China Incarnate Word FAQ
Q: I am not familiar with China Incarnate Word (CIW). Can you describe it?
A: The most distinguishing aspect of CIW is that for the first time, students can earn an accredited American college degree without having to leave China.
While many parents wish for their children to study abroad, the costs can be prohibitive. Expenses can range from 120,000 to 160,000 RMB annually, with four-year costs reaching 500,000 to 600,000 RMB. It can also be difficult to obtain the proper visas.
To address these problems, South China Normal University and the University
of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas, arranged for the establishment
of China Incarnate Word. CIW courses are taught by professors from
the United States, with materials developed at Incarnate Word. While
Chinese professors teach a few English, mathematics, and biology courses,
all other instruction is done in English.
Chinese students who are graduates of high schools, vocational schools and junior
colleges may apply to CIW. At CIW, students may earn an associate's degree in
two to three years. Then they may stay at CIW to earn a bachelor's degree, or
travel abroad to complete a bachelor's degree in one to two years. CIW is the
only university in China that can offer an accredited American college degree
without the student having to leave China.
Q: How much does China Incarnate Word cost?
A: The annual cost is about 40,000 RMB, including books, room and board.
Q: What about the boarding program?
A: Currently, rooms accommodate four or six students and include a shower, bathroom and patio. Some rooms have air conditioning. Rooms for single students and pairs of students are under development.
Q: What if a student is not good at English?
A: CIW is designed specifically to further the English-language skills of its students. While in class, students must converse with instructors and peers in English. Textbooks are in English, and homework must also be completed in English.
The student’s first semester at CIW includes English language classes, taught by both American and Chinese instructors. Subsequent classes are in all English.
Q: What kinds of degrees are awarded?
A: After two to three years, students may receive an Associate’s degree
from the University of the Incarnate Word. They may then continue on to earn
a bachelor’s degree from UIW. The Southern Association of Colleges and Universities,
one of six accrediting agencies in the United States, has approved UIW to grant
Associate's degrees, as well as Bachelor’s,
Master’s
and Doctoral degrees.
The influx of international companies that is accompanying China’s entry
into the World Trade Organization will allow Chinese students with an American
college degree to take advantage of many favorable government policies through
opportunities with these companies at home as well as abroad.
Q: What do most students do after graduation?
A: When students receive their Associate’s degree from China Incarnate
Word, they may either pursue employment in China, stay at CIW to pursue
a bachelor’s degree, or travel abroad to pursue their bachelor’s
degrees. They will have several options for doing this, including:
- Studying for a bachelor’s degree at the UIW campus in the United States.
- Studying for a bachelor's degree at CIW in China.
- Studying at an English-language university outside of China. CIW’s English-intensive environment will fully prepare Chinese students for this type of study abroad.
- Additionally, the University of the Incarnate Word has sister school agreements for reciprocal education with more than 70 universities in over 20 countries. Most will have no problems accepting students with college degrees from University of the Incarnate Word. The cost of studying and living in those countries is comparable to that in China.
Q: What is the University of the Incarnate Word like?
A: Located in San Antonio, Texas, Incarnate Word has more than 4,000 students at its main campus in the historic Alamo Heights district. This includes international students from over 30 countries. The university offers more than 70 fields of study from the undergraduate and graduate levels (including the doctorate) in such areas as business, nursing, communications and many others.
Q: Do students need to take the TOEFL test after graduation to study abroad?
A: No. TOEFL is used by universities in the United States and other English-speaking countries to determine if students from non-English speaking countries have the English proficiency to study abroad. Since graduates of China Incarnate Word will have degrees from an accredited U.S. university, they will not have to take the test.
Q: Do students need to take admissions tests to get into other universities for bachelor’s degrees?
A: All CIW graduates receive associate's degrees, an important determinant that they have the capabilities to continue on their way to a bachelor's degree. Therefore, they do not usually need to take further tests. Acceptance is guaranteed at the University of the Incarnate Word, and nearly all of its sister schools.
Q: Are there any additional costs for assisting students in preparing documents and applying for visas?
A: Only CIW graduates enjoy the assistance of CIW international staff in preparing visa applications. While there are fees to cover the basic costs of assistance, they are much, much less than most other Chinese companies.
