2012 C ALIFORNIA NCTA S UMMER S TUDY T OUR TO
C HINA AND T AIWAN
The National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA) invites alumni from 2001-2011* seminars in
California to apply for the 2012 study tour to China and Taiwan. K-12 educators who have successfully
completed an NCTA seminar coordinated by Stanford, UCLA, or USC are eligible to apply (*Please carefully review
the eligibility criteria on page 2).
Selection for study tour participation is competitive. No more than 18 teachers will be selected. (See selection criteria
on page 3 for details).
Led by Clayton Dube of the USC U.S.-China Institute (USCI), participants of the three week tour will visit several of
China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan’s most interesting destinations. The tentative itinerary includes several
destinations in China (Beijing, Pingyao, Xi’an, and Chongqing) and Taiwan (Taipei, Tainan).
China and Taiwan share many cultural traditions and complicated histories. The two operate under different political
systems and have developed distinct societies. There is immense trade and other exchange across the political
boundaries. We will be examining all of this as part of the study tour. In each place, our group will explore historical
sites, discuss the contributions of each place and its peoples to Chinese culture, and examine changes in contemporary
life. In some places our emphasis may be on ancient history or the transmission of philosophical or religious ideas,
while in others we will focus on family life, education, health care, and economic development today. We will meet
with a variety of people who will share their expertise, experiences, and views.
Applicants should be prepared for an experience that will be primarily a group tour, but will also include
some time for individual exploration. Accommodations will be double occupancy and will vary from university
guesthouses to deluxe hotels.
Tentative tour dates are June 25 to July 12, 2012. Airline pricing may require us to adjust those dates, but we
will not leave earlier. Teachers selected for the 2012 California NCTA study tour are required to attend both a
weekend orientation on April 13-14, 2012 and a follow-up weekend orientation on September 15 to 16,
2012 at USC. Participants are also required to actively participate in a study tour-focused online discussion
forum and complete a curriculum project due August 31, 2012 (revision due September 28, 2012). In
the following pages, we outline:
Study Tour Goals
Eligibility Requirements
Program Components
Program Expenses
Selection Criteria
Timeline of Important 2010 Dates
Application Guidelines
APPLICATION FORM
Participant Terms of Agreement
Letter of Recommendation Form
Page 2
Page 2
Pages 2 - 3
Page 3
Page 4
Page 4
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Pages 5 - 8
Page 8
Page 9
Please review the information included in this application form carefully. Additional study tour information
will be posted in the “Asia in the K-12 Curriculum” section of the USCI website (http://china.usc.edu) as it becomes
available. For information about the program or application procedure, please contact:
USC U.S.-China Institute
(213) 740-1307 / asiak12@usc.edu
* Application Deadline: Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012 *
(Applications must be postmarked on or before this date)
USC U.S.-CHINA INSTITUTE
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STUDY TOUR GOALS
The 2012 California NCTA summer study tour is designed to provide teachers with an in-depth and
experiential study of Chinese civilization and society. Through the summer study tour and follow-up
activities in the 2012-2013 school year, participating educators will be prepared and supported in the
strengthening of Chinese studies content in their schools and districts.
* ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
You are invited to apply for the study tour if you meet ALL of the following prerequisites:
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You successfully completed a National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA) seminar
conducted by Stanford, UCLA, or USC from 2001 to fall 2011
You have not participated in a previous NCTA summer study tour
You have reasonable assurances of employment in a K-12 classroom for the 2012-2013 school year
You already include China in your teaching and want to include more about China and Taiwan
You are at least two years from retirement at the end of the 2012-2013 school year
You do not have extensive recent experience in China or Taiwan
(In general, preference is given to those who have not lived in or traveled to China or Taiwan in the
past five years. Extensive experience in one of the destinations does not disqualify an applicant.
Extensive experience in both does.)
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
Educators applying for 2012 California NCTA summer study tour must commit to participate in a full year
of activities, beginning online in March 2012 and running through the 2012-2013 school year. Participants are
required to complete all pre-study tour readings. Teachers who cannot fully commit to all program
components should not apply for the program. These include:
1. Weekend orientation - April 14-15 at USC
(Travel and lodging costs will be covered)
Upon selection, participants will be given access to the study tour-focused online discussion
forum (like the “Asia in My Classroom” forum, it is located at www. uschinaforum.usc.edu).
Participants will utilize the forum to raise questions and exchange ideas. The weekend
orientation will focus on preparing participants for travel and study in China and Taiwan. The
program will include sessions on survival language skills, history and geography, contemporary
issues, cross-cultural communication, study tour itinerary, team building, norm setting, as well as
other practical travel information. At the orientation, participants will work with colleagues to
brainstorm on curriculum development plans. Participants will receive background readings that
are to be read prior to departure.
2. Study tour in China and Taiwan - tentatively scheduled for June 25 to July 12, 2012
NCTA cannot accommodate participants’ spouses, family members, or friends on the summer
study tour. Participants may elect to stay in China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan beyond the tour if
such variations from the group air package do not affect the group travel price. We will have
more information on such options at the April weekend orientation.
