Mission
Allied Gateway Mandarin Immersion Program aims to be the most effective way to learn Chinese. Our mission is to enable program participants to be able to conduct simple dialogues in real life situations in Chinese with fundamental Chinese knowledge after the training.

Program Description
In a view of the length of the program, classes will focus on oral Chinese. The comprehensive university training is to provide participants with systematic Chinese knowledge. Allied Gateway Real Life Instruction intends to foster your Chinese application competence. Extra Curriculum Activities are offered to enhance participants' China experience greatly.

The program allows you to immerse yourself in real life experiences that require you to utilize and develop your Mandarin communication skills through authentic daily practice and activities.

About the University
Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) was founded in 1949, originally known as Shanghai College of Russian. In 1963, SISU became a national key institution of higher learning upon approval by the State Council of the People's Republic of China. In 1994, approved by the State Education Commission (SEC), the University adopted its present name and was selected as one of the first universities in Shanghai to be jointly funded and administered by SEC and Shanghai Municipal Government. In 1996, SISU was granted to be a "Project 211" university by SEC, which, as a national educational priority for the 21st century, was the State's endeavor to help China's top 100 institutions of higher learning and key disciplines to excel. The mission of SISU is to cultivate high-level foreign language professionals with multi-disciplinary knowledge and international expertise.

Currently, SISU has an enrollment of 6,557 undergraduate students and 3-year associate degree students, 1,400 postgraduate students, and over 1,000 international students. Part-time students registered with SISU total 25,000. The University has a full-time faculty of more than 500.

Features
Allied Gateway Mandarin Immersion Program consists of two parts: University Class Training and the Allied Gateway Real Life Instruction. The University Class Training integrates all different skills of the language: phonetics, speaking, listening, writing, reading, grammar and vocabulary. Allied Gateway Real Life Instruction is held every two weeks exclusively to Allied Gateway participants. Instructions occur in real life settings with one subject in each section. Subjects include eating, transportation, theatre, shopping, job-hunting, seeing a doctor etc.

Placement Test
Classes are divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced 3 basic levels. An overall placement test including reading, writing, speaking and listening is carried out at the beginning of the program in order to place you in the most suitable environment. Beginners don’t need to take the test.

Pengyou (friends) Exchange Program
In order to grasp the second language you are learning, it's crucial to practice the language as much as you can. To create the language environment and encourage participants to involve locals in deeper interaction in Chinese, Allied Gateway will arrange a local Chinese friend for participants based on age, sex and interests. Not only it’s one of the best ways to enhance your listening and speaking skills, but also an effective way to obtain the most updated and common-used language. In addition, it helps participants have a better understanding of the Chinese culture and society through the interaction.

Program Schedules and Dates - 2008
Programs below are offered to learners of all level from total beginner to advanced level.

For details of the application schedule, special bonus plan, and the program fee, please click here.

Evaluation and Certificates
Small quizzes will be carried out often to test the progress. Participants will receive official diplomas and certificates including transcripts if successfully pass the exams.

Accommodation
Allied Gateway offers a variety of accommodation options to program participants. All accommodations are selected carefully for security, convenience and comfort. Program Fee varies depending on the accommodation selected. Accommodation options include:
Dorm I
A multiple-storey building built in 1994, is located off campus with a distance of ten-minute walk from the campus. Both double rooms and single rooms are available. Each room has an air-conditioner, a private bath, a telephone, bed, desk, chairs and a TV set.
Dorm II
An 18-storey building, built in 2000 and located on campus of SISU, is equipped with central air-conditioning. Inside there is a cafeteria, a grocery, a beauty parlor and an ATM. Both double rooms and single rooms are available. Each room has a private bath, a telephone, a TV set, internet access, etc. There’s a communal use kitchen each floor, with a washing machine, a fridge and a microwave oven. 24 hours hot water available.
SISU Hotel
An 18-storey building, built in 1996, is located off campus with a distance of 5-minute walk from the campus. The hotel is equipped with central air-conditioning. Inside the hotel there is a cafeteria, a grocery and a beauty parlor. Both double rooms and single room are available. Each room has a private bathroom, a telephone, a TV set, internet access, etc. 24 hours hot water available.
Homestay
Live with a local family. You will have your own room, with closet, bed, airconditioner and desk. Public shared facilities include kitchen, sitting room and bathroom. Breakfast & dinner is included.
Homestay Exchange
In addition to the conditions provided the same as homestay, you are oblidged to exchange in English with the house owner for one hour per day.

Airport Transfer
Allied Gateway provides airport pick-up service for program participants. Our staff will meet you at the arrival gate after you get your luggage and take you to your accommodation. You need to provide us with correct flight information – flight number / flight date / airport name 2 weeks before your program starts. Airport drop-off service is offered to participants at the end of the program. To make sure smooth transition, you will be provided with Allied Gateway contact number before you come to China in case of last minute changes.

What Is Included