Acad:venture was created out of a need I observed as an undergraduate study abroad student–an international study abroad program that was equally devoted to both strong academics and cultural experiences.While I was savvy enough to make my own plans in an English-speaking country, many students abroad in non-English speaking countries miss out–Acad:venture focuses on experiencing academic thought in an engaging, real-world context. While international travel and work experience is critical to success in today’s globalized world, only 6.8% of study abroad participants are high school students (IBISWorld). Get ahead in your personal and professional lives, and join the experience of a lifetime!

Philosophy in the Middle Kingdom

Overview: Explore one of the world’s oldest living civilizations through the study of philosophy. China’s rich cultural heritage is bolstered by centuries of competing and interconnected belief systems, tied together by one thing: being “Chinese.” Thousands of years before the teachings of Christ, China produced Lao Zi, Confucius, Mohist, Zhuang Zi, founded Confucianism and Daoism, and charted intellectual life until the present. Mixing elements of pragmaticism, Buddhism, and local cultural intricacies, Chinese philosophy continues to inform and guide public and private life in all parts of China, in all walks of life. To understand this bewilderingly-vast and unique country, join us as we travel to major hubs of culture, business, and study, and chart the lives and impact of China’s most famous teachers.

 

In order to make the most of your stay in China, Acad:venture’s eight week pre-exploration course, “Philosophy in the Middle Kingdom,” details:

• The lives of Lao Zi, Confucius (Kong Zi), Zhuang Zi, Mohist (Mo Zi)
• Seminal texts, such as The Analects, and Dao De Jing (The Way of the Dao)
• The relationship between philosophy and politics (contemporary and past)
• Religion in Contemporary China

 

Your Exploration (5 weeks) includes:

• Visiting the Great Wall, where General Meng Tian invented the calligraphy ink brush by chance
• Seeing China’s first Emperor’s, Qin Shi Huang, elaborate burial chambers and the thousands of warriors made to protect him, at the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an
• Experiencing Beijing–walk through the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and visit the city’s museums
• Accommodation and courses at Fudan University in Shanghai
• Entrance into professional development workshops in Shanghai
• Travel passes (rail, bus, plane, metro)
• Select lunch and dinners

Contact us today to learn more and receive a detailed itinerary and course syllabus. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, and Pinterest (#acadventure).