Why Study Abroad in China This Summer?
Professional & Educational Services International (PESI)Career, Calling and Globalization
The world is getting smaller. Whether at home or abroad, we live and work in an increasingly international environment. Today’s job market demands cross-cultural skills. Getting experience overseas can give you the edge!
Going overseas can also give you a vision for the future as you find out how you can make a difference in the lives of others who have not heard of God’s love.
Why Study Abroad?
Overseas study in a culture different than one’s own will benefit students to mature and better prepare for careers and life in this age of globalization. Students also know from talking to friends who have returned from a summer or semester abroad that these programs offer exciting opportunities for travel, adventure, and making new friends.
A good study abroad experience will certainly expand your global horizons, challenge your own cultural assumptions, and bring you face to face with different worldviews and lifestyles. More importantly, it will help you discover yourself, your calling and your role in an increasingly interdependent multicultural world.
Why China?
In recent years, the world has witnessed the unfolding of China’s economic miracle and her growing international influence. Recent media attention has turned the world’s eyes towards this ancient and populous land of 1.3 billion with its rich culture and complex society. Clearly, China’s ascendancy in the 21st century will have a profound impact on world affairs and all our lives as consumers, employees, and citizens of the global community.
We Need Bridges Between The U.S. And China
China’s emergence as a superpower has significant implications for Sino-American relations, which in turn impact the whole world. Advancing the best interests of both countries and the international community will require a new generation of global-minded servant-leaders to envision, initiate, and direct changes in many sectors on both sides of the Pacific. These new leaders must have professional expertise, but they also need international competencies such as language, cross-cultural communication skills, and a commitment to service.
What PESI Offers
In response to this need, PESI offers the China Intercultural Studies (CIS) Program—a 6-week summer study abroad experience (June 29 to August 11) for American students to understand 21st century China. We want to raise future leaders in business, technology, law, international relations, education, social service, etc. who will promote positive and productive relations between these two great nations.
PESI is an organization founded by Chinese-American Christians, with over 15 years of experience operating successful programs in China in collaboration with institutions of higher learning. We are dedicated to bringing together American and Chinese students for cultural exchange, peer learning and friendship building.
What Makes A Good Study Abroad Experience
Cross-cultural competence and servant-leadership based on a spirit of humility are core values cultivated by our CIS Program that offers the following features that should characterize every good study abroad experience:
- We partner with China’s top universities in two colorful mega cities. Our program offers 4 credits of Language and 4 credits of Chinese Studies—Contemporary Culture & Society (Beijing) or International Relations & Economics (Shanghai).
- CISP students are instructed in English by Chinese faculty and local professionals who provide a Chinese perspective. They are also mentored by an American Resident Director who will help them process what they learn.
- Challenging academic coursework is carefully integrated with educational excursions and community service projects, with an optional one-week trip to rural western China to serve the local minority young people.
- Students will learn to serve the poor and disadvantaged—orphans and inner city migrants. They will also meet professionals in business, technology, education, public health, etc. to learn about international career opportunities.
- Unlike “island programs” where American students are just among themselves, CISP students will interact with local young people and American professionals in China. This will help them better understand life in China and catch a vision for careers overseas.
A Journey of Discovery
Study abroad is a journey of discovery. Our program will give you an appreciation for cross-cultural service that makes a difference in the lives of others. In the process of learning and serving, you will build enduring friendships that break down cultural barriers, and open minds and hearts.
In the PESI CIS Program, you will be inspired to ask: what can I do with my life to promote intercultural understanding and friendship between the American and Chinese people?
Most importantly, a study abroad experience may help you discover your calling and the true meaning of your faith as you consider your career choices in this age of globalization.
Please go to PESI's website at: http://www.pesintl.com or call: 510-887-2738 ext. 6 to learn more about the CIS and other PESI programs. We look forward to journeying with you.
Unless otherwise noted, all materials on the urbana.org web site are Copyright InterVarsity Christian Fellowship / USA. All rights reserved.
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