Extra-Curricular Activities
Throughout the semester, students are invited to take part in a full schedule of excursions, events and lectures - all designed to enhance their understanding of China and the historical and modern influences that impact its culture and people.
Local Activities
In Beijing, students will visit the great historical and cultural monuments of the capital, including the Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace. Specially designed activities may include visits to Beijing's art districts, lectures on China's environmental protection policies, workshops on Chinese food culture, or a hiking trip to Jiufeng Mountain with Chinese students. A trip to a village outside of the city will allow students to better understand rural life in China.
Shanghai program students will visit the famous Yuyuan park, the historic Bund along the Huangpu river, and the former French concession. Activities may include cultural performances, museum visits, special lectures, visits to artists' studios, architectural walking tours, and many opportunities to meet locals, including students from other campuses.
To complement the international business curriculum at SUFE, the Alliance arranges a series of visits to Chinese, joint-venture, and foreign-owned enterprises, allowing students to better understand the local business environment.
Field Study Trips
The Alliance organizes a one-week field study trip for students in each program during the fall and the spring terms. Participating students at BLCU and Fudan will travel to Sichuan or Yunnan province or to some other exciting destination that contrasts with the cities of Shanghai and Beijing (see below). Students on the SUFE program will travel to Guangdong Province and Hong Kong. Xi'an students will take a two-week excursion along the Silk Road. Trip destinations are subject to change, please continue to check this site for the most up-to-date information or contact info@allianceglobaled.org.
Our Field Study Trips allow students to gain a greater understanding of Chinese culture, society, and economic development. As part of their Capstone Projects, students will continue to investigate an area of particular interest during this trip. In addition to the week-long trip, a weekend trip to a nearby city is also organized during the spring and fall terms. The summer programs include a five-day Field Study Trip. Summer trip destinations will be announced on the Alliance website.
Sichuan Province
Our trip offers students the opportunity to explore the mysterious lands of Jiuzhaigou, one of the best preserved wild life havens in China, and Emei Mountain, one of China's four famous Buddhist mountains with exquisite natural beauty and a long history of religious culture. Visits to Chengdu or Chongqing allow a glimpse into modern city life in the southwest. On this trip, students discover the contrast in Chinese economic and social development along the coast versus the inland provinces, learn about government policies affecting this region, gain a deeper understanding of Sichuan's minority nationalities, and relish the hot and spicy flavors of Sichuanese cuisine.
Yunnan Province
Yunnan province in southwestern China offers China's most diverse population of ethnic minority cultures, stunning scenery, and a rich history. Students will gain deep insight into Yunnan's local culture and artistic heritage. They will experience urban life in Kunming, visit small Yi or Miao minority villages, and hike Snow Mountain. The trip may include exploration of the great natural beauty of the Stone Forest or the rain forest of Xishuangbanna or an extensive encounter with the Bai minority culture in the ancient town of Dali.
