The Summer Service Learning Program (SSLP), part of the college's Global Poverty Alleviation (GPA) initiative and sponsored by the Wang Foundation, brings Chinese and U.S. students together to develop and implement poverty alleviation projects located in some of China's most impoverished regions. The programs include teaching English, doing poverty alleviation research, giving lectures and cultural communications, and visiting local villages.
Download Applications, Liability Release Form, and Brochure
SSLP Application ( Note: You do not need to submit a letter of recommendation to Dr. Ping Hsu. If you are accepted to the program, Dr. Hsu will write a letter of recommendation for all candidates.)
SSLP Handbook
Program Logistics
All participants are responsible for purchasing their own transportation to and from Beijing, passport, visa, travel/health insurance, and immunizations.
- Transportation:
- Beijing Capital International Airport (airport code: PEK)
- Passport: Participants must have a current passport or have the ability to obtain one prior to the trip (for passport info go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html).
- Visa:
- Upon selection, Tsinghua University will issue each participant the documentation to obtain an F Visa (Visiting Student). To find out more about visas go to http://www.chinaconsulatesf.org/eng/qianzhen/default.htm.
- Travel/Health Insurance:
- Insurance must be purchased for your entire length of stay. Insurance should be purchased at https://www.somertonins.com/custompolicies/globalprod/default.aspx.
- Immunizations:
- You can find the recommended vaccinations at the Center for Disease Control’s website at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationChina.aspx#vaccines.
Important Dates
- Application Period: January 21 - March 31, 2009
- By Friday, March 27, 2009, all applications (including resume and university transcripts) should be submitted to Dr. Ping Hsu at ping.hsu@sjsu.edu. Please note that you do not need to submit a letter of recommendation to Dr. Ping Hsu. If you are accepted to the program, Dr. Hsu will write a letter of recommendation for all candidates.
- Week of March 30: Interviews
- April: Tsinghua University selection period
- April 30: Team announcement with assignments
For additional information go to the Wang Foundation's website: http://www.wangfoundation.net/service_learning.htm
