In a time when cultural differences seem to be shaping the world around us, what would seem more appropriate than to travel to a country with a culture that is the polar opposite of ours? In an attempt to marginalize these cultural differences, Professors Michael Roos and Ruth Banander of the English department will be traveling to the city of Liuzhou, China, as part of a potential linkage between RWC and Guangxi University of Technology (GUT).This prospect originated when the RWC professors found out that Professor Cai Rongshou was working with the Institute of Global Studies and Affairs at the UC’s main campus. Through Professor Cai’s connections, a plan was orchestrated in which Professor Benander would teach a course in American English and Culture here to visiting Chinese professors, while Professor Roos, and possibly other RWC faculty, would potentially teach courses at GUT in subjects that could help connect Chinese and American cultures.
To offset the cost of traveling to the other side of the world, both RWC professors received $1,000 from the UC Institute of Global Studies and Affairs, which helps to foster study abroad programs. With this money both professors will travel to China from Dec. 13 and return on Dec. 23.
Once there, the professors will explore Guangxi province and Liuzhou, a sister city of Cincinnati and the location of Guangxi University of Technology.
While it is still too soon to say for sure whether China will turn out to be a study abroad program that includes both students and faculty members, it is certain that this trip will help to broaden the world views of all the participants.