Introduction to the China Program 2010  - China In Contrasts

The New York Times introduction to their four-part series states that China is "the scene of the most extraordinary economic, social and political transformation of our time.  But it is also a nation struggling with an enormous population, a strained environment, an unequal distribution of wealth and opportunity."  Here is where the largest human migration of poeple has taken place in all of human history over the past few decades.  Here is a place where Walmart becomes almost like a nation representing China's seventh of eighth leading trading partner if it were a nation.  Here is where opportunity for wealth exists and where capitalism and communism have been shaped by a unique Chinese character.  As the New York Times points out, however, China struggles as it defines itself as a leading power for this century.   This program is designed to help you understand the dynamics taking place in China.  This is an opportunity to not only visit China and see some of the most well known sites in the world, but also to explore the directions that China will take over the next decade or so.

What You Will Gain
  • Greater global awareness
  • Experience with research
  • Knowledge of Chinese culture
  • Global Citizenship Certificate (based on qualifications)
  • Insights in economic and social changes taking place in China
  • Reflection on your own values in contrast to those of another culture
  • Ability to build your resume
  • Understanding of ethical responsibilities in a global world
  • Friendships
  • Memories

What is the MCC China Study Program?

 

Study Abroad in China

MAY 21 - JUNE 21, 2010

An Innovative Program that Enables Student Interaction, Skill Building and Perspectives on a Global World

Hosted by: SIAS International University (Henan Province) - Wuyi University (Guangdong Province) - Teachers College of Beijing Union University (Beijing)

Faculty: Elizabeth Ursic (Religious Studies) and Richard Effland (Anthropology)

Approximate Cost: $3,780*

If you have an interest in going on the China 2009 Study Abroad, please contact China Study Abroad Coordinator - Richard Effland (reffland@mac.com)

(Read Dr. Effland's reflection on 10 years of experience in China)

Program Stengths:

You interact with Chinese students at several universities.

You don't need to know Chinese - the students will know English!

Explore the critical importance of China today and earn 4 college credits. IGS291 (G, L1) and GLO298 (Capstone for the Academic Certificate for Global Citizenship.)

Learn about the Academic Certificate of Global Citizenship

It is imperative that our students are capable both of integrating a broad range of disciplines and understanding a broad range of cultures in a rapidly changing world. - Michael Crow, President of ASU (2006)
This is a program that is an exchange taking students to China and bringing students from China

The program has a much broader context than just an exchange taking students to China. It is a program that has mutual benefits with our partners in China and has been and is a dynamically evolving program. It involves a number of diverse elements that help people in China and the United States better understand each other. Read about the program here.

The Chinese intend to compete on a global basis economically, militarily, culturally - and every other conceivable way. - Michael Crow, President of ASU (2006)

Visit two of the most dynamic and important places in the world. Interact with college students and investigate Chinese culture from an Anthropological and Economic perspective. Travel will include one week in Beijing visiting the Great Wall, Forbidden City and other historical and cultural places and three weeks in southern China between Guangzhou and Hong Kong. Explore culture and business in the Pearl River Delta. Confront a different culture and learn about your own. Learn experientially about Anthropology and the economic revolution taking place in China today.

You will be enrolled courses for the first summer session. There will be learning materials provided during the spring semester, which will introduce Chinese history and culture as well as economic changes that have taken place since 1978 when China opened to the outside world. You will be responsible for individualized study in China as part of an independent research program you will define. This makes this program a true study abroad experience where you will be asking the questions that matter to you. Your final report will be published in iTunes University as part of Mesa Community College's contribution.

Housing is provided by the universities we visit. You will interact with faculty from MCC who have experience in China. There will be classes taught by Chinese faculty on the geography, economics, traditional medicine, and education. There will be excursions to museums, cultural parks, temples, the American Consulate in Guangzhou, schools, hospitals, and other attractions. There will be time for socializing with your new Chinese friends and, of course, for shopping. (If you want language lessons while in China, these can be arranged.)

Maps of the Wuyi Region

*Costs includes airfare, meals, lodging, tuition and registration. The estimated trip to China is $3,750. This includes all travel expenses relating to air fares from Phoenix to Beijing round trip and from Beijing to Zhenzhou to Guangzhou in China, lodging in China for one month, food, and costs of excursions as well as the 4 credits. You can estimate that you may spend approximately $300 at most on souvenirs and gifts for family and friends while in China.

    WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:

    1. Prior to going to China you will review four documentaries on China: the PBS Series China from the Inside; an Ambrica Production China: A Century of Revolution, the New York Times' China Rises, and the PBS Frontline Series Young & Restless in China.

    http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/youngchina/
    http://www.ambrica.com/chinatrilogy.html
    http://www.pbs.org/kqed/chinainside/
    http://www.nytimes.com/specials/chinarises/intro/index.html

    You also will explore readings from the Internet on Chinese culture and history (Columbia University and materials prepared by Richard Effland, Anthropology at MCC).

    You will also prior to their visit explore a packet of readings designed to help shape a view of how to accept social responsibility in a foreign culture and complete a Human Subjects Research orientation.

    You will also be responsible for the following:

    • You will complete a self-evaluation of their goals and expectations pertaining to the study abroad experience.
    • You will assess their knowledge of China and identify a list of tasks to enhance their knowledge of China.
    • You will explore and analyze ethics of involvement and identify their responsibilities to others prior to going to China.
    • You will be exposed to the concept of culture shock, learn about the different forms it can take and ways to minimize associated effects during the immersion experience and upon re-entry to the U.S prior to departure.
    • You will develop a one-page prospectus of what they intend to learn from the trip.  This will define their research objectives.

    2. You will conduct under-graduate research while in China. The three areas we will visit are markedly different - Henan is the most populated province in China; Guangdong the richest; and Beijing is the political center of China.

    3. You will interact with Chinese students at different universities with a focus on a set of questions designed to explore the attitudes and values these youth have for China and its future.

    4. You will write two reports following their study abroad experience.  One will form the reflective capstone for an Academic Certificate of Global Citizenship (one to two pages in length).  The other will be part of a collaborative research report that the group submits to MCC's iTunes University for dissemination.