Summer 2015 saw the return of the International Office’s Wuhan Visiting Students Program–now known as the U.S Academic and Culture Immersion Program (ACIP). In mid-August, we welcomed 20 students from Hubei University, followed by 28 students from Yangtze University in mid-September. The program centered around five main components: American culture & intercultural communication, introductory academic content, leadership workshops, community service, and civic & cultural activities.
The IO’s ESL Services introduced students to American culture and enhanced their English language skills via an intercultural communications course. The College of Liberal Arts’ Global Initiative for Leadership & Education arranged a variety of academic mini-courses focusing on liberal arts, science & business.
Participants engaged in leadership & team development through excursions to nearby ropes courses and a series of leadership workshops led by UT’s own Leadership & Ethics Institute. The groups served the Austin & UT communities through volunteer efforts at the Capital Area Food Bank, Shoal Creek Conservancy and Concho Community Garden. Taking a break from their intensive studies & service projects, each cohort spent a fun-filled day at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
And of course no trip to Texas would be complete without a little education on local culture and history, so the groups trekked to the LBJ Presidential Library & Museum, Texas State Capitol, and Bullock State History Museum and took a sunset cruise on Ladybird Lake to see Austin’s famed Congress Avenue Bridge bats. The program concluded with certificate ceremonies at Austin-area BBQ joints, followed by a trip to the eastern seaboard led by the students’ sponsor, Severn Institute.
We’re eager to welcome our next cohorts in 2016!