Learn how you can experience China and its rich culture June 20-28, 2013, during Montcalm Community College’s study abroad trip.
Informational meetings are on Oct. 6 at 10 a.m. in room M119 in MCC’s Stanley and Blanche Ash Technology and Learning Center in Greenville and on Oct. 9 at noon in room D312 in the Beatrice E. Doser Building on MCC’s Sidney campus
Participants immerse themselves in the rich culture of China and discover this country of more than a billion people during this nine-day excursion. The experience is complemented with family visits while exploring the historic landmarks in Beijing and Badaling, including Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall of China, and seeing the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an and the World Financial Tower in Shanghai.
The trip is led by MCC Psychology Instructor Jessica Snyder and MCC Performing Arts Instructor Valerie Vander Mark, who say the experience offers students a “broader perspective” of the world.
“The only way to begin to truly understand something is to become part of it,” Snyder says. “Experiencing another culture first hand grants insight into the culture we visit, as well as the culture we return home to.”
Vander Mark led MCC’s 2010 study abroad trip to London, England, and says the experience cannot be duplicated in the classroom.
“Studying abroad brings learning to life,” Vander Mark says. “Our students and community participants enjoy guided tours and free time to explore places of interest to them, creating both academic and personal memories that last a lifetime.”
What is the cost of the trip?
The estimated cost is $3,769 for students (younger than age 30) and $3,979 for adults (age 30 and older).
What does the trip cost include?
Round trip airfare and land transportation
Eight overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms
Light breakfast daily; six local dinners
Full-time bilingual EF Educational Tours director
Select guides and entrances to special attractions as per itinerary
Learning activities and lectures
What is the itinerary?
Day 1: Fly overnight to China
Day 2: Arrive in Beijing
Day 3: Guided tour of Beijing, visit the Summer Palace, participate in a Taiji lesson, visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
Day 4: Visit the Great Wall of China, take a rickshaw tour of hutongs and enjoy dinner with a local family
Day 5: Visit the Temple of Heaven Park in Beijing, fly to Xi’an and take a bike ride on the ancient City Wall
Day 6: Take a guided tour of Xi’an, visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Shaanxi Provincial Historical Museum and the Terracotta Warriors
Day 7: Fly to Shanghai, visit the Shanghai World Financial Center and the Bund, and attend a Chinese acrobatics show
Day 8: Take a guided tour of Shanghai, visit the Jade Buddha Temple and Yu Yuan Garden
Day 9: Depart for home
Must I be enrolled for credit classes at MCC to take this trip?
No. Anyone may join the trip group.
Does the price of the trip include tuition?
No. For those enrolled in HUMN271 or SOCI271, the regular course tuition must be paid to MCC.
What documentation do I need?
Participants need both a passport and a visa. Visas must be secured within six months of departure and a passport is required to obtain a visa. The estimated cost for a visa is $200.
Which travel agency is MCC working with?
EF Educational Tours. Go to www.efcollegestudytours.com and search for tour No. 1158579 for more information about the trip. The tour name is Imperial China.
Who may I contact for more information?
MCC Psychology Instructor Jessica Snyder at jessicas@montcalm.edu or 989-328-1229
MCC Performing Arts Coordinator Val Vander Mark at valv@montcalm.edu or 989-328-1218.
