Comments for 北京 2011: Duke Study in China Program

Comment on Rushing Around & Winding Down by Margie Lymperis

Margie Lymperis — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 20:03:47 +0000

Yippee, we’re almost in single digits for your return trip home. I’m so proud of all you’ve accomplished! Looking forward to seeing you soon!!!

Love, Margie

Comment on Rushing Around & Winding Down by Alan B

Alan B — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:18:08 +0000

Questioning (and sometimes refuting) what you have learned about history is a remarkable experience! Getting out around the city and exploring places of cultural importance (like the museum, zoo, and Tiantan temple) is precisely why Light only sends students to language programs in an immersed environment. More opportunities for language practice, but more importantly, social and cultural learning that can only happen on outings like these.

Having visited these places and considered them from a critical, academic angle, you’re gaining so much that can’t be learned in a classroom.

Comment on Modern China and 重男轻女观念 by Alan B

Alan B — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 18:58:19 +0000

This is one of the best posts of the summer (after having read hundreds). Bravo, Jamey! The next step, of course, is to put your rapidly-improving Chinese to the test and discuss this with the Chinese folks you’ve met in Beijing. Try to tease out their opinions about the demographic problem, and their imaginations of how Chinese society with change in the future as a result.

Comment on Heading off to Xi’an by qinqipengyou

qinqipengyou — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:55:07 +0000

I agree that lists of activities isn’t always interesting, but a list of questions you have, or challenges you’re facing, is good material … even in bullet form!

Comment on Cross-cultural Comparison: Illegal Immigrants and the 农民工 by Kelly McLaughlin

Kelly McLaughlin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:09:56 +0000

I think it’s the access to resources like health care and education that marks the largest difference, as you note. And I agree as well that creating a forgotten class of people (and people who are often doing important work for society) is a recipe for all kinds of problems.

Comment on The Greatest Wall and Thoughts from Week 3 by Kelly McLaughlin

Kelly McLaughlin — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 19:37:14 +0000

I’m glad you’re capitalizing on chances for critical reflection! As you note, time flies, so working consciously on a strategy is definitely key.

Comment on Making the Switch to WordPress by Kelly McLaughlin

Kelly McLaughlin — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 19:35:28 +0000

Hmmm. Good tip. I’ll make sure that the Light Fellowship promotes WordPress alongside if not instead of Blogger…

Comment on The Greatest Wall and Thoughts from Week 3 by Anita Lee

Anita Lee — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:27:00 +0000

Jamey, hopefully your bucket list includes getting your sisters some cute Chinese gifts/school supplies. No more stuffed pandas for Bridget! Rose wants a fake wallet. Bridget wants a fake purse.

In all seriousness, I hope you do take advantage of this time of your life where you can create a list and actually cross things off as you experience them. Believe me, it gets harder to do that once you hit my age.

What most do you appreciate about the Chinese culture? Given that you’ve been there two years in a row, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Any short trips to Shanghei? Hop over to Seoul. You’ll love it!