During our evening program students will hear from a diverse selection of speakers from Shanghai as well as other parts of China.  Speakers will share their experiences and background, and discuss issues ranging from China’s internet environment, journalism, entrepreneurship, to ethnic minorities, and rural China.

Our speakers include:

• Writers and artists
• Ethnic minorities and others from rural China
• Businessmen and professionals
• Local government officials
• Western journalists
• Leaders from NGOs

The format of the speaker sessions is casual and interactive.  Students will be encouraged to ask questions and engage in informal exchanges with the speakers.

Chinese films are an interesting and powerful medium for introducing Western students to China’s unique culture and history.  Our evening film sessions will include a selection of popular and award-winning movies, followed by informal discussions on the social, historical, and cultural context portrayed in each movie.

It is a fundamental aspect of a successful China study program that students have abundant opportunities to meet and mix with their Chinese peers.

Visiting Chinese Homes: All students will visit the home of a Shanghai high school student for dinner and discussions with the family.  Other experiences associated with specific courses or events will also include visits to Chinese homes.

Chinese Roommates: Chinese high school students from Shanghai will join the program and live in our dormitory.  Western and Chinese students will learn a great deal about each other through class discussions, collaborative projects, and impromptu dormitory discussions.

Hangzhou Homestay: During our visit to Hangzhou, students may opt for homestay. We believe that staying with a Chinese high school student during the three-day/two-night visit is one of the most meaningful experiences of the program.

Chinese Teaching Assistants: Living and working for four weeks with our Chinese TAs will provide an unparalleled opportunity to get to know some of the best Chinese college students.  Students will most likely find that some of the most wide-ranging and in-depth discussions during their program come from their discussions with the TAs.

From all of these interactions, both planned and spontaneous, our students will gain unique insights into contemporary China and form their own opinions of what China is and where its future lies.