School in China: Hangzhou

Hangzhou, known as the Garden City for the unusual quantity and quality of its parks and greenery, is the capital of Zhejiang province. Located just over 100 miles from Shanghai in eastern China, Hangzhou was China's capital during the Southern Song dynasty in the 12th and 13th centuries when nomads from the steppe invaded Northern China. Human activity in the area dates back 4,700 years, and the current city has a history of over 2,200 years.

Today, Hangzhou has approximately seven million inhabitants and boasts at least 20 universities, an important emerging technology industry, and temples, pagodas, and museums acclaimed throughout China and the world. Additionally, beautiful West Lake, made famous in Chinese literature, offers a scenic respite from the activity of city life. With few international students and rich opportunities for cultural immersion, Hangzhou offers an ideal setting for Chinese language study.

Zhejiang University of Technology

The School in China's host in Hangzhou is the Zhejiang University of Technology (ZUT), which is located near the center of the city. The university enrolls approximately 15,000 Chinese students on its welcoming, vibrant campus. Students have the option to choose a semester or a full year of study.