Six Students Headed to China for Short-Term Study Abroad Experience
Six Delaware County Community College students will spend 26 days in China thanks to a special partnership with Widener University. From left to right, sitting: Students Angelique Nobles, John Kearney, Montrose Jennings and Katherine Strine. Standing: Assistant Professor Francesco Bellini; Fran Cubberley, Vice President of Enrollment Management; Dr. Jerry Parker, President; Khadeem Ambrose, student; Helen Maguire, Administrative Assistant, International Programs and Provost’s Office; and Dr. Sabuur Abdul-Kareem, Director of International Programs and Partnerships. Not pictured: Student Andrew Rossi.
(Delaware and Chester Counties, PA • March 17, 2017)—Six Delaware County Community College students were selected to participate in a study abroad experience in China this May as part of a special partnership between the College and Widener University. Through a course called China Academic Exchange, the students will earn three credits while gaining a global perspective during a 26-day trip to Chongqing, China.
Co-taught by Dr. Francesco Bellini, an Assistant Professor at the College, and two Widener faculty members, China Academic Exchange covers Chinese language, culture, history and religion, and is held weekly at Widener. The short-term, faculty-led study abroad course is a format that allows students to gain an international experience even if they cannot spend the time or expense on a semester abroad.
As a cohort, the six Delaware County students and seven Widener students will travel to Chongqing Technology and Business University (CTBU) from May 10 to June 4. They will take classes in Mandarin, martial arts and calligraphy and visit cultural and historical landmarks. Students will document their experiences through a class blog and will have a “language buddy”—a CTBU student to help guide them.
“Our students will be able to exchange ideas with the CTBU students and give them an opportunity to practice their English,” said Dr. Sabuur Abdul-Kareem, Director of International Programs and Partnerships. “The hope is that our students will grow in their knowledge and understanding of China and Chinese culture and that they will share their experience with our students on their return.” Dr. Abdul-Kareem added that, in the fall, the returning students will serve as language buddies for CTBU students studying at Widener.
The six students selected are: Khadeem Ambrose of Aldan, Montrose Jennings of Downingtown, John Kearney of Drexel Hill, Angelique Nobles of Lansdowne, Andrew Rossi of Norwood and Katherine Strine of Kennett Square. Each student went through a rigorous selection process and received a $500 scholarship toward the course. They were recently recognized at a reception, where College President Dr. Jerry Parker said, “Studying abroad is a life-changing experience, and I’m very proud of you for making this choice—it takes a lot of courage.”
Nobles, an Early Childhood Education major who’s been traveling since she was two years old, knew she had to apply for the course when she heard about it. “I love traveling and want to learn more about Chinese culture.”
“I’m excited for the opportunity to go to China and represent Delaware County Community College, ” added Strine, who said a previous study abroad experience in France changed her life.
The China Study Abroad class is one of several study abroad programs that Delaware County Community College is developing for students.
