
Program Details
Program Eligibility
About
If current urbanization trends continue, China will have one billion urban population by 2030. How Chinese cities can minimize pressures and maximize opportunities of urban expansion is a critical question that affects every aspect of urban planning.
This intensive 2-week study abroad course will familiarize you with urban planning practices and emerging development issues in five unique Chinese cities: Beijing, Xiong’an, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. By integrating lectures, site visits, and cross-cultural classroom activities, the course will create immersive learning experiences that directly connect you to foreign cultures, alternative ways of life, and exciting urban landscapes.
This program is administered by the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Applications are processed by the Learning Abroad Center.
Program Model
Housing & Meals
Throughout the program, you will be accommodated in hotels, with all three meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—included, except during personal free time or when you participate in optional program activities.
Application Deadline
February 1st
Program Dates
May 18th–June 2nd, 2025
Academics
PA 5880: This course will cover a wide range of urban planning and international development topics, ranging from affordable housing provision to historic preservation to rural development to transportation demand management.
View the May 2024 Syllabus (PDF)
Program Leader
Yingling Fan is Professor of Urban and Regional Planning and the Director of the Global Transit Innovations program at the University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on developing novel land use and transportation solutions to improve human health and social equity.
Excursions
Excursions may include, but are not limited to:
- Beijing—Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall, Dashilar, South Luogu Alley
- Xiong'an—Xiong'an Civic Center, Rongdong Smart Experience Center
- Shenzhen—Futian Central Business District, Nanshan Science and Technology Park, Shenzhen Bay Park, OCT LOFT Cultural District.
- Guangzhou—Zhujiang New Town, Shamian Island.
- Hong Kong—Star Ferry, City Gallery & Victoria Habour, Central Mid-Levels Escalator, Peak Tram.
More Information
For more information, contact Yingling Fan, Ph.D. Professor, Humphrey School of Public Affairs Director, Global Transit Innovations University of Minnesota at [email protected].
Visit the Global Transit Innovations website to learn more about their previous study abroad programs.
Program Fee
May 2025 Cost of Participation
The cost of participation include lectures and professional site visits, domestic transportation in and between Chinese cities, group meals, hotel accommodations in all cities, and insurance.
Program fees may NOT include international airfare to China, passports, visa fees, or meals during personal free time or optional program activities.
Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
Cancellation Policy
The regular Learning Abroad Center cancellation and refund policy does not apply to this course. Connect with your program contact for details on the cancellation and refund policy for this program.
If canceling after confirmation, a $50 application fee, $500 for Advising, Placement, Academic, and Administrative Costs, and international medical, security, and evacuation insurance costs when it has been purchased for the student, will be charged to the student account.
In the case of a cancellation prior to confirmation, only the $50 application fee will be retained.
May 2025
PA 5880 Planning for China’s Urban BillionMay Session 2025 |
|
---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
Non-refundable deposit | $500 |
Tuition and educational costs | $2,910 |
International health insurance | $33 |
Housing and/or meals | $0 |
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
Total Program Fee | $3,443 |
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $0 |
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $3,443 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
Transportation to and from program site | $2,000 |
Passport/photos | $150 |
Visa/required documents | $400 |
Travel clinic/immunizations* | $0 |
Housing deposit | $0 |
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $2,550 |
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
Texts/materials | $0 |
Housing and/or meals not included in program fee | $200 |
Essential daily living expenses | $100 |
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $300 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $6,293 |
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $0 |
Additional Notes & Information | |
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. |
Prepare
Be aware: All programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.
If you do not currently have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months past your return date, or are still needing to apply for a new one, start the process as soon as possible. Visit the UofM Passport Office website for more information.
Apply
Complete
When you submit your online application, you will be assigned an application checklist that includes:
- First Step session
Next Steps
- After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
- Your completed application will be reviewed by the program leader in the sponsoring college/department.
- If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
- Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
- Passport Information
- Emergency Contacts
- Health Information Form
- Online Health & Safety Orientation
- Release & Waiver
- You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.