Itinerary

We have a very exciting itinerary planned so far for our trip. Not only will we be able to visit the World Expo and learn about countries across the globe, but we will also be able to explore some of the wonders found in China.

We begin our trip on the 16th, leaving from the wonderful city of Madison, Wisconsin hometown of the Badgers to Los Angeles. From LAX we travel onto Hong Kong, and finally travel to

Shanghai. That whole trip is going to take around two days!

On the 19th we begin our exploration of the World Expo. We have four days to explore, and

will be visiting pavilions from diverse countries around the globe. Following the Expo, we will be visiting the Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, and Tianhou Silk Shop in Shanghai.

The Yu Garden, which means pleasing and satisfying in Chinese, was created in 1577 to please the family of Pan Yunduan, a government official at the time. During the centuries, the garden has undergone changes and alterations. Presently, it figures six scenic areas each with unique characteristics. Throughout the gardens are pavilions, corridors, streams, courtyards and other natural beauties.

The Jade Buddha temple was built in 1928 to preserve two jade Buddha statues salvaged from a 1882 temple which was destroyed during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. The Jade Buddha statues were originally brought from Burma by a monk. A new temple was constructed later to house these impressive relics.

Tianhou Silk Shop is oriented towards teaching tourists about the silk profession. During our tour, we will learn how Chinese silk is made and processed. This silk is incorporated into fashion and industry.

After our exploration of Shanghai, we will venture onto Beijing to continue our expedition. In Beijing, we will travel to Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven.

Tian'anmen Square is the largest city square in the world and sits at the geographical center of Beijing. With the towering Monument to the People's Heroes at the center Tian'anmen Square has the magnificent Tian'anment tower in the north, the solemn Mao Zedong Memorial Hall in the south, the National Museum of China in the east and the Great hall of the People in the west.

The Forbidden City was the imperial palace in China from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty, and presently houses the Palace Museum displaying a vast collection of artwork and artifacts of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Traditionally, ordinary people and things were not permitted to enter the sacred gates, ie, they were "forbidden" thus, the city was named. This is the largest and most well preserved imperial residence today, and was built with great attention to symbolism and meaning. For example, yellow is the symbol of the royal family in China, so it is the predominant color found in the Forbidden City.
The Temple of Heaven was built during the reign of Yongel Emperor, the same Emperor responsible for construction of the forbidden city. Royalty during the Ming and Qing Dynasties visited the Temple for religious ceremonies such as prayers for good harvest. Like the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven is built with a mind for symbolism. Earth was represented by a square, and Heaven by a circle, and several features of the temple combine these symbols representing the connection between Heaven and Earth.

Next, we will be traveling to the Great Wall of China. Later, we will be entering the Ming tombs which house the 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. The 3rd emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Yongel chose this sight, and he and his decedents all reside in this location.

The following day we will be vising Hutong of Old Beijin by rickshaw. A rickshaw is a man powered transport system which usually consists of a cyclist pulls a cart which usually seats two. Hutongs are a type of narrow street or allies lined by traditional courtyard residences. Luckily, some of the Hutongs of China are now protected from construction as culturally historical sites. We will be visiting the local market and the Summer Palace.

Unfortunately that will conclude our journey to China as we begin the return trip to UW-Madison. Students and Staff alike are getting ready for our travel through reading about China, and attending workshops. We can't wait to experience some of the things we've learned about both culturally and historically. As we gather our passports, visa materials and information, the trip seems so close, yet far off at the same time.

Wold Exposition Shanghai China 2010

The World Expo in China aims to promote the exchange of ideas and development of the wold economy, culture, science and technology to allow exhibitors to publicize and display their achievements and improve international relationships. The theme of the 2010 Expo is "Better City, Better Life". This theme represents a central concern of the international community for future policy making, urban strategies and sustainable development. Presently, countries use the pavilions at the World Expo Shanghai 2010 to platform improvements for their national images.

The World Expo is composed of five zones each of which holds individual countries pavilions. Countries across the globe converge during the World Exposition to share cultural information. Each pavilion models the history and culture found with the given country.

Attending Students

The Center for Academic Excellence is sending 16 students and 8 staff on a once in a lifetime trip to China to visit the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai China. The theme of the exposition is "Better City - Better Life" signifying Shanghai's new status in the 21st century. As a part of the mission of the Center for Academic Excellence, we hope the trip to China will help the students gain in academic and cultural competencies, teaching the students about becoming world citizens. The following students will be embarking on this great adventure mid August!

Saengthong Douangdara is a Food Science Major. Saeng said, "The event will not only expand my love for culture, but it will also help strengthen my leadership qualities through meeting foreign leaders.


Antonette Guider is majoring in Life Sciences Communication. Antonette says, "Knowledge gained from the experience would help to widen my global perspective and allow me to gain an understanding of a culture unlike my own in order to develop my cultural competencies."

Adam Lopez is majoring in Legal Studies and Chican@ & Latin@ Studies. Adam says, "This trip will help me grow into a better leader not only for the campus community but in my own community back home."


Lauren Hoeft is majoring in Communications. She says, "As the current Miss Oneida 2009-2010, this is not only my duty to be an ambassador for my people, but a passion as well."


Jonathan Martinez is majoring in Biology. Jonathan says, "To travel to China will allow me to learn and experience a new culture that I have not been exposed to."

Dan Torres is majoring in Political Science. Dan says, "Going to the World Exposition in Shanghai China and Beijing China would impact my life in ways I would not be able to imagine. Personally, it would be the greatest trip I have ever taken in my entire life."

Daniela Granados Moody is majoring in Nursing and Spanish. Daniela says, "I will be able to meet people with different struggles who have created different solutions and ideas from their struggles."


Cristina Springfield is majoring in MLIS in Library & Information Studies. Cristina says, "The expo provides insight into our world's nations, peoples, and cultures on an incredible scale that cannot be replicated in the curriculum."


Cristina Barrera is majoring in Marketing and International Business. Cristina says, "This once in a lifetime opportunity will allow me to grow in my cultural knowledge, but it would also allow me to share my experience with my peers back at the University of Wisconsin."


Julissa Oquendo is majoring in International Business and French. Julissa says, "This opportunity will help me grow as a person, as a student, and as someone with new international relationships."

Ravanna Bonds El is majoring in Biology and Anthropology. Ravanna says,"Personally, I have had very limited traveling experience. This will be my first time out of the country and even flying in a plane. This will be a big step for me and a milestone for my life."


Claudia Coria Luna is majoring in Communication Arts and English Literature. Claudia says, "To be a part of the World Expo is to be a part of every represented country of the world and at the same time a glimpse into what is possible in the future."

Alicia Montague Keels is majoring in Chinese Education. Alicia says, The skills that I foster on the expedition will help to develop my career in higher education with an emphasis in multiculturalism."

Krystal Gartley is majoring in Social Welfare. Krystal says,"I want to experience and see the ideas that are presented within this Expo as well as gain a better understanding of international relationships."

Willie Sinclair III is majoring in Retailing. Willie says, "Being a leader on campus is something that I strive to be and participating gin this trip will allow me to represent the University and myself on an international level that is incomparable."

Thomas Sannito is majoring in Secondary Education in Math. Thomas says, "I hope to use this experience to better myself as a member not only of the UW campus, but as a member of the world community."