China holds a wealth of beauty, history and amazing sights. We will only have the privilege to sample the culture, however, we are all extremely excited to begin our explorations. We asked all the student travelers what attraction they were most excited to see, and got a variety of responses!
What attraction in China are you most excited for and why?
In general, I am extremely excited to see any attraction in China! I am looking forward to experiencing the culture and learning about the customs and values that are shared in China. If I had to choose one attraction that I am the most excited about I would have to say the Great Wall of China is the most exciting. My reason being is that it is the only place that I heard about when China was ever discussed. In my mind, it seems as though it is almost not real because of how famous it is and I don't even know how to grasp the fact that I will actually be there. That will be a very exciting feeling to be standing on something that is known worldwide. However, I feel that actually being there and seeing various other places, my knowledge and feelings will expand and my answer may change. But for now, that dream is only weeks away.
Krystal Gartley
I am most excited to see the World Exposition Pavilions of China, the Ivory Coast, and Mexico particularly, but also excited to see the World Expo in general. I look forward to visiting schools, libraries, and hospitals to see how the Chinese manage their public/ private services. I would also love a chance to meet and talk to the youth of China to learn about their point of views about the world. Of course I am also excited to see the Great Wall of China!
Claudia Coria-Luna
The place that I am so happy to visit is the world expo. This opportunity will give me the chance to visit one of the most important festivals around the world were many countries get together to share their culture, architecture, technology, economics aspects, and more. I am pursuing a double major in International Business and French and this will be an eye opening for me to know what is happening in other countries around the world as they expose their country at the world exposition in China.
Julissa Oquendo
I'm most excited to see all of the people in general. I'm looking forward to seeing how people dress and how similar or different it is to western culture. From what I've heard, China is a great place to get inspiration for fashion. Another thing I'm excited to do is shop at the markets and hopefully learn to negotiate prices.
Willie Sinclair III
I'm most excited about the Great Wall of China along with the food. I know the Great Wall is a very tourist component of China, but the pictures I've seen just make it seem so mesmerizing. I also saw that one morning we have scheduled a breakfast buffet and am REALLY hoping it's all Chinese food. I absolutely can't wait to try REAL Chinese food! Another part of China I'm most excited about is the shopping and bargaining. It all just seems so fun!
Daniela Moody
The attraction that I am most excited for is the Forbidden City. Living in the U.S. and visiting historic sites is interesting, but the history does not date back nearly as far as China’s history. It is something so unexplainable and interesting about being able to walk on the same grounds that famous emperor’s once walked upon. In my opinion, visiting the Forbidden City is the ultimate experience upon visiting China.
Alicia Montague-Keels
I am so excited to attend the world expo. I could say I’m also excited to see the Great Wall; however, it has been there for a while, and it will still be there for a while. The expo 2010 won’t be an event that I can go to again whenever I want/ afford to travel in the future, so it is what I am the most excited about. I am so thrilled to see many people from all over the world come together and share their many different points of views on “BetterCity. Better Life.”
Cristina Barrera
The Great Wall is first on my list because of its involvement in war history; it was built to protect the people of China and keep out invaders. Also throughout my education whenever I learned about China, the Great Wall was always discussed. Plus it’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World and some day I hope to see the other six. Such a massive structure built at a time with such limited resources is remarkable. To be able to step foot on it will make a dream I’ve forever had come true.
Next would be Tian’anmen Square for its protest of 1989. Even though I was not old enough to witness it first hand, in fact I was only a few months old, but the bravery of the unknown man who stood in front the tanks cannot be forgotten. Although many were not killed by tanks, (machine guns were primary) it was the silent but bold gesture that said a lot to the Chinese government. Unfortunately, it does not seem as though people heard him.
Antonette Guider
I am too excited to see all the different attractions to pick one, but I know it will be amazing to see the buildings. Many of the speakers talked about our visual senses being overly stimulated, and I can’t imagine it. I enjoy seeing the huge buildings in the United States when I go to a big city, so I know it will be amazing to see the Chinese buildings.
