HOME China'04 Slide Show About Year One at UVM Year One Highlights About Year Two in Asia Year Two Highlights GIAC Staff GIAC Alumnae Web Quest on Asia Asian Journal Writing Asian Photo Gallery Link to GIAC listserv Institute Updates Asian Resources Asian Web Links About GIV Apply for GIAC About UVM Asian Outreach Contact Us		What is the Governor's Institute on Asian Cultures? The Governor's Institute on Asian Cultures is co-sponsored by the Asian Studies Outreach Program at the University of Vermont (ASOP) and the Vermont Governor's Insitute (GIV). The institute provides a unique opportunity for Vermont teenagers to learn about Asia and to travel in China over a two-year cycle. In the first year of their involvement, selected Vermont high school students spend one week on the University of Vermont campus to learn about many aspects of Asian culture, including history, art, politics and more. At the end of the week, students present their individual study plans for the year in preparation for their trip to China the following summer. *Completion of the week-long program is required for elligibility for the following summer's travel to China. Over the next year, students work on their individual study plans with help from program teachers. In the spring, planning meetings are held to prepare students for travel in China. Information about locations, what to expect abroad, and even how to bargain in Chinese is provided. Parents are encouraged to attend. In their second summer, the Vermont teens and group leaders travel to China to directly experience the subjects of their previous learning. Now in its twelfth year, the Governor's Institute on Asian Cultures has expanded its course material to focus on China and Japan while also encouraging students to explore other regions of East and Southeast Asia. Topics of lectures and workshops include: China traditional and contemporary values of Chinese society; minorities and diversity issues; history and politics; language; traditional dancing, and more! Japan: history and politics; flower arrangement; Taiko drumming; Aikido...and more! These areas of study link history, philosophy, religion, and political and economic development. The year-one students will engage in academic and hands-on activities with experts on Asia, Asian nationals, and experienced teachers on the University of Vermont campus in early summer. Chinese language lessons will be offered. Students are expected to read several articles about Asia prior to the Institute. During the Institute, students develop individual study plans to continue their learning during the year with follow-up activities and support from faculty. This work helps to prepare students for travel and study in China during the following summer. Since 1996, over 150 Vermont high school students have traveled to China. In past years, the students have traveled and studied in Beijing, Qufu (in Shandong province southeast of Beijing), Xi'an, Chengdu and Inner Mongolia. Thanks to very generous finanical support from the Freeman Foundation, student costs for the program are kept to a minimum and some student scholarships are available. Please contact the UVM-ASOP office for further information at (802) - 656 - 7985.
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