025.

To participate in Study Tours, students must:

• Be 18 years or older by travel date
• In good academic standing
• Have a valid passport. Please note that passports can take up to 12 weeks to be processed

2025 China Study Tour

September 5 – September 17, 2025

Professors Liu Yang (faculty of History and Chinese) and Nichole Nicholson (Communication Studies) will lead students on a 12-day history, art, and cultural appreciation study tour primarily in the city of Huangshan, China (two days will be spent in Shanghai). This program requires students to enroll in a 5-credit class that can be a History 280 - Introduction to Chinese Civilization or CMST& 240 - Intercultural Communication course. The course will be on your Fall Term 2025 schedule, and travel to China will occur between the end of Summer and beginning of Fall Term 2025. Participants must be 18 years or older by the departure date.

We will spend the first day in Shanghai, followed by nine days in Huangshan, and an evening in Shanghai before returning to Seattle. There will be coursework before and after the time spent in China.

Shanghai

Shanghai, China is filled with national treasures and a unique blend of traditional and modern architecture. We will visit Yu Garden, built during the Ming dynasty, and City God Temple.

Huangshan

Huangshan is known for inspiring Chinese art and literature. Students will visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Hongcun and Mt. Huangshan. We will participate in various classes and cultural activities at Huangshan university as well. 
We will visit the following sites during our stay:

• Huangshan University, where students will attend classes and participate in various activities, including making Chinese tea, trying on costumes, and practicing Tai Chi
• Hongcun Village and Lucun Village
• Tangmo Village
• Huangmei Opera
• Tunxi Old Street
• Jingdezhen, the Porcelain Capital
• Mt. Huangshan

Students will have free time in both Shanghai and Huangshan.

Program Fees

The program fee is $1,600 and includes:

• Lodging (twin-shared standard room)
• All meals included in the itinerary
• Ground transportation
• Any fees or costs associated with activities included in the itinerary
• Mandatory travel health insurance

The program fee does not include the following:

• Airfare
• Travel health insurance
• Tuition for the 5-credit course
• Spending money and incidentals
• Passport application fees ($165 non expedited)
• Chinese tourist visa fees (estimated $30-$210; price varies)
• Optional travel cancellation insurance

Download 2025 China Study Tour Information Packet

Financial Aid and Scholarships

We strongly encourage you to check with the Financial Aid team about how to use Financial Aid to help pay for this study tour.
Please also consider applying for the following scholarships:

• Gilman International Scholarship: Merit-based scholarships for Pell grant recipients to study or intern abroad. Application deadline: March 6, 2025
• Gilman-McCain Scholarship: Support for children dependents of active-duty service members to study or intern abroad.

Changes in Cost or Scope of Program

In the event of significant devaluations of the dollar, some adjustments to program activities may be necessary. If there are any political events that might compromise the safety of the participants, a rescheduling or cancellation of the program may be necessary. If such changes occur, students will be notified of the changes and options will be presented.
Please also note these plans are subject to change based on world health conditions. Pierce College follows both U.S. Department of State and CDC recommendations for travel. Please visit the U.S. Department of State website on international travel to view the latest travel advisories for China for more information.

Orientation

To be eligible to study abroad, all program participants must attend pre-departure orientations facilitated by the program directors and International Education.

Program Cancellation

If viable enrollment is not reached by June 1, 2025 the program will be cancelled. Participants will be notified and any program fees will be refunded.

Disability Accommodation

Pierce College is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and education for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation for this program, please contact Access and Disability Services at least 8 weeks in advance of your departure date.