Background

A little background for our family, friends, students and colleagues...I've been asked my many people, "why are you going on this trip?" As Paige mentioned we're going with a group from Troy University (thank you Troy!) and the purpose for Paige and myself is really familiarization with China. Neither of us has been to China before, although we've both traveled internationally and I spent almost two years living in Russia. Our College and the University are seeking partnerships with Chinese institutions and working to recruit Chinese students. To some extent this is already happening and we anticipate more interaction with China in the future. Our administration (thank you Dean Hayes and Dr. Chilton!) thought it a good idea that we should experience China so that when we are working with Chinese students or promoting China as a study abroad or student teaching site for our own students we would know of what we speak. Additionally, this particular trip to China has an "artist" focus, so Paige, as our art ed faculty expert, will be able to bring back lots of things to incorporate into her classes. As for myself, I look forward to our visits to several Chinese schools and universities to see how our Asian colleagues handle administration and student services.

I give all the credit for this blog to Paige, the tech goddess. My humble contribution was the title. We look forward to sharing our "adventures" with you and are both very excited to begin the first leg of our journey tomorrow! - Peggy