3. Weekend follow-up orientation - tentatively scheduled for September 15-16, 2012 at
USC (Travel and lodging costs will be covered)
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Participants will reflect on the tour and focus on how to most effectively share what they have
learned with students and colleagues. Participants will present complete versions of the
curriculum project they will have developed and will receive feedback from others on how
these might be strengthened (complete versions due online Sept. final revised versions will be
due on Sept. 28, 2012).
4. Completion of curriculum project and 2012-2013 academic year follow-through - Including
implementation of new China or Taiwan content and resources in the classroom in the form of
completed curriculum project and providing at least four colleagues with curriculum support, through
presentations at department, school, discipline, or district meetings.
5. Active participation in the study tour-focused online discussion forum – beginning in March
and extending through the 2012-2013 school year. This includes posting your curriculum materials
and professional development resources.
6. Participation in follow-up evaluations - NCTA will evaluate the impact of the study tours and
school-year follow-up activities. Written surveys and random interviews will ask participants to
describe how they have used the experience of the study tour to change their own teaching and
influence school or district curriculum.
PROGRAM EXPENSES
The 2012 California NCTA Summer Study Tour is possible through a generous grant from the Freeman
Foundation. The following expenses are covered by the project for each participant:
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Travel to and from Los Angeles, based on foundation parameters and actual costs, for the April 2012
weekend orientation and September 2012 weekend follow-up orientation, plus food and lodging
during these two weekend programs
Orientation and other curricular and background materials
Roundtrip airfare to China and Taiwan as part of a group travel package
Most meals, lodging, entrance fees, and domestic travel in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan
Each participant will contribute $1,000 to the cost of his/her participation in the NCTA Study
Tour. Acceptance emails will be sent out on March 9, 2012. A signed statement of intent to
participate and non-refundab1e deposit check of $400 will be due on March 28, 2012. The
remaining $600 will be paid in cash at the April weekend orientation meeting. Participant contributions will
defray the cost of overseas travel (including hospitality and gratuities essential to group travel in East Asia).
In addition, each participant is responsible for any individual costs of participation, which are anticipated to
include the following:
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Passport fees and any other travel-related documents
Overseas medical coverage (required) and travel evacuation insurance (optional)
Physical exam and recommended immunizations
4-8 meals during the trip (during “on your own” afternoons and evenings)
Any costs incurred by variation from the group airfare package, such as emergency return to the
United States, return to the United States via alternate route or itinerary from the group package
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SELECTION CRITERIA
Applications will be reviewed and participants selected by a panel of California NCTA leaders. Preference
will be given to educators who have not traveled in China and Taiwan in the past five years. The following
criteria will guide selection:
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Evidence of commitment to the goals of the NCTA through seminar participation and efforts to
engage other faculty in teaching about East Asia, as well as to the study tour and follow-up activities
described on the application
Demonstrated potential for classroom use and dissemination of study tour experience and materials
to other faculty
Commitment to the parameters of a group study experience
Professional experience
Personal qualities and interpersonal skills
TIMELINE OF IMPORTANT 2012 DATES
V
Feb. 16
APPLICATION DEADLINE - applications must be postmarked on or
before this date
March 9
Acceptance email messages sent
March 28
April 14
Deadline for receipt of signed statement of intent to participate and
$400 non-refundable deposit check
Remaining participant financial contribution ($600 cash), valid passport
and two passport photos due
April 14-15
Weekend orientation at USC
May 17
All forms due (physician’s verification of fitness for travel in China and
Taiwan and proof of overseas health coverage)
June 25
Tentative date of departure
July 12
Tentative date of return
Aug 31
Curriculum unit due (complete), submitted via forum
September 15 – 16
Weekend follow-up orientation at USC
September 28
Final version of curriculum project due, along with written plan to share
experience and materials with colleagues
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
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Applications must be postmarked on or before February 16, 2012 to be considered.
Send FOUR (4) collated and stapled copies of the entire application package: 1) application
form including signed Participant Terms of Agreement page; 2) personal statement and
3) recommendation form and letter to:
2012 NCTA Summer Study Tour to China/Taiwan
USC U.S.-China Institute
3535 S. Figueroa St., FIG 202
Los Angeles, CA 90089-1262
Single copies, faxed copies and electronic copies of the application package will NOT be considered.
USC U.S.-CHINA INSTITUTE
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2012 C ALIFORNIA NCTA S UMMER S TUDY T OUR TO
C HINA AND TAIWAN
A P P L I C A T I O N
F O R M
* Application Deadline: Feb. 16, 2012 *
(Applications must be postmarked on or before this date)
1. PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name
Home address
School address
Home phone
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School phone
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Home fax
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School fax
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E-mail address
Identify the NCTA seminar site, seminar leader and year in which you participated:
2. TEACHING ASSIGNMENT
Please briefly describe your teaching assignment (subjects, grade levels, etc.). Indicate any anticipated
changes in your assignment for next year. Indicate other responsibilities.
