By: Katy Coakley
The long-awaited study abroad program to China is making a comeback to allow students to make unforgettable memories.
The trip was postponed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but will take place in 2024 from May 7 to 17.
This academic program allows students to explore modern-day China by visiting ancient monuments and studying the country’s politics and economics.
The program fulfills requirements for students majoring or minoring in political science as well as the social science and multicultural requirement.
Patrick Homan, a political science professor and coordinator for the trip, said that students will be traveling to a variety of cities such as Beijing and Shanghai to get a first-hand experience of Chinese culture.
“We will go to historical sites like the Great Wall and learn about the Terracotta warriors,” said Homan. “We are also going to calligraphy workshops and doing a bike tour on ancient city walls.”
Homan said he thinks that visiting China is important for students because many are unaware of Chinese politics.
“In the United States, we do not a good job of understanding other countries,” said Homan. “When you experience a country, it helps you open your mind and see that a lot of countries are like us.”
Nan Metzger, director of study abroad programs, stated that having support from the political science department will allow students to feel more comfortable while traveling.
“Professor Homan has been very intentional in his planning,” said Metzger. “Having the chance to experience a culture will be a bigger leap in getting someone out of their comfort zone.”
Students are required to pay $4,600 to enroll in the program. Personal expenses are $300 while non-Dominican fees for external participants are $150.
“We have been very deliberant in building as much of the cost as possible,” said Metzger. “This includes roundtrip airfare and accommodations, but it is a short program because it is only for 11 days.”
Students are also encouraged to apply to Dominican’s Excellence in Experimental Learning Awards to earn different scholarships for the program.
Metzger explained that she has been promoting the federally funded Gilman scholarship, which awards students up to $5,000 to study abroad for several years.
“I have had a lot of success in helping past students with their study abroad experiences,” said Metzger. “One of the additional benefits of this scholarship is that it offers noncompetitive eligibility when applying for a federal job.”
Metzger will be hosting a Gilman workshop this November for students to discover additional information about study abroad scholarships.
David Dolence, an assistant professor of political science, believes that students should participate in studying abroad before graduation.
“I think study abroad is priceless,” said Dolence. “Students should take advantage of any opportunity because this combination of travel and education is something that vanishes rather quickly post-graduation.”
Dolence also said he thinks that Homan has devoted a large amount of time to teach students about China.
“He has taught a China class multiple times and this combination of academic foundation with experience is the ideal combination,” said Dolence. “He understands political tact and can teach about China while on the ground without causing an international incident.”
kcoakley@my.dom.edu
