Ceramics in China: a Visual Arts Study Tour
June 6- June 21, 2016
Why visit and study ceramics in China?
There are so many reasons that students and community members should consider participating in this program!
First, China's roots in ceramic art history are strong and deep. For thousands of years, Chinese artisans have developed and mastered techniques and artistry that have set the standard of excellence in ceramics throughout the world. High fired porcelains, underglaze and overglaze techniques, celadons, copper reds, temmoku, yaoware carving, ash glazes and tri-colored lead glazes are just a few of the contributions made by Chinese artisans over the centuries.
In addition, studying in China is an excellent opportunity for MSU students to explore the world's most populous country. Participants in this program will experience China's unique blend of ancient and modern civilization, as well as its scenic beauty and long history.
Finally, because of rapid economic development over the past 30 years, Chinese cities now boast world-famous works of modern architecture - from the towering skyscrapers of Shanghai to Beijing’s Olympic Bird’s Nest - in addition to impressive ancient structures like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. China’s 5000 years of history has bequeathed a seemingly endless amount of tourist attractions to visit, while natural wonders of breathtaking beauty are also scattered about the country.
Application Deadline: February 12th, 2016
Download an application here [pdf]
If you do not already have a passport, now is the time to apply for one.
Depending upon available space late applications might be accepted after February 12th, 2016. Applicants who submit an application after this date are not guaranteed a spot on the program and might be required to pay a slightly higher program fee due to rate fluctuation in transportation costs. Rate increases are typically not significant.
Academic Course Work
MSU art professor, Linda Olson, is leading the program. Participants will be enrolled in Art 496: Ceramics in China - a Field Study (3 credits.)
Throughout the 15-day program, students will explore ancient and contemporary highlights in Shanghai (3 nights), Longquan (2 nights), Jingdezhen (2 nights), Xian (2 nights), and Beijing (3 nights).
Participants will gain first hand knowledge of the Chinese ceramic continuum; visit ancient kiln sites and museums dedicated to the arts and/or culture of the given area. Students will walk the Porcelain Road, appreciate the famous Terracotta Amy, as well as visit other important cultural sites in China.
Academic coursework will be experimental in nature, comprised of academically focused visits and discussions led by local organizations or sites of cultural and historical as a compliment to the coursework, including honorariums and interpreters.
Travel Itinerary*
The logistical aspects of this program are being facilitated by the International Studies Abroad (ISA), one of Minot State University's study abroad affiliate providers. ISA's full time Resident Directors will assist the group from Minot State with all aspects of the experience in China. The Resident Directors are locals and are highly knowledgeable about the available facilities, customs, support services and local people. Resident Directors arrange program orientation, academic supports, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities and other services. ISA staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and make every effort to make themselves accessible to students and the MSU faculty leader at all times.
A typical day will involve an active itinerary of sightseeing and local excursions starting early in the morning and lasting all day. The tour will be fast paced at times so that you get the most of your time abroad.
*The below itinerary is a preliminary draft and is subject to change.
