It was an unusual experience for Pauline Schwatz and ten other students from the College of St Scholastica when they participated in a three-day short-term programme at UIC from 21 to 23 October.
Though it was short, the programme enabled them to tap into the real China through theoretical lessons and field trips and to enhance their understanding of the country.
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| The study group attended a lecture on China’s economic development in the past few decades given by Dr Darren Weng, Assistant Professor of the Division of Business and Management. |
A visit to the Art Hill to experience Chinese archery and guqin exposed them to some traditional Chinese culture and to UIC’s Whole Person Education.
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| Archery teacher Mr Li Junyang briefed the visitors on the history and spirit of Chinese archery and taught them some techniques. |
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| In the gracefully furnished guqin house, instructor Ms Mandy Li played a famous, ancient song written by Li Bai, a prominent poet from the Tang Dynasty. The guests sat down attentively and listened to the delightful performance. |
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| Director of International Development Office Dr Katharina Yu and other staff members welcomed the visitors from the US at a dinner. |
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| Visiting the Qi'ao Island, Zhuhai. |
In addition, Pauline was excited about the one-day trips to Zhuhai and Macao which she thinks are different from Beijing and Shanghai.
“The programme was amazing, especially the visit to one of Zhuhai’s companies,” she said. The visit gave her a better understanding of the manufacturing process and how the process can be more efficient.
One of Pauline’s classmates said, “UIC is much more similar to our college than any other college in China. It’s not just about academia. You have lots of opportunities here.”
Pauline’s teacher and study group leader, Ellen Hinrichs, believes her students will benefit from the programme in which they have communicated with local Chinese people and received lectures from some of UIC’s professors.
Reporters: Zhou Wenxuan (IJ, Year One), Raffie Hu (FM, Year Two), Chloe Yan (IDO)
Photographers: Xie Yi (CCM, Year One), Raffie Hu (FM, Year Two), Chloe Yan (IDO)
Editor: Deen He
(from MPRO, with special thanks to the ELC)
