An Olympic Summer in China

There has perhaps never been a more fascinating time to visit China. With the Summer Olympics beginning on August 8, 2008 at 8:08:08 pm (8 is a very auspicious number in traditional Chinese culture because it is pronounced similarly to the word meaning “to prosper”), it is clear that China has one foot in the modern world and the other firmly planted in the past. This tug between the past and the future creates a certain magical chemistry apparent to all travelers in China, and is one of the reasons why Putney is so excited to return yet again to China with 3 programs for summer 08.

Although each of our programs will depart China before the Olympics begin, the Summer Games will surely be a focal point for our groups. Our Excel pre-college enrichment program in China, which is based in Beijing, will have a special seminar devoted to examining the effects of the Games on modern China, through first-hand adventures in the city, films, short readings and round table discussions. For example, what is the influence of the Olympics on human rights, the one-child policy, and environmental degradation? What do new structures like the “Bird’s Nest” Olympic Stadium and the “Water Cube” National Aquatics Center tell us about current values and China’s relationship with its centuries-old traditions?

In addition to our Global Action program in China that focuses on the effects of economic transformation, we have added a Global Action program devoted to understanding China’s current public health challenges. You may have read in one the many recent New York Times articles regarding public health, the topic is a growing concern in China, as economic growth has too often meant increased pollutants in the country’s air and water. Both Global Action programs combine hands-on community service work with off-the-beaten-track travel and opportunities to meet with academics, non-governmental organizations, and government and business leaders to understand these multi-faceted issues.

For more information on Putney Student Travels programs in China please call us at (802) 387-5000.