CLIC SDU Archaeology Summer Program
Study ancient archaeology in China this summer!
What better place to study archaeology than in China, one of the world’s most ancient civilizations? Few countries can trace a continuous history back to the Paleolithic Age – making China an academically rewarding destination for humanities students.
Key information
Program details
The information below was last updated in 2025
The Summer School on Chinese Archaeology investigates China’s most significant archaeological discoveries. Your studies begin with Early Chinese Civilization, examining the discoveries in the Yellow River and Yangtze River and the origins of Chinese diet and agriculture. By studying China in the context of ancient East Asia, you’ll learn about the shift from Shang Dynasty to Zhou Dynasty, and the politics and cultures of the powerful Qin, Han and Tang Dynasties. Also discussed is the political significance of bronze, and the communication between east and west on the famous Silk Road.
This program provides learning opportunities both inside and outside of the university. Your studies will take you to museums, national parks, and laboratories for insight on how technology and collaboration assist archaeological research. Field trips to excavations conducted by Shangdong University will illuminate Shangdong’s Qilu culture, which is the typical representative of Chinese culture. This program also covers today’s opportunities and challenges in Chinese cultural heritage protection.
For more information about the course, see syllabus here. Students will receive credit for Archaeology 325 at UCalgary.
June 19- July 19, 2026
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Costs
Costs
Students are responsible for their flights, health insurance, visas, vaccinations, food, and their additional travel budgets.
While many of the in country costs during the program are covered by the CLIC funding described below, students should plan to have access to sufficient funds for the first month of their program as the stipend functions more like a reimbursement since it's not disbursed until at least 2-4 weeks into the program.
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Funding
CLIC funding is provided through two different sources: the CLIC Member Institution and the China Scholarship Council (CSC).
CLIC-CSC funding is provided to all students of CLIC Universities studying in China. This funding includes:
- tuition costs paid to Shandong
- housing subsidy at Shandong (if living in on-campus housing)
- monthly stipend (paid in China, usually towards the end of the program)
- free Chinese medical coverage (although students will still be required to purchase a Canadian travel medical plan to supplement the Chinese coverage)
The CLIC Member Institutions have also provided funding towards these programs. University of Calgary students will receive this funding through the CLIC Grant (amount to be determined based on number of eligible participants.)
Accommodation is provided as part of the program.
This exchange is open to regular, full-time students at the University of Calgary, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5(B-).
Students from history, archaeology, anthropology, and other humanities or social science fields are preferred.
- Only Canadian citizens under 45 years old are eligible to receive CLIC support.
- Only full-time students from CLIC member universities are eligible to receive CLIC support.
- Students may only receive CLIC support for one summer program throughout their academic career.
- If you are already receiving a scholarship from the China Scholarship Council, you will not be eligible to receive CLIC support.
- Dual citizenship is illegal for Chinese citizens. Please make sure that you do not have Chinese citizenship before you enjoy CLIC benefits.
- The students need to use Canadian passports and Chinese student visas to enter China and register at their Chinese host universities to enjoy CLIC benefits.
Have questions?
The advisor for the program is: Tara Jorgensen
How to Apply
Download the application guide
This PDF contains information on how to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We recommend applying for your top three programs for the priority application deadline, as placement may be competitive. We will assess your applications in ranked order.
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary by program, so check the individual program pages and make sure that you are aware of any different application deadlines or eligibility requirements.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.