Interested in Study Away?
The APU China Nursing semester offers students the opportunity to learn, serve, and engage in international healthcare. Students will be immersed in Chinese language and culture through numerous cultural activities, professional interactions in the Chinese healthcare setting, enrollment in Mandarin, and Chinese Culture/History courses at a prestigious Chinese university in HangZhou, and national travel.
This program is typically offered each spring and each fall.
Applications for Spring 2026 - Not yet available. Coming soon.
Applications for Fall 2026 - Not yet available. Coming soon.
Cohort-Style Community
Exposure to Chinese healthcare
Academic coursework at Zhejiang University
Apartment-living (walking distance from hospital)
Local transportation available
4 APU students will attend the semester together
APU prerequisites are mandatory.
Students are not allowed to take APU online courses unless designated in program elective offerings.If approved, students can only be enrolled in up to 3 online units.
Students must maintain full-time enrollment status (minimum 12 credits).
Students are automatically enrolled in APU's GLBL 425 course the semester AFTER the program.
The academic rationale focuses on three primary areas: academic enrichment, broader international health knowledge, and increased cultural awareness through the following:
Gain exposure, knowledge, and skills related to disease and conditions that are prevalent in various conditions
Expand opportunities to practice cross-cultural sensitivity and competency
Assist students in developing critical thinking skills under limited resources
Provide a contrast of international healthcare systems with healthcare in America
Offer practical experience for possible future careers overseas
HIST 235 Chinese Cultural History/Travel Study - 3 Credits
(Meets GE Requirement: Intercultural Competence)UNRS 383 International Health Nursing - 5 Credits
(1 didactic, 4 clinical; Meets GE Requirement: Intercultural Competence)UNRS 425 Nursing Research (online) - 3 Credits
UNRS 281 Introduction to Global Health Care - 1 Credit
Optional Elective: (Requires Professor Approval) One APU 100% asynchronous Bible course might be available. However, this requires written notification to professor of study away status in different time zone with the programs travel itinerary with approved response and is dependent upon use of approved and accessible wifi. Therefore, this course may not be guaranteed.
TOTAL: 12-15 Credits
*GLBL 425 (1 credit): Required course the semester AFTER the program.
$21,879 - APU Tuition (12-18 units)
$4,000 - Program Costs
Program Costs Include: Round-trip group flights, housing, all meals (through hospital), in-country transportation, limited excursions, some airport shuttles.
$100 - Required International Insurance
$370 - APU UG Services Fee
$50 - APU Study Away Fee
$755* - (Optional) APU Health Fee/Medical Insurance
Out-of-Pocket Expenses (Students Pay Directly) ~ $850
Passport, China visa, immunizations/vaccinations, pre-trip housing, souvenirs, travel days meals/snacks, laundry, personal travel, any personally added/supplemental traveler’s insurance coverage, non-required activities/excursions, airport shuttle, etc.
*Regular APU student health insurance & waiving options apply.
Charges - See above.
Financial Aid - Financial Aid Policy, APU Type 2 Program
Federal - Yes, automatically applied like regular semester.
State Aid - Yes, automatically applied like regular semester.
APU Institutional Aid - Yes, automatically applied like regular semester (with exception of athletic, music, and other aid that requires on-campus participation).
Policies - APU Catalog Financial Aid Policy for this Program. Access all related policies here.
Payment Due Dates - Same as regular APU semester payment due dates.
Financial Advising -
Program Costs - CCEL/Study Away (studyaway@apu.edu) is able to answer clarifying questions about program costs and how students are billed for the costs.
Financing & Aid - If you have questions on how to pay for or finance this study away program, please consult your financial aid officer that has access to your specific aid information through the APU Student Services Center (ssc@apu.edu).
Deposits - No deposits are necessary. You will be required to complete a Promissory Note, which will commit you to the full cost of the program.
Non-Refundable Items - If you decide to withdraw from this program after you have accepted and confirmed your participation, you will be subject to pay any fees that are non-refundable. Access the refund policy here.
Program Type - Type #2, APU Approved Exchange Program
Course Dates - Study Away 17-week Semester for the Term (see current academic calendars here)
Travel Dates (Tentative) -
Fall 2025: N/A
Spring 2025: TBD
Visa - Approved Chinese Visa required before departure (responsibility of student in partnership with School of Nursing)
Flight - Group flight travel dates & airport only.
Lodging - Shared Rooms; Dorm style within walking distance of hospital
Airport Shuttles - Yes, most are provided except for final return (see Guidebook details below)
Applications Due -
Spring Programs: October 1st
Fall Programs: January 15th
ADR Accommodation - If an ADR accommodation may be needed for any of the below items, APU’s Accessibilities & Disabilities Resources (ADR) is here to help. Accommodations may be available, but are not guaranteed for all programs/locations. It is the responsibility of the student to consult a representative of the ADR to explore all options prior to the acceptance of any program offer in order to determine if a program is in alignment with accommodation needs. More information available here under “Study Away Disability Accommodations”.
Program Risks - There are potential risks when traveling, specific to this program. All participants are required to comply with program needs and sign a waiver & agreements document upon acceptance. Some of the risks include but are not limited to items for this program's location noted through the U.S Department of State and/or the Center for Disease Control.
Physical Expectations - Include, but are not limited to significant walking each day (up to 4 miles), carrying heavy items (up to 50 lbs) such as all personal belongings up and down stairs and to/from transportation, sleeping in shared beds/rooms, air travel, and other modes of transportation.
Dietary Restrictions - Program hosts have limited ability to accommodate some dietary restrictions. Please consult with program faculty/staff (see contacts below) if you have any dietary restrictions to explore potential options.
Focus - Aspects of this program are primarily geared toward BSN students in the junior year.
Policies - Participants must fulfill and be in compliance with all current and relevant APU Study Away policies. Policies have financial and academic implications. It is the responsibility of each applicant to take the time to be aware of all policies before applying and/or committing to any program. CCEL/Study Away is available if you have any questions regarding policies (studyaway@apu.edu).
Travel Requirements - Programs are subject to meet the policies of the program’s location, host community, local government, airlines, etc including, but not limited to documentation for identification, immunizations/vaccinations, etc. If requirements change between time of application and travel, the more stringent applies.
Applicants selected will be offered a program spot that is contingent upon completing all necessary program forms and materials in a timely manner. Program materials will be organized in a Canvas site and will include but not be limited to the following: Study away academics (registration information), health & safety, forms & assignments, resources (safety, communication, participant expectations, wellness, passport/visa info processing, packing, flight itinerary, lodging reservations, cultural awareness & preparation, post-program resources, etc. Some general information can be found now at the APU Study Away site, however, all detailed program information will be provided within your programs Canvas site.
APU Nursing China Semester Guidebook - Refer to the linked guidebook for many of the details of the program.
Program Application - Complete the APU Study Away Application.
Applications Due -
Spring Programs: October 1st
Fall Programs: January 15th
Application Response - Students will receive written status regarding their application within 2-4 weeks from their application due date to the APU email.
Study Away 101 Completion - If offered a program placement, you will be sent a link to self-enroll in the APU Study Away Canvas course to complete all APU forms/preparation in order to be fully accepted to the program.
“I believe that I learned more about intercultural health than I would have if I would have stayed in the states. I also learned some Mandarin which is something I would have never tried without going to China. I gained a broader knowledge of the role of the nurse and how the primitive care of compassion as a nurse is universal.”
- Breanne, Nursing Major