Course for Fall 2013
EPS 199: China’s Education Systems Pre-K-16: Teacher
Preparation and Experiences in Rural & Urban Classrooms

• Meets during the 2nd half of the fall semester
• Includes a 17-day study tour in China between December 29, 2013—January 14, 2014
• Earn approximately 30 hours of teaching practice and 20 hours of classroom observation
• For more information about the course, contact Lucinda Morgan at Lmorgan4@illinois.edu

Applications due August 30, 2013

The purpose of this 3-credit hour course is to learn about the various education systems in China, including both urban and rural schooling situations. The course consists of both on-campus classes and also a study tour trip to China. The study tour will provide the opportunity for Illinois students to observe the differences in public and private schooling options in China, as well as teacher preparation programs at universities. A range of
educational levels will be showcased in the study tour in order to better understand the transitions between different levels of education in China, so students will visit a pre-school, kindergarten, and various primary and secondary schools.

Course Goals:

•  Gain a better understanding of your own background in education as you compare your experiences to the educational systems in China

•  Better understand the challenges and struggles in education in rural and urban environments

• Enhance leadership and organizational skills by creating lesson plans and teaching with partner Education university students in China

Pre-Departure Class Sessions

The pre-departure class sessions will provide an overview of China’s educational systems, emphasize the importance of intercultural competence, safety issues for international travel, and will introduce basic Chinese Mandarin.

Study Tour in China

Students will observe classrooms at a variety of schools, ranging from pre-school through university level, and have discussions with Chinese Education professors about various topics, including the history of education in China and recent education reforms. While in Shanghai, students will be partnered with high school students from a private high school that uses an all English, Western-style curriculum in order to tutor them and assist with homework assignments. In Nanjing, students will be partnered with a local Education university student, who will assist with translating, and together with their Chinese partner they will plan and teach English (ESL) lessons at a primary school specifically for the children of migrant workers.

Instructor Information

Lucinda Morgan teaches the course and leads the study tour to China. Lucinda is a PhD student in the Education, Policy, Organization, & Leadership Department and is primarily based in Shanghai as the Coordinator for the Greater China Initiative for the College of Education’s Office of International Programs. Lucinda holds a Masters of Education from Illinois in Global Studies in Education and is completing a Masters in East Asian Languages and Cultures at Illinois. Her undergraduate major was East Asian Studies and she worked in the education field in China for eight years.

Financial Information

The tentative total cost per student is $1,800 USD (based on a group of 18 students). The study tour fee includes accommodation in a double room with two twin beds; 3 meals a day while in China; domestic transportation within China; entrance fees for museums and historical sites; honorariums for guest speakers; and the China visa fee. Students are financially responsible for their round-trip international airfare to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (estimated $1,200-$1,500); their own passport; international travel insurance through the Illinois Study Abroad Office (approximately $56); and any personal purchases.  The study tour is a large financial commitment. The College of Education’s Office of International Programs awards $500 scholarships to Education students who study abroad. Students are also highly encouraged to apply for scholarships offered through the Illinois’ Study Abroad Office (http://studyabroad.illinois.edu/cost/
scholarships.aspx).