Saeng Douangdara
The attraction I am most excited about would have to be the Temple of Heaven. I’ve always been fascinated by the architecture of some of the traditional palaces and temples of China. My first memory of the Temple of Heaven was in sixth grade when we studied China; I remember watching a video on Tiananmen Square, and wanting to visit the Temple of Heaven. It is a tall iconic temple on an open square. I think the other location I’m most excited to see is a break dancing session. I’ve talked to Jarius before about his experience with Hip Hop in Macau, China, and I’m really want to see and experience Hip-Hop culture in another country.
Thomas Sannito
I am most excited to visit the Forbidden City-- the name sounds so dangerous and exciting. I guess I probably have a very exotic-ized view of the place and its history from movies, and I can't wait to be there and imagine all of the emperors, their family, and their staff living and working there. I don't know if I'll be let down or totally blown away after visiting a place I have such expectations for.
Cristina Springfield
I'm most excited to experience the world expo mainly because I really don't know what it is, I just know it's a historic festival that takes place in China. I'm also very excited about shopping in China because the apparel is very cheap along with many other types of material that can be bought.
Dan Torres
What I am most excited about is just experiencing the atmosphere of China. I just really excited to just walk around in a city that is completely new to me. I can help but be excited to see how people in China live, eat, shop on a daily basis. Its one thing to hear from people that China is a whole different world and there are many people living there, and it’s another thing to experience it. I am just ready to absorb and take in as much of the culture as possible.
Johnathan Martinez
The attraction in China I am most excited for is The Forbidden City. So far, in my travels as a student, it has been a goal of mine to visit any palaces that are located where I am visiting. This is definitely one of the most exciting palaces I will be able to see. The architecture itself is unique and elegant and the palace holds vast amounts of artwork and valuable antiques. I’ve recently learned that it is the world’s largest surviving palace complex. This will be such a privilege to experience; I can’t wait!
Lauren Hoeft
I'm excited to see anything in China, but I most excited to see the Great Wall and The World Expo. My explanation to why i want to see the great wall is probably the same reason as most tourists- Its a great wonder of the world and one the world largest structures. I am also interested in it's history and the relevance of the wall to Chinese culture. I wanted to see the World Expo because the Expo is giving the world a big statement showing there growing power (especially having right after having the Olympic). Also i have being reading up on the expo but I still don't understand what are in the pavilions and why makes the expo so special, so i can't wait to find out.
Ravanna Bonds El
Do I have to give just one? I would say China itself because it is a culture that is much different from mines and I plan on going and absorbing that itself. Its one experience in a foreign country like no other and for me it’s the biggest attraction there, the culture.
The Academic Advancement Program Student Org (AAPSO) will be holding a fundraiser at Noodles & Company on State Street on Thursday July 29th from 4-9pm. Come spend an enjoyable night out at Noodles and support the students in their travels to China. Noodles will be donating 25% of profits from AAPSO guests to the China Expedition. Bring family and friends, and join the Student Travelers for dinner! Please remember to bring along the attached flier to identify you as a guest of the Academic Advancement Program Student Org.
For the last few weeks, all the students have been working diligently to learn more about Chinese culture and history before we leave. Currently, we have all read a book titled China in the 21st Century, and have attended two workshops. What have you found most interesting from the workshop or readings so far?
During the second workshop, we had Professor John Ohnesorge speak, who is an expert on Chinese law. It was fascinating to learn about the history of Chinese law and how it has been modeled on different systems-- Confucian, German, and Western--over time, changing as the political climate has changed. We like to think we live in a new globalized world, but global cultures have been influencing each other for centuries upon centuries. His talk put globalization into perspective, and helped place law into a framework of understanding related to politics, war, and culture.
