An American experience
Central Michigan might not be the pinnacle of American culture in the minds of many who live here.
But for eight Chinese medical students, it’s their window into another way of life.
The students are part of an exchange program between CMU and the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, which officials are expecting to become an annual affair.
The students have a month to experience the educational and social facets of the American way of life while studying English and medical terminology in Central Michigan.
“I’m very excited to be here,” said Beijing student Susan Sun. “The university is very nice and the air is clean and fresh.”
The Beijing students have 18 days remaining in their 28-day learning experience in the U.S., which focuses on the educational and social facets of the American way of life while studying English and medical terminology.
The exchange students said they look forward to the absorbing more knowledge.
“The language is not a problem for me, taking in so much information is,” said exchange student Heidi Han.
Throughout their summer, the Beijing students will be introduced to American culture and medical terminology in creative ways. CMU’s English and health departments have joined forces in catering to the students from every angle.
Kenlea Pebbles, English Language and Literature temporary faculty, is teaching the exchange students in an American Culture course. She has adopted a system of methods similar to the movie “School of Rock,” utilizing Edmond Fitzgerald records, to allow the students “to get the concepts that comes with the culture.”
“I’ve been working with international students for four years at Central,” Pebbles said.
The students’ schedule of daily activities is designed to keep them busy and introduce them to new things.
Pebbles said the group celebrated the Fourth of July with a picnic. They also went canoeing over the weekend and are expected to go rock climbing Friday at Finch Fieldhouse.
“There’s no such thing as a typical day (for them),” Pebbles said.
The students all have similar reasons for choosing to study abroad. All will have to use English to assist them with their career in the medical field.
Laura Jhu said she ventured to America to learn more about the culture and the medical system. Being homesick, she said, is her biggest challenge in being here.
For all of the students, visiting America is a first, and although some may miss their families, they said they are enjoying their time in the U.S.
“This is my first time studying abroad and I look at it as an opportunity to explore new things,” said exchange student Chana Li.
Chana Li said she enjoys the people-friendly environment and the “big, clean” campus.
Beijing University of Chinese Medicine teacher Kathleen Li has acted as a chaperone for the group.
“This is the first project of this kind,” Kathleen Li said. “But we hope to do more in the future.”
