Encountering the Celestial Kingdom: China Then and Now, May 16-31, 2008

Learn more about Horizons Unlimited faculty-led study tours

Explore China!
China is quickly becoming one of the hottest travel destinations in the world. What makes this country so interesting is the mix of ancient history and extreme modernity. China boasts the world’s fastest growing economy and is America’s third-largest trading partner. Still, evidence of China’s long history can be seen in the customs, and traditions of its people, especially in rural areas. For the adventure of a lifetime, spend some time getting to know the oldest and newest of countries - China!

Academic Course Work
The tour will be led by Dr. Robert Kibler (Humanities) and Dr. Gary Ross (Business), both faculty members with previous experience living, working or traveling in China.

Participants of this study tour are required to be enrolled in one of the following:

  • Humanities 496-Encountering the Celestial Kingdom: Special Topics in Chinese Culture (3 credits),
  • English 496-Topics & Problems in Chinese Literature (3 credits), or
  • Business Administration 499-Doing Business in China (3 credits).

Please note: In order to be eligible for summer term federal financial aid, students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits. At least 3 of these credits must be from the courses listed above. Students may choose to take the other 3 credits either on campus, through independent study, or by choosing an additional course from the above list.

It is highly recommended that students enroll in Humanities 254-Encountering the Celestial Kingdom: China Then and Now, during spring 2008 as preparation for the tour.


MSU Students & Faculty at birthplace
of first Chinese emperor

Tour Itinerary
The tour itinerary will be updated as specific activities are scheduled.

May 11: Depart from Minot International Airport

May 12-15: Beijing. Time in Beijing will be spent visiting the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, The Temple of Heaven, the summer Palace and/or the Old Summer Palace, the Market District, and visiting several types of factories, such as silk or jade. Participants will also have time for shopping and private excursions while in Beijing.

May 16: Xi’an: Participants will take a guided tour to Qin Shihuang Ling and the Terra Cotta Army, a collection of 8,099 life-size ceramic figures of warriors and horses created during the time of the Shang Dynasty.

May 17: Longmen Grottoes: The group will depart by private motor coach for a six to seven hour cross-country drive to Zhengzhou. A visit is planned along the way, at the Longmen Grottoes and Stone Gates, located 12 km south of present day Luoyang in Henan province. A series of Buddhist Temples are also found at awe-inspiring site.

May 18-24: SIAS International University The tour group will stay on the SIAS campus for several days, enjoying specially prepared courses on Chinese history, music, literature and culture during half of each day. The remainder of each day will be spent on excursions to local sites.

May 24-25: Shanghai. While in Shanghai, tour participants will have the opportunity to explore the Bund and Pudong Districts, and witness the extravagant history of this formerly imperial city that is now a bustling global financial center. Participants will also have time for shopping and private excursions while in Shanghai.

May 26: Return to the U.S. from Shanghai/Minneapolis/Minot

Itinerary subject to change due to local scheduling.

Program Fees
The program fee covers all transportation, meals, lodging, site entrance fees, and tour guides. Airfare is based in departure from Minot International Airport. Accommodations are double occupancy in 3 and 4-star hotels. A typical day will involve sightseeing and local excursion starting early in the morning and lasting all day. The tour will be very fast paced and rigorous so that you can get the most of your time abroad.

Program Cost
Base Program Fee $ 2,850
Tuition- 3 Credits* $ 663
Health Insurance** $ 20
Visa Application $ 100
TOTAL $ 3,633
*Community members can chose to audit coursework
**Insurance: Age 50-64 add $60 Age 65-74 add $180

Payment Deadlines
$300 due with the Application.
February 15: $2000 due
March 15: Remaining balance due

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.

Please note: In order to be eligible for summer term federal financial aid, students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits. At least 3 of these credits must be from the courses listed in conjunction with the study tour. Students may choose to take the other 3 credits either on campus, through independent study, or by choosing an additional course from the above list.

Cancellation/Refunds

Late Payments:

  • If a payment is received 7 days late, a penalty of $50 will be incurred.
  • If a payment is received 30 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 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.
  • Airline Deviation Fees: Your flight will be booked from Minot International Airport. Any flight deviations or special requests (such as early departure or late returns) will incur a $75 booking fee, in addition to any fees charged by the airlines.

Cancellation & Refunds
Withdrawal from a program is effective on the date that written notification is received by MSU’s Office of International Programs, and any airline tickets that have been issued on your behalf are returned.

If you withdraw: The cancellation fee will be:
After Application is submitted $100
After February 15th $600
After March 15th $1425
30 days prior to departure No refund
After departure No refund

Please Note:

  • If you withdraw from the program after your flights are booked, you will be responsible for airline cancellation charges.
  • 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.
  • In the unlikely event that MSU is forced to cancel a program or you are not fully accepted into the program, all payments will be refunded, including your initial deposit.

Program Rules
See the general program rules page.

Contact us for more information!
MSU Office of International Programs
2nd Floor Student Union Building
500 University Ave West Minot, ND 58701
Phone: (701) 858-4155
studyabroad@minotstateu.edu