Cristina Springfield
What I have found most interesting in the readings is the amount of history that has been behind the Republic of China. Before reading the book, I had no idea about Confucius and the events in which he partook that helped make China the way it is today. He grew up in poverty and hardship, lost his father and his mother left their homeland so she wouldn't face mistreatment. She always encouraged him to do his work and keep up with his studies. Then when he was 17, his mother past away...I found this very inspiring because it really goes to show that he suffered a lot but kept working hard towards the things that he wanted. He overcame many obstacles that some of us wouldn't be able to overcome for which I give him a lot of credit.
After his death, his disciples put together a book called "The Analects of Confucius", which had a significant impact on China today. He preached a lot about relationships and how to treat people. His famous line was very similar to the Golden Rule that Jesus has in the bible. Confucius says "What you don't want done to yourself, don't do to others". Although lots of wisdom came from his book that his disciples made, there were still lots of situations that Confucius never talked about that had great importance. For example, he did not mention life after death and many wondered "if life is all there is, then why does it matter how people treat others." From what I've understood from the readings, lots of Chinese follow his ways through his book and he has had a greater impact on China then he could have ever imagined.
Dan Torres
All the guest speakers who have had come to talk to us during our workshops are so passionate about China. They are so knowledgeable and have so much passion for the country. Their excitement when they talk about their experiences has rubbed off on me, and has made me so incredibly excited for our voyage. I also find it funny that both Katrina Flores and Jarius King shared so many of the same suggestions to us. Most importantly, I am really surprised to see the reactions of our guests to see us all together. This reaction has made me realize how lucky I am to have this opportunity and am able to be an ambassador of UW.
Cristina Barrera
What I have found most interesting is learning about Chinese customs; what they find appropriate and disrespectful such as, burping after a meal. I was brought up to hold your burps in whereas the Chinese don't mind, if anything it means the meal was great! Although Americans consider pushing and skipping in line rude and disrespectful, it's part of the Chinese daily life. To be aggressive is a very accepting and seems to be the only way to survive in Chinese cities. The most common custom of respect was of course to take off your shoes before entering a home and learning to eat with chopsticks. The importance of your family's reputation is another aspect of the Chinese culture I've always wondered about and am excited to learn more about; giving/having "face". For example, after receiving a meal from your host, one should always insist on how they shouldn't have and they did too much, ect.; one should always make the host feel good about their hospitality. I'm also told to expect the Chinese to not be a culture to make big scenes in public places for that would be disrespecting someones face. I'm assuming the Chinese are very soft-spoken then...?
Daniela Moody
I really enjoy going to the workshops because I have the opportunity to learn good tips about our trip to China. Also, I have the chance beforehand to interact with the students and staff members that will be going to China with me. All of the speakers that have gone to the workshops were a great tool for me to learn more about China and everyday life. For instance, I am so happy to know that it is very important for us to keep the address of our hotel in Chinese and English, we should always carry toilet paper with us, and to be careful with pick pocketing around the area. These were just some examples of advice that were given to us for our trip. Besides knowing many important aspects of Chinese life, the book has given me a great amount of information so far about some of the Chinahistory. It is amazing how much the civilization of China has conserved their past history and traditions.
Julissa Oquendo
I have found the fact that due to the many environmental issues in China, the government has stepped in to try and control China's energy consumption and have taken measures to improve their air quality. For example, during the Olympics there were certain hours and days that citizens could use their cars in order to reduce the amount of smog. Also, for the World Expo this year in major downtown areas the city lights have been replaced with energy saving LED lights.
Willie Sinclair III
Personally, the workshops are the most interesting to me. There is so much information you can gather from books but to me there is nothing more fascinating than a live story. Hearing the experiences of others and having them to compare to experiences of my own has been one of the most exciting parts of the workshops so far. One example of this would be in Workshop #1 where Jarius spoke of the reactions of the Chinese when he first visited. I was able to relate to some of Jarius’ stories especially when he spoke of the stares he received and questions about his hair. Upon my first visit to China I had braids in my hair and I was always stopped and asked how I got my hair that way or perhaps I could braid their hair in the same manner. While watching that segment of the workshop I found myself saying, “No way! That happened to you to?!” Although very informative, finding someone to share that experience with me touched me far deeper than the information from the books.
