Chinese Cultural Education Tour

Study Abroad Program

Michelle Mi September 26, 2014

1. Introduction

2. Overview (China Program Video)

3. Celebrations and Recommendations

Introduction and Overview

• The Global Learning Collaborate is located in Manhattan’s upper west side;

• The student body consists of approximately 482 students, representing over thirty countries;

• 102 students are programmed for Mandarin based on their language levels.

School Information School Information

Program OverviewProgram Overview

• Chinese Studies Program was established in 2010; • More than 60 students traveled to China through the program; • Two trips are offered each academic calendar year. Past destinations included: China, England, Italy, France, Switzerland, Ecuador and Peru.

Types of International Travel Programs

1. Pre-packaged tour through third party 1. Pre-packaged tour through third party

1. Travel Agency Model (Package Service)

• Travel Agency/consultant designs the itinerary• Individual travelers pay 100% of tour costs; • Trip leader and chaperones have limited control

over activities planned at a partnership school; • Tour designed to explore Chinese culture and to

utilize language skills learned in Mandarin class.

Types of International Travel Programs Continued…

2. School Staff-Led Model

• Communicate with (potential) partnership school(s) to finalize travel dates;

• Consult with a travel agency to design budget and custom itinerary;

• Connect with a number of service providers to negotiate fees and services, including and not limited to accommodations and transportation.

GLC International Travel Program

History of the Program

2010, 2011, 2012: Beijing Hangzhou Shanghai

2013: Xi’an Dunhuang Jiayuguan Lanzhou

GLC Group in China, 2013(Program Video)

Reflections/Observations from Student travelers

• Observed historical sites, making connections to the global history curriculum;

• Experienced Chinese hospitality and friendliness from our partnership school students and staff;

• Utilized their Mandarin skills by interacting with native speakers regardless of their proficiency levels;

• Adapted well to Chinese culture and traditions by using chopsticks, respecting elders, using appropriate, etc.)

Administrators and Teachers

• Primary Goal: Arrange six school (public and private, elementary and middle schools ) in 3 cities;

• Shifted from overpriced sightseeing tours to meaningful student engagement in educational interaction, communication and cultural immersion;

• Created a strong vision and a detailed 3-year plan for partnership development;

• Formed a strong belief in foreign language education as a means to educate competent multilingual global citizens.

Recommendations/Next Steps

1. Actively approach potential partnership schools (make cold calls)

2. Contact local Department of Education in your destination city to introduce yourself, your school and the mission of your trip

3. Keep close communication with potential partnership school before and after the trip

4. Brainstorm ideas and make a list of creative interactive activities that can be carried out in an interesting way at your partnership school

5. Assign pre-visit projects and research topics to both American and Chinese students to prepare for the interactive part of the activities

6. Be clear about student travelers’ individual responsibilities

Questions or

Concerns?

Thank you!

！谢谢