We are actually on day five and loving it! However, due to a few internect connectivity issues, I haven't been able to post for a few days. So, below are few more words and details about day 2, in Beijing, from Dr. Catherine Carter, Professor of Biology and Teresa Adams, Associate Professor of Business.
Catherine said, "Before actually visiting Qinghua University which was first established in 1911, we walked through out what was originally the Royal Gardens of the Emperor. A waterway had been diverted by canals to form a network of ponds and streams. Walkways followed the edges of the water and bridges arched over them.
Statues such as one of Confucius decorated the area as well as flowers. One garden, being admired by both students and older visitors, contained rose bushes that were particularly aromatic. As we neared the campus buildings the park theme continued. A building of typical ancient Chinese architecture, built in the 1600’s, was the office of the school president. The student guides pointed out a more modern building – an auditorium at which many dignitaries had spoken such as former presidents Clinton and Bush, as well as, Bill Gates."
Teresa said, "An interesting interaction occurred with students today at Qinghua University. Though China is one of the most populous planets on the world, less than 10% of students in China have the opportunity to attend university.
A University such as Qinghua is extremely difficult to get into as it is considered one of China’s better universities. Students described the stress of studying to achieve high test scores on their college entrance exams. Students pursuing degrees in Economics and Engineering require the highest test score for acceptance into Qinghua University.
Some things are universal on a college campus …. coffee shops, computers, textbooks, and of course Internet access. Students can access the internet from dorms and classrooms with the exception of Freshman. The Interent access of Freshman is limited for fear they spend more time playing games than studying for exams.
In thinking of my discussion regarding being a college student in China, I couldn’t resist asking the deep philosophical question I am certain all my students would want me to ask ….. “Do Chinese students facebook?” The response was a quick and resolute... “of course we do!”
