The Cultural Clarity Experience hosted a cohort of first-generation college students on an International Immersion trip to China over a 9-day trip in the summer of 2018. Students engaged in the history of China through interactive activities and cultural excursions, including the Great Wall of China, the Grand Buddha at Ling Shan, the Forbidden City, The Bamboo Forrest, and the Oriental Pearl Tower. Students were able to participate and view traditional art and culture classes such as the Peking Opera, traditional Kung-Fu, and Chinese Calligraphy. Students were able to have traditional dinners with local Chinese students enrolled at the Education First Learning Centers throughout China. Educational sessions focused on increasing cultural competencies through awareness, knowledge, and skill building. Throughout the trip, students were able to enhance their cross-cultural communication by challenging their biases and stereotypes through class discussion, activities, and self-assessments. Mindfulness exercises and reflective journaling allowed the students to work on being a more attentive listener and actively present in each moment. Overall, each student was able to walk away with a stronger identification of their beliefs and values to enrich their future personal and career relationships. The Cultural Clarity Experience transformed students into confident leaders for an ever-growing global marketplace.
Video credit: Ryan Cassell of Castlelight Productions
