BEVERLY, Mass. – From May 22 to June 2, Endicott student-athletes Thomas Daniels (St. Louis, Mo.), Sophia Hatzis (West Roxbury, Mass.), Lexi Klein (Shoreview, Minn.), and Christian Martinez (Tariffville, Conn.) were able to study abroad in Asia, visiting destinations such as Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and China.
The 12-day study tour aimed to answer the following thought-provoking questions: (1) Is America really declining? (2) What are the most significant national challenges that China currently deals with as a result of a slower pace of economic growth? (3) How do we prepare ourselves for the emerging opportunities and challenges that Asian economies continue to create?
Along with answering those questions throughout their shared learning experiences over the 12-day period, the group also immersed themselves into the culture by taking part in several activities highlighted by – but not limited to – the list below.
Sample Itinerary
- Guided sightseeing of Beijing (sites/activities included: Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Dragon Boat Ride)
- Excursion to the Great Wall of China (experience a traditional tea ceremony, Hutong Tour in a Rickshaw)
- Business visit in Beijing
- Visit Shanghai World Financial Center, the Jade Buddha Temple, Yu Yuan Garden, Nanjing Road
- Cultural exchange with local students
- Watch "A Symphony of Lights" from the Avenue of the Stars
- Hong Kong business visit
- Dim Sum Tasting
Daniels, who played an integral role in guiding the Endicott men's ice hockey team to a Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Championship and the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament win in 2016-17 had this to say about his trip to Asia.
"My experiences in Asia were eye opening. I'm extremely grateful for this opportunity, being that none of it would be possible without Endicott," said Daniels. "I strongly encourage all student-athletes to take advantage of Endicott's study abroad programs."
WHY STUDY ABROAD? – (ENDICOTT STUDY ABROAD WEBSITE)
Following the College's philosophy to "learn by doing" through experiential learning, the study abroad program & its international internships prepare students at Endicott for success by offering alternative academic understanding, social & cultural literacy and life-changing experiences. Through semester-long academic study, faculty-led trips, and/or 3-to-15 week internships abroad, students gain new confidence and self-awareness, and obtain the skills necessary for success in today's economy.
"Globalization is here to stay, and students who want to work in our interconnected global world should study or intern abroad.
Despite the inevitable increasing global competition for jobs, American graduates lack the international experience, language capabilities and cross-cultural communication skills necessary to succeed in the global economy.
Making education abroad a part of their college education is the most effective and accessible means for students to develop needed skills because it pushes a student to get out of her comfort zone to experience another culture, language, environment and education system. It teaches students to appreciate difference and diversity firsthand, and enables them to recognize — and then dismiss — stereotypes they may have held about people they had never met.
Learning how to interact with people from other countries and cultures equips future leaders in all sectors to address urgent issues — from curing diseases and finding energy solutions, to fighting terrorism and hunger — shared across borders."
– Alan Goodman, President Institute of International Education For the latest on Endicott Athletics, follow the Gulls on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
(Photos Credit - Lexi Klein)
