Study Abroad Spotlight: Chinese LSA+
Dartmouth offers a variety of off-campus study abroad programs through the Frank J. Guarini Institute for International Education. There are Foreign Study Programs (FSPs), which are 10-week-long programs led by Dartmouth faculty; Exchange Programs (EXCH), where students directly enroll with a certain institution and are more independent; and Language Study Abroads (LSA+), which are similar to FSPs except for the fact that they may require a certain level of proficiency in a specific language. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the ASCL Chinese LSA+ made its return to Beijing during the summer of 2024. I interviewed a member of the class of 2027 who went on this LSA+ the summer after their first year.
Tell me a little bit about the Chinese LSA+.
The Chinese LSA+ takes place at Beijing Normal University, where you can be on one of two different tracks. You can either take first-year Chinese at Dartmouth, then study second-year Chinese at BNU, or take two years' worth of Chinese at Dartmouth to study third-year Chinese in Beijing. During the LSA, you will take one language class, as well as a second class that's about the culture of China.
What drew you to apply to the Chinese LSA+, and what was the process for applying? Similarly, what was the process after you were accepted?
I was just really interested in the Chinese language, and I wanted to visit China and visit all the different places. As for applying, you have to answer a few essay questions, and that was it. There's no interview stage. After getting accepted, you have to sort out international travel logistics, like getting your visa, make sure your passport is updated. Additionally, during the spring, you prepare for living in China by taking a class called Intro to Chinese Culture. There, you attend talks about the differences between living in the US and China to better prepare for the LSA+ that summer.
What did financial aid look like for the duration of the LSA+?
I received full financial aid, meaning housing, group meals, and transportation within China, which were all covered by Dartmouth. Plane tickets to and from China were not.
What did being in the LSA+ involve on a day-to-day or week-to-week basis? Did you take any specific classes?
There are two types of classes you take at BNU. One class is a pure language class where you study Chinese, and the other one is about the history and culture of China. The language class was taught in Chinese by BNU faculty, while the other class was taught in English by a Dartmouth professor. We would normally have five days of classes, but we also went on trips to cities like Shanghai, Chengdu, and Xi'an.

What do you think were some of the benefits of attending the LSA+?
There are a lot of benefits, and I would definitely recommend going on the LSA+ for anyone. You get to hone your Chinese language skills, and you'll get to go all over the country. It's very convenient because all the logistics and transportation are arranged for you through the program. You get to see all these amazing places, travel everywhere, and eat amazing food. Through this, I got a new perspective of the world through an international lens. I would encourage anyone who is interested in learning about the Chinese language and culture to apply.
Any last words of advice you would give to prospective students?
Definitely go on a study abroad program! Even though I only went on one, I—and everyone else I know who studied abroad—had very good experiences. There are some experiences that you can only have in a different country. Studying abroad during college is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Take advantage of the programs that Dartmouth has to offer.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. The interviewee has stated they wish to remain anonymous. Cover photo courtesy of Lei Yan.