How much time do you currently devote to teaching about China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan?
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3. ACADEMIC DEGREE(S)
Degree
Year received
Major
Institution
3. ASIA COURSEWORK/ PROGRAMS
Other than your NCTA seminar, what formal coursework or professional development workshops,
institutes, etc. on Asia have you completed?
Title
Location
Dates
4. EXPERIENCE IN ASIA
Please describe any travel and/or living experiences in China or Taiwan.
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5. OTHER SIGNIFICANT FOREIGN TRAVEL / STUDY / LIVING EXPERIENCES
Location
Dates / Duration
Purpose
6. PERSONAL STATEMENT
On a separate sheet, please answer each of the following three questions. Each of the three answers
should not exceed a single page. Statements exceeding the three-page space limitation will NOT be
considered.
1. Please describe how your NCTA seminar affected what you know and what you do with
your students. Discuss any efforts to help other teachers increase East Asian content in
their classes.
2. This study tour requires that participants balance their individual interests with the
program goals and itinerary. Study tour programs in China are physically and culturally
demanding. Please make a case for your contributions as a member of this delegation.
Describe the specific background, skills, and qualities you can contribute to benefit the
group as well as the physical and cultural challenges of traveling in a foreign country (e.g.
surviving hot, humid weather, walking extensively and using public transportation, adhering
to a schedule that demands punctuality and group cooperation, fulfilling a professional role
as an ambassador rather than as a tourist or shopper, and adhering to norms set by the
group and by the program).
3. Please provide a concrete plan for applying this study tour experience to enhance teaching
about East Asia in your own classroom and in your school and district.
7. RECOMMENDATION
Please submit a professional recommendation from a supervisor or colleague familiar with your work.
Complete and sign the Letter of Recommendation form on page 9 and submit with your
recommender’s letter.
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8. PARTICIPANT TERMS OF AGREEMENT
I have carefully read the description of the 2012 California NCTA Study Tour to China and Taiwan. If
selected to participate, I agree to:
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Participate in the pre-departure orientation and the online discussion forum, and
complete assigned orientation readings.
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Assume responsibility and cost for obtaining all immunizations, passport, visas, and
other required travel documents and submission by the deadlines listed above.
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Provide a nonrefundable $400 deposit check by March 28, 2012 and the remaining sum
of $600 (cash) to the total participant contribution of $1,000 by April 14, 2012.
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Provide a physician’s verification of fitness for travel and proof of health insurance by
May 17, 2012.
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Participate in all scheduled activities and remain in country until completion of the study
tour, except in case of emergency.
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Attend the summer study tour unaccompanied by family or friends.
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Obey the laws of the United States and the host country and refrain from engaging in
any unauthorized activities that, in judgment of the group leaders, are inconsistent with
the purpose and best interests of NCTA.
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Upon return, enhance the study of China or Taiwan in my classroom and school district.
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Attend the follow-up workshop associated with the study tour.
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Complete a curriculum project that incorporates the study tour experience into my
teaching by August 31, 2012.
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Participate in study tour-related program evaluations conducted by NCTA.
Applicant’s signature ___________________________________ Date____________________
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
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Applications must be postmarked on or before Feb. 16, 2012 to be considered.

Send FOUR (4) collated and stapled copies of the entire application package: 1) application
form including signed Participant Terms of Agreement page; 2) personal statement and
3) recommendation form and letter to:
2010 NCTA Summer Study Tour to China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan
USC U.S.-China Institute
3535 S. Figueroa St., FIG 202
Los Angeles, CA 90089-1262

Single copies, faxed copies and electronic copies of the application package will NOT be considered.
USC U.S.-CHINA INSTITUTE
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2012 C ALIFORNIA NCTA S UMMER S TUDY T OUR TO
C HINA , HONG KONG , AND TAIWAN
LETTER
OF
RECOMMENDATION
Having successfully completed a National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA) seminar,
_______________________________ is now applying to participate in the 2012 California NCTA
Summer Study Tour to China and Taiwan. Participants are expected to revise, enrich and enhance their own
course instruction relative to China and become resources on China within their schools and districts
during the 2012-2013 school year.
Please address the applicant’s abilities to succeed in a group study tour abroad and to fulfill these obligations
and responsibilities. Specifically, please comment on the applicant’s initiative, self-discipline, interpersonal
skills, teaching abilities, professional leadership, and any other qualities you believe relevant to a review of
this person’s candidacy for this program.
Please use school letterhead for your letter and limit it to a single typed page. Sign and date your letter and
return it, along with this form, to the applicant. Thank you for your assistance in evaluating this applicant.
For any questions, please contact the USC U.S.-China Institute at (213) 740-1307 or asiak12@usc.edu.
APPLICANT’S CONTACT INFORMATION
Name
Position / title
School name
School phone
(
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School address
Applicant’s signature __________________________________ Date____________________
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