With the development of the global pandemic, more academic institutions have adapted and modified education methods. Starting in summer 2020, TBC began offering virtual internship experiences to students interested in China and its growing business market. Just recently, the fall 2020 Virtual Internship Program concluded with an online event recapping the student-interns’ experiences.
Although the global education environment is ever-changing, the on-going COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges that have prompted institutions to expand their teaching and learning methods. While these new ways have positive effects, they have also disrupted student mobility and given rise to assessment and accreditation constraints and jeopardized educators’ and students’ academic pursuits. Along with many institutions, The Beijing Center (TBC) – the only Jesuit center and intellectual hub in mainland China – has implemented new ways to educate students and create cultural exchange opportunities.
A lesser-known aspect of China is that it is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse countries. In addition to the Han, China officially recognizes 55 ethnic minority groups. A small number of Chinese nationals consider themselves members of non-officially recognized groups, for example, the Jews, Japanese, Oirat, Tuvan, etc. Throughout much of recorded Chinese history, the concepts of nationality, culture, and ethnicity were not exceptionally distinct.
On a cold Beijing afternoon, I sat down with Joyce Fu, a current Fall 2020 American Pathway Program student, who, despite the ongoing global obstacles, has managed to remain optimistic about her academic future and has found the opportunity for personal and academic growth at TBC this semester.
Each semester, students at The Beijing Center (TBC) are encouraged to participate in local service-learning activities to practice the Jesuit tradition of helping others and attaining a sense of social responsibility. This fall semester, TBC students volunteered at Five Loaves and Two Fish, an organization acting to support migrant worker families. The name Five Loaves and Two Fish originates from the biblical story about a miracle performed by Jesus where he served five thousand people with five loaves and two fish.
In Chinese culture, the occasion on which people give thanks with family is the Mid-autumn festival. Chinese New Year also celebrates similar concepts, but with emphasis on family reunion and setting precedents for prosperity in the year ahead. However, it is also said that the modern Chinese are the only non-North Americans who celebrate western Thanksgiving.
In traditional Chinese culture, family units are highly valued. Although resulting in positive phenomena such as strong family bonds across generations, family units can also lead to stress among those of “marriageable age.” Combined with the modern demands of education, employment, and a gradual change in attitude, more Chinese youth choose to delay marriage or remain single. And thus, with the rise of a massive group of well-educated and self-sufficient Chinese youth, the world’s biggest retail holiday was born: Singles’ Day.
It’s been a crazy couple of weeks for our students here at TBC. Despite just having handed in a bunch of midterm papers, the late nights are making a reappearance for some last-minute STEM course studying. In the hectic run-up to Thanksgiving, be sure to take a moment, breathe, and be present. In the words of Confucius: “wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.” Let’s look at some Chinese philosophical ideas and how they can be applied to our lives today.
The Forbidden Palace is an architectural wonder and the first recognized Chinese World Heritage site. Constructed in 1420, in the early Ming Dynasty, it is by far the largest ancient palatial structure in the world, covering a total of 180 acres. Today, it is the most valuable piece of real estate in the world, worth around 70 billion dollars. Due to its size, the Forbidden Palace is also referred to as the Forbidden City.
This week, TBC has come to the difficult decision to cancel the study abroad programs for Spring 2021 for students outside of China. While the outspread in some countries (including China) has leveled out, the pandemic is far from over. Not only is the number of daily COVID-19 cases rising in many countries, including the US, but travel restrictions and entry/exit requirements are strengthening as well. In response, TBC upholds the ongoing health concerns and has made a conscious and carefully thought-out decision to prioritize the students’ health and minimize travel.