Greetings from Director of China Programs
Michelle with a Tibetan Buddhist nun
I began studying Chinese in preparation for a move to Taiwan with my family when I was twelve years old. I had no idea then how greatly time in Asia would impact the rest of my life. I have now been speaking Mandarin and spending time in Asia for almost thirty years. After graduating from high school in Taipei, I spent a year at Fudan University in Shanghai, China. My graduate work was done in the field of International Education, with fieldwork on the plight of Tibetan refugees in Indian exile communities.
Working extensively in the field of International Education over the past decade, I have planned, led, or administratively supervised high school or gap year programs to China/Tibet, Thailand, India, Mexico, and Morocco. I have also taught social studies courses, including Asian and Global Studies, Chinese Language & Culture, and Tibetan Studies at two high schools in New England.
I have been working with people in China and staff from your school for many months to develop the itinerary for your program which will expose you to fascinating learning opportunities in the capital city of Beijing, in Luoyan, a place with a long Buddhist history, and in the ancient capital Xian, home of China’s first emperor and a city with a continuing Muslim influence .
You will be joined on this program by three Westridge teachers, two Global LAB leaders with intensive experiences in China, and local guides who will meet and work with the group at each of the three cities where you will be spending time.
This spring’s China program will integrate language and cultural learning opportunities with a sampling of ancient traditions, including taichi, kungfu and Chinese cooking. The group will witness the modern and traditional sides of a rapidly changing China. You will connect with local people in various ways including: a school visit and a visit to an orphanage. You will visit some of the world’s most impressive historic ancient monuments in and around Beijing and Xian. The program will be an intense combination of experiences giving you a strong introduction to several facets of life in China in the 21st century as well as glimpses into her political, and social history.
Spending time abroad profoundly affects youth in developing a sense of self-identity as well as your place in the diverse and amazing planet we inhabit. Time in China will develop in each of you a new level of awareness of the challenges and struggles that are faced by all of humanity: political, environmental, and cultural. You are at the perfect stage in your life to go abroad to witness the amazing and the difficult, and then come home to figure out your role in the future of our world.
You never know how time abroad will impact you, but it will - deeply. I went to Taiwan unwillingly as a twelve year-old (moving with my parents), grew to love it dearly, and now go back to Asia eagerly when time allows. Every time that I return, I learn and understand more, and yet each visit raises more questions.
I am eager find out how your experiences in China will influence each of you in the years to come.
Sincerely,
Michelle Bos-Lun
Global Learning Across Borders
Director of China/Tibet Programs