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 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

Program Stengths:

You interact with Chinese students at two 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 that will make you better prepared for the Global World.

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

Why Should I Participate in this study abroad? (PDF)

Build your resume and credentials

GLO298AA (Global Citizenship)

Statement on Ethical Conduct as a Participant

Do Service for the Community and Pay for your Study Abroad Experience

Explore AmeriCorps and the A New Leaf Program

    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; 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 experience another culture and confront your own.  You will build your resume and skills while providing service.

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)

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 two weeks in Beijing visiting the Great Wall, Forbidden City and other historical and cultural places and two weeks in Henan Province near Zhengzhou. Confront a different culture and learn about your own. Learn experientially about 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.

Housing is provided by the universities we visit. You will interact with faculty from MCC who have experience in China. You will gain from the experience in ways that will better position you for the future.

*Costs includes estimated airfare, meals, lodging, tuition and registration. This includes all travel expenses relating to visas and travel from Beijing to Zhenzhou, train fares to Xi'an, lodging in China for one month, food, and all entry fees to places we will see. You can estimate that you may spend approximately $300 at most on souvenirs and gifts for family and friends while in China. Cost of airfare to and from Phoenix and Beijing is calculated in the cost but you will be required to purchase the tickets individually but we will travel as a group.