Overview | Academics | Cost | Location | Life Abroad | Student Voices
Study the Chinese Diaspora while traveling through Southeast Asia! Students from diverse majors are encouraged to participate in this UW-Madison faculty-led seminar entitled "The Chinese Diaspora in Southeast Asia".
This course offers a unique and exciting opportunity to study the history and culture of the Chinese diaspora in SE Asia. For centuries Chinese immigrant communities have played (and continued to play) an important role in the economics, politics and culture in the countries of SE Asia. Students in this course will learn first-hand some of the history and culture of Chinese living in SE Asia, when and why they came, and the nature of their interactions with other members of the SE Asian cultures of which they are a part. As part of this process we will also study some of the histories and cultural experiences of the countries visited to help contextualize the Chinese experience.
Sponsored by The Center for East Asian Studies and the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, this 3-week traveling program travels to different cities throughout Southeast Asia. Places to be visited in 2013-2014 include: various sites in Singapore and Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Georgetown, Borneo, Kuching, etc). The program will also visit Chinese communities where students will be asked to interview residents about some aspect of their lives. These questions will be formulated with the assistance of the instructor.
The winter break 2013-2014 itinerary may possibly visit Singapore, Malacca, Penang, Borneo, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching. A final itinerary will be given to students who are accepted to the program.
With its political stability and effective government, Singapore is a cosmopolitan city built on the backs of immigrants from across Asia and the world.
Although your initial impression will leave you with the feeling of a Westernized city placed in Asia, those that spend more time in Sinapore will find the areas where East blends with West in language, food, attitude, and style. Learn “Singlish” the cities language consisting of a blend of the English language and Chinese grammar.
After visiting Singapore, experience the chaos of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with its twisty narrow roads, haphazard development, back-alley shops and food stalls. Contrast the large city to places like Melaka and Kuching, where the past is everywhere you turn and Penang, Malaysia’s food capital famous for its street food.
Malaysia is a relatively peaceful nation today consisting of many races and ethnicities. The current population is estimated at 28.3 million people with approximately 25% of the population identified as Chinese. One of Malaysia's key attractions is its extreme contrasts. Towering skyscrapers look down upon wooden houses built on stilts, and five-star hotels sit several metres away from ancient reefs.
Getting to Your Program
Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the starting city for the program.
Visa
Visas are not required for this program, however students must have a current passport valid for at least 6 months past the return date.
Orientation
IAP expects you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an IAP program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program.
Housing
Participants will stay in a variety of housing while on the program including hostels, hotels and university residences.
Excursions and Activities
As part of the course, students will participate in excursions integrated with the academic program to various sites in the locations visited.
Insurance
You will be enrolled in the UW System required health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees.
On-Site Support
UW-Madison Resident Director
Handbooks
Use the links below to find out more information on academics, daily life and student impressions for this program.
Worldwide Chinese Diaspora Student Handbook 2012-2013 (Winter Module - 2012-13)
Returned Student Network
Click
here to see testimonials from students abroad or to contact a returned student.
Student Testimonials
"I had a great time learning all the things that I learned on this trip. I really strongly felt that this trip was able to even accommodate for those students who did not have a strong background knowledge of the Chinese Diaspora or of Asia at all. Awesome program!" (2012-2013 participant)
