Hopkins-Nanjing Center


Five-Semester Option

Outside of the Classroom

What Is Student Life Like?

The integration of academic and residential environments offers the opportunity for students and faculty to candidly discuss critical political, economic and sociological issues facing China and the world today. Extra-curricular and co-curricular activities enhance this unique learning experience outside of the classroom, while living with a Chinese roommate nurtures long-lasting camaraderie and mutual scholastic support.

The HNC’s first-rate facilities include:

  • library
  • classrooms
  • conference center
  • auditorium
  • student residence hall
  • cafeteria
  • computer room
  • work-out room
  • rooftop terrace
  • lounge
  • laundry facilities with washers and dryers
  • recreational rooms
  • wireless Internet access
  • 24-hour hot water
  • heating/air-conditioning throughout the center

Student Interest Groups and Activities

Students, faculty and staff create a thriving academic and residential community within a bilingual, multicultural environment that deepens Sino-global understanding. Students participate in interest groups, headed by the Class Committee or banwei.

Interest groups and activities include:

  • Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition
  • Basketball Team
  • Student Business Exchange
  • Dragon Boat Team
  • Sichuan Volunteer Group
  • Extracurricular classes in erhu, calligraphy, cooking and tai chi

Research Opportunities

Hopkins-Nanjing Center students can supplement their studies by participating in center-specific research opportunities where they can put their language and research skills to use.

The Hassenfeld Social Enterprise Fund allows students to compete annually to create innovative, sustainable projects that address a social need in the Nanjing community.

Center students can collaborate with SAIS students and faculty on China research trips throughout the academic year. Recently, HNC students have been selected to take part in trips in conjunction with SAIS programs, including China Studies, Latin American Studies, and Energy, Resources and Environment.

Lectures

HNC hosts weekly lectures in both English and Chinese exclusively for the center community. In recent years, the HNC has welcomed leaders in policy, business, law and academia including:

  • Jon Huntsman Jr., former U.S. ambassador to China
  • David M. Lampton, director of the SAIS China Studies Program
  • Stephen Roach, former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia
  • Cui Tiankai, assistant minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China

Mini-Courses

Several times each semester, HNC hosts renowned practitioners from a wide range of fields to offer short-term, intensive courses geared toward providing a hands-on look at a particular aspect of Sino-global relations beyond the normal HNC curriculum. Recent examples include:

  • Analyzing Political Risk in Asia
  • Chinese Labor in Its Domestic and International Contexts
  • Global Climate Change and Environmental Law Response
  • Private Equity in China

Internships

Internships play an integral role in the overall SAIS learning experience and provide students with the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge in the field of their choice.

Past internship placements have occurred at the following organizations:

  • U.S. Department of State
  • Center for Strategic and International Studies
  • U.N. Women
  • Asian Development Bank Institute
  • Global Business Policy Council

Student Organizations

The Student Government Association in Washington, D.C., and the Class Council in Nanjing offer students a number of ways to stay involved. Organizations include the Finance Club, China Club, International Law Society, SAIS Corps Volunteer Club and many more.

Seminars

Many of SAIS's academic programs and research centers host seminar series throughout the school year. Various topics are explored through lectures and presentations made by a wide array of experts, policymakers and scholars in the field.

Details