UQ research, study and experience tour to China - applications close 8 April

1 March 2016

What is the UQ Research, Study and Experience Tour
Why should I consider the tour?
How can I apply?
What costs will I need to consider?
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UQ Research, Study and Experience Tour?

The UQ Research, Study and Experience Tour is an annual program organised by The Confucius Institute at The University of Queensland in collaboration with selected faculties across UQ. The four-week program is based at Tianjin University (TJU), one of the top 10 universities in China. Tour activities provide opportunities for participants to benefit from practical research experiences, develop a global view in their area of interest, and develop a deeper understanding in the Chinese language and culture.

Successful candidates for the 2016 tour will participate in a number of organised activities, including:

Informative Chinese language lessons catering for a range of proficiency levels (beginner to advanced)
Practical and fun Chinese cultural classes
Research and practical experiences within students' disciplines and areas of interest
A range of organised cultural activities and tours around Tianjin, Beijing and surrounding areas

Why should I consider the tour?

The tour provides a unique opportunity for UQ students to combine a practical research experience with overseas travel and exposure to a new culture and language. The design of the program aims to allow students to develop their Chinese language skills for day-to-day use, develop an understanding and appreciation of the Chinese culture, and apply their knowledge of their area of interest to current research projects and practical tasks undertaken by research teams within TJU.

Having an international experience as part of one's university degree can assist in opening doors to new opportunities and career pathways. Working closely with Tianjin University students and academics during the tour, students will undoubtably have the opportunity to forge important and life-changing relationships and experiences.

How can I apply?

Applications are opened to currently enrolled students from all UQ faculties that have a study discipline related to the nominated study areas at TJU. Applications close Friday April 8, 2016 at 5:00pm.

Interested students should review the following nominated disciplines to see if their area of interested will be catered for:

View the current list of disciplines. Additional Science disciplines are currently under consideration.

Please note: If your discipline is not listed, you can contact business.manager@confucius.uq.edu.au prior to applying to to see if it can be accommodated.

To apply, email the following documents to their appointed contact within their faculty:

Self-Introductory letter (addressing your reasons for application, potential benefits of undertaking the tour - include practical experience, why you would be suitable for the tour and should be selected, your history of learning Mandarin and current proficiency level if applicable)
Curriculum vitae
Copy of your most recent UQ transcript
Referee contact, email and phone number

Faculty of EAIT students to send applications to:

Prof Ling Li, School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of EAIT
Email: l.li@uq.edu.au

Faculty of Science students to:

Ms Julia Wright, International Engagement Officer
Email: julia.wright@uq.edu.au

Faculty of HASS students to:

Dr. Guy Ramsay, School of Languages and Cultures
Email: guy.ramsay@uq.edu.au

For other Faculty students, please send applications to:

The Confucius Institute at UQ, Business Manager: business.manager@confucius.uq.edu.au

What costs will I need to consider?

The Confucius Institute at UQ will cover the following costs for successful applicants:

Tuition fees at TJU
Local ground transportation for organised travel and activities
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Participation in selected cultural events and extra-curricular activities
Any costs associated with excursion activities (including tour guide fees, admission to sites, some meals etc.)

Participating students will need to be able to cover the cost of:

Flights (est. $1300-1900)
Accommodation (est. $250-400)
Visa (est. $100)
Living expenses (e.g. meals, shopping, taxi fares for personal travels)

Students should take into consideration before applying:

The Confucius Institute at UQ will organise group bookings for flights to and from Beijing on behalf of the selected applicants. Students will be expected to travel with the group and will not be able to change their flight itinerary.
While Information will be provided on how to apply for a visa, students will be responsible for organising their own visa applications. As part of the visa requirements, students must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the time of travel.
TJU will provide subsidised accommodation within close proximity to the university campus. Students are expected to reside at the nominated accommodation throughout their time in Tianjin.