Our China program is administered mainly by persons of color who have lived and/or studied in China for an extended period of time.

Our mission is to not only help increase the number of minority students going abroad, but also insure that they have a very successful and rewarding experience. Study Abroad can be a daunting experience for any student, even more so for students of color who are more likely to be traveling overseas for the first time. Couple this with the rigors of studying a foreign language and adjusting to a new culture, going abroad can be a very ’hard landing’, especially China.

The uniqueness of our program lies in our staff of highly experienced African American professionals who have lived and worked in China for a combined 20 years. Coupled with our Chinese staff we definitely have the experience and expertise to provide not only the logistical but emotional support you will need in order to have a successful experience in China.

However, do not think for one moment that you will be in a limited environment. You will have more than ample opportunity to meet and make friends with people from all over the world.

Our China Study Abroad Program is designed for those students who have little or no previous experience with China. Most of our students have either an intellectual curiosity in China and/or business aspirations that may require a familiarity if not mastery of the country. Students attend Chinese class in the morning and work in the afternoon. Elective class usually meet meets twice or three times a week and is taught by a Western expert on China. When possible we invite minority scholars in Asian studies to teach on our programs.

This summer’s Professor-in-Residence is Dr. James Gillam, Professor of Asian History at Spelman College. Students will also attend a couple of social networking functions whose purpose is to introduce them to African American expatriates, Chinese professionals, and other international citizens living and working in China. The final aspect of the program are the weekend excursions to various sightseeing locations in and around Beijing to introduce students to traditional Chinese culture.

Program Goals and Objectives: By the end of the program students should have a foundation in spoken and written Mandarin Chinese, an appreciation and understanding of the history and culture of China and its people, and a burgeoning network of both indigenous Chinese and foreign expatriates living and working in China.

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