Teacher In-Country Fellowships to Asia (TICFA) Program China Study Tour Sue Thompson, Tumby Bay Area School, SA, with students at Jiang Cheng No 1 Middle School, China, January 2001 | Leader/s | Dates | Outline | Past Participant Comments | The Asia Education Foundation's (AEF) TICFA Program is a professional development program that aims to provide Australian educators the opportunity to experience first hand the peoples, cultures and issues of the countries of Asia and to enhance skills and discipline knowledge of the studies of Asia. The China study tour provides participants with a glimpse of the diversity, contrasts and vastness of modern China. Through meeting local communities, leaders, teachers and students, the group is able to gain a greater understanding of current social, educational and political issues facing contemporary China. During the tour, the group visits towns and provincial cities in Yunnan province, including eternal spring city of Kunming, Mojiang, Lancang, Simao and Jinghong where they experience life in China's rural areas. They are hosted by Mojiang No. 1 Middle School and the Simao Education Commission. Participants prepare a series of simple English lessons to teach children in schools in Yunnan. From Yunnan, the group travels a scenic route by overnight train to Chongqing, one of the biggest industrial cities in the southwest of China on the Yangtse River. The tour will end in the northern capital of Beijing which will include visits to important sites such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City as well as a briefing from Australia's Ambassador to China. Go to the top of the page Tour Leader/s Ms Jill Wilson, Asia Education Foundation Advisor, Victoria Ms Jing Yu, Belconnen High School, ACT Tour Dates The dates of the 2002-2003 TICFA tour to China are: Date of departure from Australia is Saturday 28th December 2002 Date of return to Australia is Wednesday 15th January 2003 Although every attempt has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, please note that these dates are subject to change. Go to the top of the page Tour Outline Day 1 Traveling Fly homeports to Singapore Day 2 Kunming Depart Singapore to Kunming, group briefing session Day 3 Kunming Cultural Literacy Workshop Day 4 Mojiang Travel from Kunming to Mojiang via Yuanjing. Visit Tropic of Cancer Park and night market Day 5 Mojiang Visit Mojiang No. 1 Middle School and Teachers Training CollegeMuslin village/ Kongzi Temple and local Kindergarten Day 6 Simoa Mojiang to Simao via TongguanFree time/ curriculum development Day 7 Menglian Travel from Simao to Menglian via Lancangjiang Bridge Day 8 Menglian Visit Menglian No. 1 Middle School Day 9 Lancang Travel from Menglian to Lancang and visit Lahu village Day 10 Lancang Visit Lancang No.1 Middle School and Ethnic Middle School Day 11 Jinghong Arrive in Jinghong in afternoon Day 12 Kunming Curriculum Development / Research TimeFly Jinghong to Kunming in afternoon Day 13 Kunming Curriculum Development / Research TimeOvernight train Kunming to Chongqing Day 14 Chongqing Arrive in Chongqing Day 15 Beijing Morning in Chongqing: visit Yangste River Port and Artist CentreFly Chongqing - Beijing Day 16 Beijing Lecture program at Australian Embassy, briefing on Australia China TradeChinese Acrobats Performance Day 17 Beijing Cultural Literacy Workshop, tour of Forbidden City, Great Wall and Ming Tombs Day 18 Traveling Debriefing and evaluation session before flying from Beijing to Singapore Day 19 Australia Arrive Home Ports Although every attempt has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, please note that these details are subject to change. Go to the top of the page Past Participant Comments China is such a vast country, full of contrast and contradiction and this trip has served to heighten my thirst for more knowledge. The trip was a great way to visit schools, met Chinese teachers, students and be exposed to less 'touristy' areas, thus making the opportunity truly unique. I have gained so much from this experience and I feel inspired to learn more and share with others in my school to further develop Studies of Asia across the curriculum'. Jayne Knox, St John's Grammar School, SA I have gained an understanding of China's language, culture and way of life from this tour that I could not have gained from a book, video or any other source. I am excited about sharing this new knowledge with other staff members and especially with my students. Simone Walters, St Patrick's Primary School, NSW The senses were saturated after having been totally immersed into this totally satisfying and fascinating country. One cannot understand a culture unless you live and speak with the people. We were given the unique opportunity to connect with students, teachers, parents as well as members of the local communities. Maksina Medgovich, Denmark High School, WA I have found the trip 100% worthwhile - it has been harsh, hard and wonderful. It has made me realize the importance of presenting Asian studies in my school in a true representation of the people's culture. It will help me to understand the importance of stereotyping and encourages me to become more involved in the implementation of studies of Asia. Jennifer Veness, St. Margaret Mary's Primary, NSW The pre-tour information thoroughly prepared me for the 21-day tour. The email discussion group was fantastic resource and all queries and questions were answered promptly. The program gave me an insight into modern China and all the contradictions of a huge nation undergoing significant economic, social and cultural change. It was a unique program that enabled opportunities to meet local people and to establish great friendships. Stephen Meredith, Botanic Gardens of Adelaide Education Service, SA This has been a rich opportunity for transformation and growth. I believe I have already absorbed enough to 'feel' changed in understanding and perceptions. Over the coming months and years this will become more evident. Wayne Marshall, Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Sydney, NSW A fascinating, challenging and unique experience that has given me starting points to develop units of work that are relevant to my students and more importantly, that reflect a non-stereotypical, respectful and sympathetic view of China and its people. The extreme diversity and contrast of the experiences gave me a balanced, realistic but a beginning understanding of China. Judith Armstrong, Pt. Lincoln Junior Primary School, SA This tour has awakened my curiosity and interest into many aspects of China. I have an understanding or rather a better understanding of the diversity of this very populated country and now feel I need to go back to Australia to read more about the countries history and culture. Tanya Armstrong, Mount St Bernard School, NSW Two colleagues of previous tours promised me the trip of a lifetime and I was not disappointed. In fact, it exceeded their exhaustible endorsements! The wonderful opportunities to meet with the people of Yunnan province, the great variations in modes of transport, discussions with various experts in a range of fields and the opportunities to socialize with our fellow group members as well as the Chinese all made for a wonderful and enjoyable tour. Barbara Wright, Guildford Grammar School, WA Go to the top of the page Contacts Further information on the TICFA program is available from: Ms Kristi Sheldon, Manager, In-Country Programs k.sheldon@asialink.unimelb.edu.au Mr Aaron O'Shannessy, Project Officer, In-County Programs a.oshannessy@asialink.unimelb.edu.au Asia Education Foundation Sidney Myer Asia Centre The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia Telephone: 03 8344 4800 Facsimile: 03 9347 1768