FAQ
Q: I have never studied Chinese before. Am I eligible to apply for the program?
Yes! In fact, many of the students who enter our program have no background in Mandarin Chinese. We want students with a strong desire to achieve a high proficiency in Chinese, regardless of language background.
Q: How many students are accepted into your program each year?
A: The Chinese Language Flagship Program generally accepts between 20 & 30 students each year.
Q: Can I apply to the program if I am a current student at The University of Mississippi? Can I transfer from other schools to the Flagship Program?
A: Yes, this may be possible in principle, though each case must be considered on its own merits. Keep this in mind: all students admitted into the program are expected to achieve the Superior proficiency level, which we estimate to take five years of study for students starting with no previous knowledge of Chinese. Give us a call or e-mail us at chinese@olemiss.edu to explore the possibilities!
Q: Can international students apply to the Flagship Program?
A: International students may apply to the Chinese Language Flagship Program but are not eligible to receive Flagship scholarships from U.S. Government funds.
Q: Do I need to attend the pre-freshman year summer program?
A: It depends on your level of Chinese when accepted into the program. All students who have never studied Chinese before are required to participate in the summer program. The Academic Director of the Flagship Program will place heritage learners and those who have studied Chinese in high school at the appropriate level, with some beginning their studies at the University in late June and others beginning in the fall semester. Students who begin their study of Chinese with no prior preparation in the fall semester MAY subsequently be invited to join the Flagship but face a much shorter time in which to achieve Superior proficiency and complete their baccalaureate studies in five years.
Q: How big are Flagship classes? Do students get individual attention?
A: The Flagship Program accepts between 20 & 30 students per year, but academic classes are not expected to expand beyond 15 students and are usually smaller. Because of the small class sizes, there are ample opportunities for individual consultation with all Chinese faculty members teaching the courses.
Q: Can I major in another discipline in addition to studying Chinese?
A: Of course! In fact, the Flagship encourages students to major in the field they hope to pursue as a career. Students in the program have majored in areas such as international studies, business, chemistry, chemical engineering, history, linguistics, and journalism. Many also have a second major in Chinese.
Q: Can I arrange my own internship for the Capstone Year?
A: Yes you can, IF the internship meets Flagship requirements regarding the type of work you would be assigned and the amount of Chinese you would be using in your internship. On the other hand, internships arranged for the summer following your junior year need not meet Flagship requirements and can offer very rewarding opportunities. Flagship students have interned in China during the summer following their junior year with Microsoft, the 2008 Olympics, and a real estate firm, among others.
Q: Can graduate students be admitted into the program?
A: No. At this time, only undergraduate students are considered for admission into the program.
Q: Is there a federal government service requirement upon graduation?
A: No, there is no such requirement. Alumni can decide for themselves whether to work in the public or private sector. However, opportunities to learn about federal government employment opportunities are numerous.