fulbright-hays seminars abroad program ~ China 2014
I was part of a group of educators given the opportunity to travel to China to participate in the Fulbright Hays Summer Seminar Program to China. The Department of Education transfers funds through the State Department to Fulbright commissions in various countries, in this case the National Committee on U.S.- China Relations, to pay the costs associated with administering seminars. This partnership allows the program to use the services and expertise of binational organizations to plan and conduct seminars for U.S. educators.
China’s increasing global influence presents a need for U.S. educators to fully understand its transformation into a worldwide economic powerhouse and related challenges. This Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program offered us a unique in-country study experience for to examine China’s history, culture, society, and economy.
Prior to international departure, we gathered in the San Francisco area for a two- and-a-half-day pre-departure orientation program. We attended introductory briefings on topics such as Chinese culture, society and language, as well as the educational, political, and economic systems.
Once in China, our itinerary included meetings, site visits, and discussions in four cities chosen to show different aspects of China.
While in Beijing, explored the capital city and visited educational and economic institutions where we heard lectures on Chinese history, politics, economics, and education. Site visits to government agencies, media outlets, and historic and cultural sites were also included. Notable. Although all of it was amazing, things that made an impact on me included Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, The Great Wall, dinner at Hutong Ren Jia, The Central Academy of Fine Arts, Peking University and the Dandelion School. I heard one of the best speakers of my life while in Beijing whose name is Professor Wu Qing who spoke about the need
Xi’an, otherwise known as the “cradle of Chinese civilization,” was the next city we traveled to by bullet train. It is located in central China and was the capital for eleven Chinese dynasties. We heard lectures on politics, government, ethnic minorities, as well as on the social and economic aspects of the “Develop the West” policy. We visited one of the things I wanted to see most, the Qin Terra-Cotta Warriors of China. Crowded, hot and amazing all come to mind when I think of it.
Chongqing China was our next stop. This city is also referred to as the "furnace" of China. It was one of the hottest cities I have ever been in. Chongqing is the largest direct-controlled municipality in China, and comprises 21 districts, 13 counties, and 4 autonomous counties. We visited schools, were placed with a host family for an afternoon, and toured the city everyday learning about the city's role, contributions and sacrifices in WWII. It is a modern port city on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, so we were lucky enough to tour the city by boat as well.
Shanghai is widely recognized as one of the most dynamic cities in the world and was the last city we visited. We spent several days examining topics including the history of colonial involvement in China, the rise of China’s Communist Party, current urban issues, and the city’s unique economic contribution to the country. One of the most fascinating aspects of Shanghai is its architecture. The buildings were absolutely incredible.
The National Committee on United States - China Relations and The China Education Association for International Exchange administered the Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program on behalf of the United States Department of Education.
China’s increasing global influence presents a need for U.S. educators to fully understand its transformation into a worldwide economic powerhouse and related challenges. This Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program offered us a unique in-country study experience for to examine China’s history, culture, society, and economy.
Prior to international departure, we gathered in the San Francisco area for a two- and-a-half-day pre-departure orientation program. We attended introductory briefings on topics such as Chinese culture, society and language, as well as the educational, political, and economic systems.
Once in China, our itinerary included meetings, site visits, and discussions in four cities chosen to show different aspects of China.
While in Beijing, explored the capital city and visited educational and economic institutions where we heard lectures on Chinese history, politics, economics, and education. Site visits to government agencies, media outlets, and historic and cultural sites were also included. Notable. Although all of it was amazing, things that made an impact on me included Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, The Great Wall, dinner at Hutong Ren Jia, The Central Academy of Fine Arts, Peking University and the Dandelion School. I heard one of the best speakers of my life while in Beijing whose name is Professor Wu Qing who spoke about the need
Xi’an, otherwise known as the “cradle of Chinese civilization,” was the next city we traveled to by bullet train. It is located in central China and was the capital for eleven Chinese dynasties. We heard lectures on politics, government, ethnic minorities, as well as on the social and economic aspects of the “Develop the West” policy. We visited one of the things I wanted to see most, the Qin Terra-Cotta Warriors of China. Crowded, hot and amazing all come to mind when I think of it.
Chongqing China was our next stop. This city is also referred to as the "furnace" of China. It was one of the hottest cities I have ever been in. Chongqing is the largest direct-controlled municipality in China, and comprises 21 districts, 13 counties, and 4 autonomous counties. We visited schools, were placed with a host family for an afternoon, and toured the city everyday learning about the city's role, contributions and sacrifices in WWII. It is a modern port city on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, so we were lucky enough to tour the city by boat as well.
Shanghai is widely recognized as one of the most dynamic cities in the world and was the last city we visited. We spent several days examining topics including the history of colonial involvement in China, the rise of China’s Communist Party, current urban issues, and the city’s unique economic contribution to the country. One of the most fascinating aspects of Shanghai is its architecture. The buildings were absolutely incredible.
The National Committee on United States - China Relations and The China Education Association for International Exchange administered the Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program on behalf of the United States Department of Education.