Alicia Montague-Keels
I enjoyed listening to the students that have studied abroad in China because they talked about very unique experiences. The most interesting student was Katrina because she gave us useful tips about China. Her interactions with other Chinese people were intriguing because she talked about how people did not think she was American. I have always told people that I am Laotian, so it will be an interesting experience to tell people that I am American.
I am also curious of what the Chinese people will think of me when I tell them that I am American because I may not stand out as much as my fellow students on this trip. I don’t really know what to expect from my interactions and if it will be similar to the other students interactions. Katrina also talked about being stared at constantly, but I am not sure if that will happen to me because I am Asian.
Saeng Douangdara
The first workshop was very exciting in the sense it allowed us to ask questions freely of a student our age that has experienced China first hand. It was beneficial to hear from Professor Friedman has he shared information about the varying views of China’s history. His insight on the Chinese people and government helped me to realize that despite all the trade the US does with China yet the Chinese government still broadcast an anti-American message. However, the people of China have managed to look pass their governments attempts to portray Americans and the US in a negative light. Many young people in China have embraced American culture in various ways as we learned at the workshop through means of dance and style.
Antonette Guider
The things I have found most interesting so far has been the accounts from Katrina Flores and Jarius King. I think it could just be that I’m most interested on the globalization of Hip-Hop and I can connect with them and their traveling experiences through that lens, but It was also just interesting to hear how my peers coped with the stress, frustration, and excitement of traveling abroad. The books and presentations are interesting, but for me personal accounts on a peer to peer level are more interesting.
Tomas Sannito
Learning about the culture of China has already opened my mind to the many differences people share on this planet. Before even going to China, I feel that I have already been exposed to a different way of life and thinking. The most interesting aspect of the workshops and readings so far is learning about the government. China is well known for having a huge population and also a very influential government. Learning about the past history of revolutions and the power the Chinese government hold now is fascinating. It is interesting to compare Chinese government to the US government or any other countries.
Claudia Coria-Luna
What I have found most interesting from the workshops are the stories that our speakers have shared with us. I believe actually listening to the stories and watching the speakers explain them is much better than reading it from a book. From our workshops I was able to see what fascinated or made some impression on the speaker. What made the workshops good was the fact that we had a wide range of people explaining their China experience. We were able to hear how a professor felt about China, but we were also able to hear how students our age felt about their trip and everything they did.
Johnathan Martinez
The workshops and readings have been very helpful to me so far in preparing for China. In one of the first workshops we had, I was surprised to learn that people in China don’t form lines! This was baffling to me; I couldn’t understand how they got around if everyone was pushing and shoving. However, after learning more about it, it doesn’t intimidate me as much and I am quite excited to not wait in lines! Another point of interest for me is the stress of hierarchy in Chinese social life. It is extremely important to always be deferential to people, even if you are criticizing them. This is something that I think should not just be practiced while we are all in China, but something that should be brought back with us and used in our daily interactions as well.
Lauren Hoeft
What I have learned from the readings is the vast amount of history China has and how the country has been able to sustain itself over time. Also, I would have to say learning about all the different stereotypes that have been created through misinterpretations about this wonderful culture.
Adam Lopez
The most interesting thing from the workshops are the experiences I see that other students and professors have going to China. Something like the children w/o diapers seems to be extreme and hard to believe to me, so for every speaker to conform that funny. I also enjoy how they experiences differ from a student getting lost looking for a good place to dance, to a another student being a excellent bargainer. The workshops that give me a real story from real people which makes me the most interested.
