Muscatine students study abroad in China

Thirteen students from Muscatine, Iowa, participated in a study in China experience program this summer through the Sarah D. Lande Education Co., in partnership with Wanxiang America Corporation. CREDIT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER MUSCATINE.

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Students from Muscatine participated in a study in China experience program this summer offered through the Sarah D. Lande Education Co. in partnership with Wanxiang America Corporation.

The immersive four-week program, held from July 7 through Aug. 3, allowed 13 students to explore China, study the Chinese language, participate in cultural experiences, and gain insight into clean energy science.

The Sarah D. Lande Education Co. and Wanxiang America Corporation Study in China Experience is supported by the Friendship Education Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine. The program provides opportunities for students to continue and expand their cultural and educational citizen diplomacy and friendship relationships, primarily with China. The study abroad program has been offered four times since 2014.

“I feel inspired to be more ambitious and innovative due to this trip,” one student participant said. “From the company we visited to the green architecture in the cities – it makes me want to study hard and make an impact in the world.”

While in China, students also visited historical landmarks, participated in traditional Chinese arts, and engaged with local communities. They attended seminars and hands-on workshops focused on Chinese language, culture, and clean energy technologies at Wanxiang Polytechnic in Hangzhou, China.

“Every city we visited was a highlight in its own right in terms of infrastructure, technology, people, and cultural customs,” said Jesse Garcia, a trip chaperone. “Through our experiences and time together, both U.S. and Chinese students formed bonds and friendships that allowed for a greater understanding of each other. I hope this trip will allow students to walk away with a greater understanding of humanity as many of them shared the sentiment regarding our similarities more than our differences.”

This partnership is part of the 100,000+ Strong Education Exchange Initiative in China. This national effort is designed to deepen the friendship and cultural understanding between China and the U.S.

 

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