SANFORD — Visit China this spring for a five-week study program sponsored by N.C. State University’s Confucius Institute and Nanjing Normal University.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Americans to visit China and learn more of its language and culture,” said Shuya Che, a visiting professor from Nanjing University who is the Confucius Classroom instructor at Central Carolina Community College. The college’s Confucius Classroom was established through a partnership with the NCSU’s Confucius Institute. 

Che said the May 18-June 21 trip is open not just to those enrolled in Chinese classes at the college or university, but also to the public. Previous knowledge of Chinese is not required. 

Those in the program will take a Mandarin Chinese language course at Nanjing University, attend art performances and lectures, and take part in excursions to Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Yangzhou. They will meet Chinese college students and foreign students from all over the world.

The program cost is $2,600, including accommodations, tickets to events, and excursion transportation, meals and accommodations. Expenses such as international airfare, visas, and personal expenses are not included.

An information session for those interested will be held 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, at N.C. State University’s main campus. Email one of the following Confucius Institute staff if interested in attending: Xiaoying Wang, xiaoying_wang@ncsu.edu; Lijuan Wang, lijuan_wang@ncsu.edu; or Guanglin Dai, guanglin_dai@ncsu.edu.

Information is also available at: www.ncsu.edu/oia/confucius/NNU_Summer.htm.

Apply online at studyabroad.ncsu.edu. The application deadline is Feb. 12.