This summer, Kentucky State University students, faculty, and staff members embarked on an extraordinary three-week tour of China. The journey offered an unparalleled blend of academic enrichment, immersion, and global networking, with visits to Beijing, Harbin, and Daqing.
Organized by Kentucky State’s Office of Global Strategies and International Affairs and sponsored by the China Center for International Education Exchange (CCIEE), the International Youth Cultural Exchange Program, and the Future Wanxiang Foundation, Inc., the trip brought eight students on an immersive experience of China’s heritage, innovation, and economic landscape.
“This was my first trip outside of the country, and I'm so lucky that it was in China. Experiencing the robust agricultural, commerce, and art programs at Harbin Normal University and Northeast Agricultural University has encouraged me to consider studying overseas. Additionally, there's no greater treasure than life-long friendships and cherished memories made during this trip. Many thanks to the organizers, facilitators, and volunteers in both the United States and China for the unforgettable experience,” said Sarah Elizabeth Lopez, freshman nursing major.
The experience began in Beijing, where the group stayed at the China Palace Hotel and explored iconic sites such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven. Guided by local experts, participants learned about China’s imperial history and dynastic traditions while enjoying authentic family-style meals featuring dishes like Peking Duck and fried mutton.
Traveling by China Railway’s high-speed train to Harbin, the group was welcomed by Northeast Agricultural University (NAU). At NAU, they explored agricultural innovation, including large-scale rice farming projects designed as living works of art. Students also learned basic Mandarin, created lacquer bookmarks and fans, made dumplings (Jiaozi), and were gifted their own Chinese names.
“As we were honored by receiving our Chinese names, we also had the honor of bestowing two of our Chinese student hosts with their American names. We gleaned a lot from each other with the sharing of our languages and our overall similarities and differences. We bonded with our hosts and it quickly felt like family,” said Dantrea Hampton, Kentucky State Periodicals/Reference Librarian.
In Daqing—known as the “City of Celebration”—the group visited the Daqing Museum, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, and the Daqing Oil Field Museum, gaining insights into the region’s natural history, oil industry, and agricultural achievements.
The trip concluded at Harbin Normal University where they were hosted by the School of Economics and Management. Their stay included riveting discussions about eCommerce and innovation as well as visits to several museums and interesting hands-on experiences such as practicing the art of paper cutting.
“These experiences not only expanded my knowledge of international business but also reinforced my commitment to fostering understanding in my professional journey,” said Savion M. Briggs, first-year MBA student.
“Through Chinese language classes and traditional arts such as paper-cutting, lacquer fan making, printmaking, and painting, our students enriched their understanding of the world and sparked a deeper appreciation for others. This program has given our students more than an international trip—it has opened doors to greater understanding, global awareness, and personal growth that will last a lifetime,” said Dr. Eric Yang, Interim Associate Vice Provost for Global Strategies and International Affairs.