Beijing Youth Leadership Summer Program participants arrived on the University of Minnesota campus on July 11, 2014. The summer program curriculum was designed to provide Chinese high school students with the experience of living in the Midwest, teaching them presentation skills required in the American classroom, and helping them gain a thorough understanding of American culture. Summer 2014 marked the third such collaboration between the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities China Center and Beijing No 4 High School.
Throughout their time on the University campus, program participants utilized theories and practical tips shared in their daily English language courses to enhance their real life English language proficiency levels. The program curriculum encouraged such growth by challenging students with role-play activities, self-evaluations, teamwork tasks, and written examinations. Students also enjoyed a variety of popular American cultural activities such as learning how to paint pottery, visiting Valley Fair amusement park, volunteering at Ebenezer Retirement Community, and shopping at the world famous Mall of America.
In addition to in-class and cultural activities, students participated in academic visits to the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Carleton College, St. Olaf College, and Macalester College. During their visits, they had the opportunity to meet admissions officers and enjoy a campus tour. One of the institutions visited, Macalester College, is Kofi Annan's alma mater!
After establishing new friendships and building their cultural proficiency and teamwork skills, the students bid farewell to Minnesota on August 1, 2014.
