LEICESTER, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--De Montfort University (DMU) media student Elizabeth Davie will be jetting off to China this summer after she was chosen from more than 2,500 applicants for the Study China programme.

Study China is a government funded three week study programme giving students in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the chance to learn about China, its language, and its culture.

Elizabeth, 21, said: “I’m naturally a person that likes to explore the world and I thought this would be a fantastic opportunity to engage with another culture. I was elated when I found out I had been chosen.”

About 200 students from England have been picked for the programme, which will take place from 10 to 30 July 2010.

Elizabeth, who is currently studying BA (Hons) Media Studies, Photography and Video at DMU in Leicester, England, will spend her placement at East China Normal University in Shanghai. She will take lessons in Mandarin, Chinese calligraphy and art, Taichi, and the Chinese economy.

Elizabeth added: “The chance to study in China will add another dimension to my work for my degree. With my multicultural awareness of how art is perceived in different regions of the world, I have been fascinated by China’s long history in this area.

“In my work, I have found inspiration from such photographers as Don Wensheng and Luo Yongjin, the sculptural work of Wang Xieda, and in art I have enjoyed the unique way the Peasants’ Paintings in the Jinshan region have portrayed the everyday life of China.

“I plan to make a photo and film documentary of my visit to record the everyday life of the Chinese and learn from their dreams and aspirations. Throughout my visit, I will take every chance to find out more about the Chinese culture, food, music and landscape.”

Andy Gale, International Student Support Officer at DMU, said: “We’re delighted to hear that Elizabeth has been selected for the Study China programme – she’s done really well, given the popularity of the programme and the high number of applicants. Elizabeth already has a clear appreciation of Chinese art and culture and I’m sure that this visit will give her even greater insight into the country. We wish her a fantastic trip.”