Miami, June 10, 2013 – Ten Miami Dade College (MDC) students from varying disciplines were selected to attend a two-week cultural study abroad “summer camp” at the Beijing International Chinese College in Beijing. Held from July 1-14, the highly selective program promotes dialogue and understanding between youth in China and the US.
Of the 29 students selected nationally, MDC’s students represent the largest group from the US and will join students from other prominent colleges, including the University of Chicago, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Arizona State University, among others. At the camp, students will visit world famous cultural sites such as the Great Wall of China, local universities, high schools and meet with Chinese families. In addition to taking Mandarin language classes, students will learn Tai Chi, paper-cutting, Chinese yo-yo playing, painting, calligraphy and take part in a tea ceremony.
Sponsored by Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters in Beijing and organized by the Beijing International Chinese College (BICC), the program pays for lodging, tours, language classes and meals.
MDC’s prestigious Confucius Institute was instrumental in identifying prospective students for the summer camp. “We are thrilled that ten of our students have been admitted to this highly selective summer camp in Beijing. Applicants must show good academic performance and have a willingness to explore other cultures,” said Dr. Xuejun (Jim) Yu, Director of MDC’s Confucius Institute. “I am very impressed with our students who are taking on this life-changing learning opportunity.”
The increased number of MDC students selected this year reflects a growing enthusiasm for Chinese language and culture. MDC’s Confucius Institute has played a key role in supporting the college’s rich and thriving study abroad programs in China, which provides students with opportunities to gain an understanding of the social, cultural and economic issues of this fastest growing country in the world. Through such international exposure, members of the MDC community will be prepared to compete in the global marketplace and serve effectively as citizens and leaders of our increasingly globalized society.
For more information, contact Dr. Xuejun (Jim) Yu at 305- 237-7581 or xyu@mdc.edu.