by Kendall Poltzer
The University of West Georgia recently sent four students to China for a unique study abroad opportunity. These College of Education students have the opportunity to earn three credit hours during the nearly month-long trip. The students participating on the trip to China can expect to be immersed in a new culture and will have the exciting opportunity to explore a foreign country under the guidance of dedicated UWG professors.
“Traveling to China benefited me in multiple ways that I never dreamed possible,” said Taylor Pappas, who participated in the study abroad experience last year.
Taylor was able to earn credits towards her degree during the trip and was able to experience an unfamiliar culture first-hand.
“This experience helped me gain a newfound patience for those who are not accustomed to American culture,” she said, “and a patience for visitors from other countries or those who live here, but just haven’t quite grasped the new culture.”
College of Education Dean Dr. Dianne Hoff gave kudos to Dr. Li Cao, who has worked to establish a strong partnership with Southwest University in Chonqing.
“His efforts have brought students and visiting professors to UWG and created fantastic opportunities for our students to travel to China,” Dr. Hoff said. “This enriches the global perspective of faculty and students alike.”
Dr. Stephen Bronack, who coordinates international programs for COE, believes the study abroad program is beneficial.
“Students will not only gain perspective and understanding about an important and unique educational system and culture via first-hand exposure and experience, but also will be challenged to broaden and deepen their own lens through which each views themselves as teachers, their students as learners, their schools as environments, and their communities as partners in learning,” he said.
Students attending the China trip will get to visit the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Palace Museum, the Shanghai Science and Technology museum, and Yi Shang Hot Springs.
Students interested in participating in future study abroad programs should reach out to their advisors for more information regarding upcoming programs. Scholarships are available to help students finance their trips, and fundraising opportunities are also available.
Do you have a comment or opinion about this story's topic? Perspective Online wants to hear from you. Submit a letter to the editor at perspect@westga.edu today.
