1. Gap Year AND Studying in China Western Academy of Beijing May 5, 2011

2. How do colleges/universities view Gap Year A “gap year” has been a common and popular rite of passage in Australia & Europe, especially in the UK, for decades. The concept is now starting to catch on in America and other parts of the world. Colleges accepts requests for deferral, assuming a student demonstrates that he/she has an organized plan in place for the year off. Prefer an organized experience that is linked to study or future work; can gain skills

3. Opportunities of a Gap Year Broaden your horizons Broaden your horizons Increase your confidence in new situationsIncrease your confidence in new situations The chance to meet new people (networking)The chance to meet new people (networking) The chance to volunteer or have a real job with pay; put money towards college tuitionThe chance to volunteer or have a real job with pay; put money towards college tuition Confirm your interest in a possible course or career and improve your employment prospectsConfirm your interest in a possible course or career and improve your employment prospects Learn a languageLearn a language Re-energize after an intense academic high school experienceRe-energize after an intense academic high school experience Experiment with a taste of independence, making the transition to college easierExperiment with a taste of independence, making the transition to college easier Challenging & RewardingChallenging & Rewarding

4. Traveling Traveling can fulfill many desires: a need for independence, a desire to experience new things and a hunger for adventure. Before you rush straight into traveling you need to PLAN! WORK out your finances WHERE would you like to go? WHAT do you want to do? WHAT do you need? (visa) Are you going alone, or with friends?

5. Language Immersion programs Most popular language studies program in China for our students: Beijing Language & Culture University (BLCU) Beijing Normal University (BNU) Peking University – Language Studies Program Tsinghua – Language Studies Program These universities also offer undergraduate programs

6. Application Package What is Needed: 1. 1.Transcript (HS Guidance Office) 2. 2.Confirmation of Graduation Letter (HS Guidance Office) 3. 3.Application form 4. 4.Passport photo 5. 5.Passport copy 6. 6.Application fee Within two months after receiving the application and upon acceptance, the University will send a admission notice along with JW2020 form for visa application.

7. Studying in China Undergraduate studies in Beijing The 2 most renowned universities in Beijing are: Peking University ( 北大大学） Tsinghua University ( 清华大学 )

8. Website Tsinghua University http://intlstudent.cic.tsinghua.edu.cn/EN/admission.ht m http://intlstudent.cic.tsinghua.edu.cn/EN/admission.ht m Peiking University http://english.pku.edu.cn/

9. Requirements Peking and Tsinghua Application Time: March 7 th – 11th (should start application process in January/February) Application formApplication form Must be a non-Chinese citizens with a foreign passport holderMust be a non-Chinese citizens with a foreign passport holder Must be 18 years oldMust be 18 years old If under 18 – must have guarantors in ChinaIf under 18 – must have guarantors in China Completion of High School (Certificate of Graduation)Completion of High School (Certificate of Graduation) Transcript (school records)Transcript (school records) One letter of recommendation letter from teacher or counselorOne letter of recommendation letter from teacher or counselor Certificate of HSK examCertificate of HSK exam Photocopy of passport and passport photos (3)Photocopy of passport and passport photos (3) All copies of documents must be notarized; additional documents maybe requiredAll copies of documents must be notarized; additional documents maybe required Must submit all documents in PERSONMust submit all documents in PERSON

10. Entrance Examinations Peking University (Taken April 9 -10) Humanities/Science Program: Chinese Language Mathematics English Students who apply for Physics, Chemistry, or Biology are required to take relevant examinations. Applicants to be interviewed will be notified after written exams. http://english.pku.edu.cn/Admission/InternationalStudents/HowtoApply/

11. Entrance Examinations Tsinghua University: (Taken in mid-May) Science/Engineering Program: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English Law/Humanities/Social Science Program: Basic Chinese Language and Chinese Writing, General Knowledge, and English Arts & Design Program: Chinese Writing, General Knowledge, Sketch, quick Sketch, and Color Painting Applicants to be interviewed will be notified after written exams http://www.tsinghua.edu.cn/publish/then/5786/index.html

12. Resources Where do you find information on Gap Year at WAB? High School Counselors Library/HS Guidance: books, magazine, brochures Naviance (Family Connection  Colleges  Enrichment Programs Websites (www.gapyear.com, www.gap-year.com, www.myfuturewise.org.uk, www.isco.org.uk, www.yearoutgroup.org, www.worldwidevolunteering )www.gapyear.comwww.gap-year.com www.myfuturewise.org.ukwww.isco.org.uk www.yearoutgroup.orgwww.worldwidevolunteering

13. Naviance

15. Q&A