The Missouri School of Journalism has been chosen to select 12 journalism students to volunteer and earn three hours of course credit at the 2009 China Open in Beijing. The games will bring to China the top ATP and WTA male and female tennis athletes from around the world. China Open will attract 300,000 spectators and will be broadcast to 1.2 billion viewers in 60 countries. This is an amazing opportunity to cover an international event.
Volunteer students will be paired with a professional tennis athlete from either the WTA or ATP. Our students will be filing daily stories about their assigned tennis pro for Beijing Youth Daily, with a circulation of approximately 600,000 in Beijing alone. Additionally, students will provide stories for CCTV Channel 5, and the China Open Web site (http://www.chinaopen.com.cn/en/2009/). Students will work at the event venues which previously hosted the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Program participation is open to both graduate and undergraduate students. In order to be considered for the program, applicants must have been admitted to any journalism sequence, have completed the first course in that sequence. Additionally, participants must receive permission from professors to be absent from classes during the program dates, and make necessary arrangements to complete all course requirements during that time.
In addition to working as a volunteer at the China Open Event, you will also learn a great deal about the Chinese culture through an intensive upper-level journalism course taught during your first three weeks on campus in the fall. The 2009 China Open will attract international players and media. We encourage all journalism students to review the information posted on the China Open Web site, and to contact the School of Journalism Study Abroad Office.
Eligibility
Students with a minimum of 3.0 GPA who have completed the first course in their sequence by the start of the program are eligible for admission to the 2009 China Open program. All students must be in good academic standing with a clear disciplinary record.
While foreign language proficiency is not required, preference will be given to students with multilingual experience.
Course Credit
Program participation offers you three hours of upper-level journalism elective credit. Classes will begin on-campus during the weeks prior to departure for Beijing.
Costs
The Missouri School of Journalism attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable for you. Generally, study abroad experiences cost somewhat more than credits taken on-campus. Participation in this program includes significant professional experience as well as experience with international cultures and languages.
The cost for the 2009 China Open Program is $2,450. Included in this fee are housing accommodations, transportation, most meals and on-site instruction by Missouri School of Journalism professor. Regular MU tuition and fees (3 Credits) will be billed to your university account in addition to the program fee.
Please note that there are scholarships and other financial options available to you to help make study abroad part of your college experience.
Financial Aid
The financial aid you normally receive for your classes at MU is usually applicable. Additional grants, loans or scholarships may be available to offset the extra costs of studying abroad. Please meet with the advisor for study abroad financing at the MU Financial Aid Office (11 Jesse Hall) for more complete information: 573-882-7506.
The School of Journalism offers need-based travel scholarships each semester. Applications are available on our Web site. You can also apply for additional scholarships through the MU International Center (Memorial Union). Watch our Web site for special program scholarship announcements each semester.
Housing
Housing for student volunteers will be provided by the China Open Organization. Student housing will be located near the event venues. Shuttle transportation to and from the games will be provided as well.
How to Apply
Deadline for this Program: May 8, 2009
It is recommended that all applicants meet with either the Journalism Study Abroad Coordinator or Advisor prior to applying. Please submit the following application materials in a manila envelope to the Journalism Study Abroad Coordinator, 76 Gannett by the posted deadline. Interviews will be conducted at the time applications are received. Subsequent phone interviews may be required.
Required Application Documents:
Two letters of recommendation. We prefer one to be from an academic source and one from an employer. Please have references direct letters "To Whom It May Concern." [Recommendation Form]
PDF File: 130K
An official transcript.
Deposit of $500 and Deposit Form; must pay to Cashier's Office in 15 Jesse Hall.
PDF File: 136K
Resume. Submit hard copy with application packet and e-mail electronic version to
