The Culver Citizen

March 23, 2006

Academies to make a connection with China

Kelly Masson
Citizen Editor


CULVER - Students and faculty from Culver Academies are leaving for China Thursday to experience life in China and in Shanghai Foreign Language School. They will return April 3.

As part of the Global Studies Institute, China was chosen because of the growing Chinese presence at the Academies and the desire to make a connection, according to Marie Melroe, trip leader. She said there is a growing population of students from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. John Buggeln, member of the faculty and chaperone, said the reason as quoted by Lee Hamilton is "To understand the world in the 21st Century, you must first understand China."

David Chan and Kyle Chen, students at Culver Military Academy, will act as students delegates and interact with Chinese students. They will attend classes in English and in Chinese.

“I will experience Shanghai culture and the difference in classes,” said Chan. “We want to push to create exchange.” Being from Taiwan and with his strong Chinese skills, Chen will be making a bridge between Taiwan and the mainland.

Melroe's role is to solidify relationships, keep everyone safe and supervised and make sure everyone is taking advantage of every aspect of the trip. Acting as chaperone and travel consultant is Jen Cerney, member of the Academies faculty. Ning Schultz, Chinese teacher, is chief interpreter and chaperone. The group includes 16 students representing every class in CMA and CGA.

During their stay they will take a tour of Shanghai and Boa Steel, the largest steel manufacturer in China and the sixth largest in the world. They will live with the Chinese in their homes, something that is not common when touring China. They will also see entertainment in the evenings, which will include acrobats.

At the end of their stay, Buggeln and Schultz will present a PowerPoint they created, which will show a day in the life at Culver Academies. The students and faculty will also present a skit which will include a Chinese class taught by Schultz and a history class taught by Buggeln. It too will depict a day at Culver Academies complete with the cannon.

"We are looking forward to hosting Chinese students. We are hoping in the fall," said Melroe. Two SFLS students are attending summer school at the Academies.

Other GSI trips include a joint group from the Academies and Culver Community going to Mexico for Habitat for Humanity and a group going to South Africa. The joint program with Culver Community is thought to be the first time the two schools combining resources for a community service program like this.

Culver note: The 2005-2006 GSI program has been funded by Mr. Paul J. Much '68 and Ms. Judy Fay, GP, and by Houlihan Lokey Howard and Zukin.