Amelia
AADC Assistant Instructor
First-year Ph.D. student, African American and African Diaspora Studies
“I’ve had to explain to several people the relevance of AADC going to China and why we are doing an exchange with a Mining and Technology school —”what could you possibly be doing there?!” First of all, dance transcends all fields of study (and CUMTB has some great dance opportunities and we’re so excited to take dance classes with the students there) but it also tells all stories. We saw a performance that the students from CUMTB did a couple years ago that thematically drew upon the sun and dealt with the history of mining. Dance tells all stories.
Also, I try to always point out to people that the reach of the diaspora extends beyond the Americas. China is an ancient region and I have been looking forward to making links between her centuries long history and that of the African diaspora.
I’m also looking forward to experience the differences in culture, particularly in the social structures. Ms. Yingli has given lectures about how society functions in China on a collectivism model and the importance of hierarchy within that framework. I’m excited to be a part of that if even just for a week!
Allison
Junior, Animal Behavior
“I hope to gain a new perspective about China’s history. I am excited to see in real time all the things that I have learned about in school. I am looking forward to the food, the city, and meeting new people. I hope to learn some of the language and understand the rich culture. I hope this trip opens new doors for me to visit in the future!”
Ryan
Junior, Theatre
“I hope to gain a broader understanding of Chinese culture, as well as experience all of the new opportunities that China has to offer.”
AnnaRose
Second-year master’s student, Human Computer Interaction Design
“I hope to gain insight from an established and ancient culture! It’ll be phenomenal to be in a place rich with history. I have so many Chinese classmates and I’m really excited to have a better picture of where they are from as well. Everything from food to music to everyday life, I’m interested in it.”
Kim
Associate Director, IU Community and School Partnerships
“This will be my first trip to China. It gives me great joy to able to unite with people from China. I hope this trip be a life changing experience for me filled with aspirations for the future. I hope to meet people from various backgrounds, advance in harmony with them as wonderful companions, and enjoy the deep connection with one another through one-on-one dialogue. I hope to advance steadily with the awareness that we are now building a foundation for the years to come. I want to learn about the Chinese culture first hand, enjoy their food, music, and dance. I will bring my experiences back so that I can share it with many people. After seeing Jackie Chan in a movie showing the Forbidden City, my dream was to go there and the Great Wall! My dream is coming true! Thank you Indiana University for this wonderful opportunity to learn and experience another culture.”
Grace
Senior, Communications and Culture
“Definitely intrigued and curious about the interactions with the students. I am excited to see the culture and have good conversations with the students. I’m hoping that my dance continues to improve with the lectures and dance with the students. Stoked for another adventure!”
Alexis
Sophomore, Neuroscience
“By traveling to China, I hope to be engaged in a new culture. I want to explore traditions included with food, teachings, and norms within the Asian Culture.”
Jalyn
Freshman, Human Biology
“In China, I just hope to gain an overall cultural experience. I am absolutely thrilled to be traveling half way across the world! We leave in literally one week! I am so grateful for this opportunity and thank the university and the other sponsors for enabling us to go on this trip. Can’t wait!”
Lauren
Senior, Health Administration
“In all honesty I’m still in shock an awe right now that I am able to have this opportunity to go to china. Earlier this year during the summer I was supposed to study abroad in china for a different program but unfortunately I got sick. So the fact that I have this opportunity to dance which is something I absolutely love to do is amazing and life changing!! I can’t wait for the culture shock!”
Kelvin
M.F.A., Photography
“We’re all about expression of the human experience and we touch on concepts far beyond that of the African American experience. This experience will better inform us and develop our expression. We’ll be observing a completely different culture and a different space. But as dancers we will try to pay special attention to movements, body language, and minute details in expression even in everyday conversations. We can relate this fish out of the water experience to historical references that we learn in class and to use in future narratives.”
Camille
Junior, Sociology and African American and African Diaspora Studies
“I hope to gain a better understanding of the Chinese culture. It will be really interesting to be in a country where I don’t completely understand the language and history and cultural norms. Being in a collectivistic society versus individualistic will hopefully be eye opening.”
Savasia
Junior, Fashion Design
“I have never been out of the country so I am a little frightened for the flight, nonetheless extremely excited to finally be able to travel outside of the states. I am so excited to experience a new culture by completely immerse myself in it. I plan to meet wonderful people and eat amazing food. The countdown is real!”
Ella
Freshman, Neuroscience
“I hope to become a more open minded and globally aware person and learn about Chinese culture and people while doing what I love most in the world, dance! I want to be able to share our experiences with the people there and learn a lot about them and their experiences.”
Wishing you safe travels and wonderful memories you will never forget!