| Date | Location | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| June 6 |
Depart U.S. | |
| June 7 | Arrive in Shanghai |
Arrive in Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Airport pick up by ISA staff. Check into accommodations. Welcome dinner. |
| June 8 |
Shanghai | Bund, Nanjing Road, French Concession and Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum |
| June 9 |
Shanghai | Lecture at Shanghai Institute of Ceramics. Shanghai acrobatic show in the evening. |
| June 10 |
Travel day |
Travel to Longquan by bus (7 hours) |
| June 11 |
Longquan | Longquan Celadon Museum. Celadon kiln site or Celadon tower. |
| June 12 |
Travel day, Jingdezhen | Travel to Jingdezhen by bus (7 hours). Visit Ancient Porcelain Street. |
| June 13 |
Jingdezhen | Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Museum, Jingdezhen Folk Kiln Museum, Fulian Ancient County Government. |
| June 14 |
Jingdezhen | Lecture at Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute. Jingdezhen Ceramic and Porcelain Museum. Travel to Xian by plane in the evening. |
| June 15 |
Xian | City tour on bike to see City Wall, Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter. Visit Terracotta Army. Forest of Stone Steles Museum. |
| June 16 |
Travel day | Travel to Beijing by plane (2 hours). Visit Hutongs. |
| June 17 |
Beijing | Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City. Temple of Heaven. |
| June 18 | Beijing | Great Wall. Summer Palace. |
| June 19 |
Beijing | Free day. Possibly visit another ceramics museum. TBD with group. |
| June 20 |
Depart from Beijing for U.S. | Hotel pickup and dropoff at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) |
Program Fees
| Program Cost | |
|---|---|
| Base Program Fee* | 3,530 |
| Tuition - 3 Credits** | 780 |
| TOTAL | $4,130 |
The program includes: pre-departure support services and education, group pickup at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), and dropoff at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), 24-hour onsite support while in China, an orientation meeting upon arrival, transportation within China, breakfast each morning in hotels, a welcome group meal, accommodations, two guest lectures with local ceramics experts, cultural excursions, entrance fees, guided tours, and health, safety and liability insurance coverage. Accommodations are shared rooms (typically two students per room) in centrally- located hotels.
Items not included in the program fee are: round-trip international airfare, lunches and some dinners, optional excursions or transportation for free-time activities, departure fees (i.e. airline luggage fees) and customary gratuities.
* Note: the program fee of $3,530 does not include international airfare, some meals in China, or tuition for ART 496 (3 credits).
* Applicants between ages of 50-64 years of age at time of travel, add $100 for the added cost of international insurance. Applicants between ages of 65-74 years of age at time of travel, add $250 for the added cost of international insurance.
**Program participants may choose to audit coursework at 50% tuition rate. Financial Aid is not available for audited courses, and grades will not appear on transcripts.
 |
Payment Deadlines:
$400 due with the Application. Application deadline is February 12, 2016.
February 26, 2016: additional $200 due
March 25, 2016: additional $2,930 due
June 6, 2016: Tuition and fees for Study Tour course due to MSU cashier’s window
Late Payments:
- If a payment is received 5 business days or more after the payment due date, your application will be considered withdrawn and you will be responsible for any cancellation penalties.
- If for any reason your payment cannot be processed, a fee of $50 will be incurred.
Payment Policies:
- Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to depart on the program unless the program fees are paid in full.
- MSU is not responsible for delays caused by late passport applications, late visa applications or visa denials. Any additional costs incurred for such reasons will be the responsibility of the participant.
Cancellation & Refunds
Withdrawal from the program is effective on the date that written notification is received by MSU’s Office of International Programs.
| If you withdraw: | The cancellation penalty will be: |
|---|---|
| After Application is submitted | $400 |
| After February 26, 2016 | $600 |
| After March 25, 2016 | $1,800 |
| After April 4, 2016 | $2,2000 |
| After June 6, 2016 | Refund of tuition fees only per MSU business office policies |
| After departure | No refund of program fees or tuition for the course. |
- MSU will not alter its payment and/or cancellation policies for any reason. If you are concerned about being reimbursed for program fees in the event that you decide to withdraw from the program due to events such as illness, death of a family member, visa denials, natural disaster or international affairs, please investigate the possibility of obtaining independent trip insurance. MSU is not able to offer advice on independent trip insurance.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid can be applied to cover study tour fees, so students might want to consider the possibility of obtaining Financial Aid (generally including loans) to assist in funding their program. For more information about this option, please visit the Financial Aid Office, call (701) 858-3375 or visit their website: www.minotstateu.edu/finaid
 |
Contact us for more information!
Libby Claerbout
Director of International Programs
MSU Office of International Programs
1st Floor Student Center
500 University Ave West Minot, ND 58701
libby.claerbout@minotstateu.edu
Linda Olson, M.F.A.
MSU Art Department Instructor
linda.olson@minotstateu.edu
→ Learn more about Horizons Unlimited faculty-led study tours
Page last updated September 3, 2015
