Watch our vlog from 2024.
Experience Traditional Chinese Medicine in Nanjing: Your Gateway to a Broader World
Global Health Perspective program at Bemidji State University (BSU) offers students an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) at the prestigious Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable journey that bridges ancient wisdom with modern life. This study abroad program is your chance to expand your horizons, deepen your understanding of global health, and build the confidence to navigate far-away places, all the while earning credits! Picture yourself waking up to the practice of Qi Gong, learning from leading Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) faculty, and developing health habits rooted in thousands of years of tradition. All this, while being part of a vibrant campus community in one of China’s most dynamic cities.
Program Details
- Earning BSU credits, getting a cross-cultural perspective with co-instructors from both BSU and the Chinese university.
- SinoSummer is affordable and authentic. Accommodations and tuition at Chinese Universities are covered by ASSCI scholarship, and a monthly stipend will cover student meals at the host institutions.
- During the Spring session, you will attend a Hyflex 1-credit pre-departure course (INTL 2100) before flying out to China in May. In this course, we will cover international travel basics and preparation, including visa application, passport, immunization, scholarship application and basic understanding of the sociopolitical, cultural and historical background of the region where students will visit.
- Go experience China in the summer by enrolling in 6 credits, two summer courses.
- Host University: Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine
- Field Trips: Traditional Chinese Medicine hospital, Ming Xiaoling, Confucius Temple, Purple Mountain, Nanjing Forbidden City.
- Expand Your Health Perspective: Dive into the principles and history of TCM and broaden your view of health and wellness.
- Hands-On Learning: Gain practical experience with various TCM therapies, including cupping, moxibustion, Tuina massage, acupuncture, and Qi Gong (low-intensity exercise and stretches).
- Connect Health with Nature: Explore herbal gardens, create aromatic sachets, participate in tea tasting, cook medicinal delicacies that blend flavor with healing all while fostering a deeper connection with nature.
- Cultural Immersion: Make the university campus your home base as you navigate daily life in a city of 9 million people. Embrace the challenge of navigating campus life, mastering public transport, and communicating in a new language.
- Historical & Modern Fusion: Experience and analyze the blend of antiquity and modernity through economic theoretical lens.
- Building lifelong friendships: Bond with your peers and peer mentors over shared experiences as you navigate new environments together.
Join us for an enriching experience that will transform the way you see the world and yourself.
Academics
| Course | Credits | Goal Area |
| INTL 2100 – Instructed International Tour ( Spring 2024) | 1 | 8 |
| ECON 1500 – Historical Development of Mixed Economic (at Nanjing) | 3 | 8 |
| PSY 3387 – Global Perspective on Health (at Nanjing) | 3 |
Cost and Eligibility
Program Costs:
Here is the break-down of your estimated expenses including tuition.
Item |
SinoSummer 2025 Estimates |
| Charges to BSU Student Account | |
| Program Fee (Include in-country field trips and travel expenses) | $1298* |
| BSU Student Tuition and Fees (For 7 credits ) | $2540 |
| BSU Ed Abroad App Processing fee | $150 |
| Estimated Expenses Eligible for Financial Aid | |
| Books and Supplies | $150 |
| Visa (Fees and service charge to apply for Chinese visa) | $350 |
| Personal Expenses | $450 |
| BSU International Health Insurance | $70 |
| Airfare and ground transportation | $2000 |
Total Financial Aid Amount |
$7008 |
| Other cost reduction items | |
| Scholarship Stipend**(Student participating in this program apply for scholarship and receive a meal stipend) | -$250 |
| Chinese Tuition | Covered by ASSCI scholarship |
| Accommodation (On campus Dormitory) | Covered by ASSCI scholarship |
Total |
$6758 |
* Estimated, may fluctuate with exchange rate and number of attending students.
** This program has applied and been approved to receive scholarship funding from American Short-Term Study-in-China Initiative (ASSCI). Student upon submitting an application will receive the scholarship, which covers tuition at the Chinese institution, on campus accommodation, Chinese Health insurance, and a monthly stipend.
Important Dates (SinoSummer 2025 is Cancelled, but you can apply to SinoSummer 2026)
Tentative travel dates: May 29 – June 27, 2025
SinoSummer 2026 Application opens: March 1, 2025
First installment of $1000 program fee due: November 15th, 2025
Full program fee due: December 15th, 2025 (Formal written notice of withdraw must be submitted to the IPC before December 15th for refund. No refunds after December 15th)
Summer Course Dates: First 7-week session
Eligibility
Sino-Summer is open to students in good academic standing (≥ 2.5 GPA) who have completed 12 credits of college courses.
This program may include physical activities like hikes and walking tours including lots of stairs. Requests for reasonable accommodations will be carefully considered but may not be available. It’s crucial for students to recognize that things may operate differently abroad than they do in the U.S., and that self-assessment is key in determining whether this experience is suitable. In some cases, students may need to arrange and be responsible for their own accommodations in order to participate.
Please contact Accessibility Services for assistance exploring options and learning more about how to maintain health abroad.
Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, Community Health, health allied majors are encouraged to participate as it allows students to gain knowledge, experience and perspective of other cultures in relation to the care industry and medical practices. Economics related majors are also encourage to apply as Econ 3700 will be one of the courses taught on Sinosummer, exploring the monetary history of China, the economic development and current economic topics in China. To see report on a previous similar study-abroad experience in BSU News: Culture and Health Care: BSU Nursing Students Travel to China
Destination Profile
Nanjing
Nanjing is a city steeped in history and culture. As the capital of six dynasties, it offers a unique blend of ancient heritage and modern vibrancy. Exploring Nanjing means walking through centuries of history while experiencing the pulse of contemporary life.
As the old capital of Republic of China and 5 other dynasties, it is full of rich history and culture. It is also the home to world heritage site Ming Xiaoling.
At Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (NJUCM), students have the opportunity to be in a certificate-bearing coursework offered by faculty from NJUCM’s International Acupuncture Training Center. There are theoretical as well as hands on learnings. This training center is a designated WHO collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine. Students will also participate in cultural excursion in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How do I apply to be in this program?
To apply, you need to fill out an application, and then go to e-services and register for INTL2100 like you would with any other classes. The instructor will prepare you for the rest of the program throughout this course, and it will meet the 1-credit requirement in Goal Area 6 & Sinosummer Trip Itinerary8.
2. Do I have to be a BSU student to participate?
No, since both courses are part of liberal education, and are part of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, students from any Minnesota State Universities and Colleges can take these courses, and transfer credits back to their home institution towards their degrees. You need to fill out a special student application, but you must be a full-time student to be eligible for the scholarship.
3. What kind of accommodation will I be provided while living in China?
All students will be staying in the campus hotel of the host institution. All rooms are double occupancy. There are several canteens near the dormitory, which students can dine in. Upon arrival, each student will be provided a campus OneCard, which can be used similar to Beaver Bucks in the canteens, bookstore, convenience stores, etc. on campus.
Interested?
Book an appointment with the International Program Center to discuss your study away plan today!