CLC's hosting of Chinese students latest in thriving, international friendship
Strengthening Chinese-American relations is the theme of a three-week exchange program that began July 18, when eight students and one professor from China's Xi'an International University (XAIU) arrived at the College of Lake County in Grayslake.
The exchange marks the first visit to CLC by students from the university, a school that CLC has built close ties with over the past eight years. In 2012, Dr. Jerry Weber, CLC president, and Dr. William M. Griffin, chair of the Board of Trustees, traveled to XAIU to participate in the grand opening of the CLC-Xi'an American Culture Center. CLC was one of 12 American colleges and universities-and the only community college-to be selected by the U.S. Department of State to establish an American cultural center in China, according to Dr. Li-hua Yu, a native of China and emeritus CLC sociology professor.
In addition to an abbreviated English language instruction course, the visiting Chinese students have heard faculty presentations on U.S. politics, history, arts, the environment and more. They also have toured Willis Tower, other Chicago landmarks, Old World Wisconsin and the Wisconsin state capitol in Madison.
The visit is proving rewarding for both students and CLC faculty. The students, who are visiting the U.S. for the first time, have appreciated the chance to build their English skills, learn American culture and dispel their own misconceptions. "People are friendly here, and it's a safe environment," said John Yu, one of the visiting students.
CLC faculty have enjoyed the chance to further strengthen the XAIU-CLC friendship and prepare students for a global economy. The daily English class, for which the students will receive credit at XAIU, has emphasized speaking and listening skills and American academic culture, said Kristin Andrews, adjunct professor of English language instruction. "English has become a world language, and it's a great honor not only to help the students learn, but to help build relations between China and the U.S.," she said.
Jason Cashmore, a biology professor who led CLC students on the study abroad program during Fall Semester 2015 at XAIU, accompanied the visiting students on their tours of area attractions. He also gave an overview of the relationship between Americans and the natural environment and led tours of the Southlake Campus green roof and the Ryerson Woods Forest Preserve. To give students a feel for Main Street Americana, Cashmore also took them to downtown Grayslake, including a stop for ice cream on a sweltering summer afternoon.
Dr. Dave Groeninger, a history professor who led CLC's Fall Semester2013 study abroad at XIAU, gave a one-hour presentation on the history of immigrants coming to the U.S., from native tribes in prehistoric times to Europeans, Asians and other groups in the past three centuries.
"The students were surprised at how Americans' views of the Chinese have changed," he said. "I explained that Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which suspended the immigration of Chinese laborers for a period of 10 years. But I added that today, surveys show that the majority of Americans view Chinese and other Asian immigrants favorably."
The students' visit will culminate Aug. 4, when they will deliver poster presentations from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Library Atrium on elements of Chinese culture they feel are important for Americans to know. The public and college community are invited to attend the presentations.
The two-way exchange is necessary for mutual understanding, Groeninger said as he addressed the students following his July 21 classroom presentation. "China and the U.S. need to get along," he explained. "We are the two most important, large economies in the world. It's important for you to spend time with us, so that we can understand each other. We can't just leave it to politicians to do it."
Since 2008, CLC has offered six semester abroad opportunities at XAIU, with CLC students and faculty participating. Since 2001, CLC has offered 10 short-term field study trips to China. For information on CLC's range of international programs, including study abroad opportunities, visit www.clcillinois.edu/cie.