Howard University News August 1, 2013 Freshmen Leaders Embark on China Academic Exchange Students in the Howard University Freshman Leadership Academy (FLA) program are experiencing a global connection this summer by traveling to China and studying in Beijing and Shanghai. As part of the international experience, students are taking part in lectures, leadership seminars and cultural tours. This year, 42 students are traveling to China from July 14 to Aug. 4. The experiences are designed to broaden their appreciation of world cultures, improve their intercultural communication skills and increase awareness of what it means to be a global citizen. This year marks the third summer FLA students have traveled to China. "The Freshman Leadership Academy's studies and cultural immersion in Asia builds on President Sidney A. Ribeau's vision for expanding Howard's international footprint and answers the call of Barack Obama's 100,000 Strong Initiative," said Barbara L.J. Griffin, Ph.D., vice president for Student Affairs. "Today's students must become globally competent citizens in order to be competitive and effective in our increasingly interconnected world." In China, Howard students will visit important economic landmarks like the Shanghai World Financial Center, U.S. Consulate, McDonald's corporate office, and major local corporations. Students are also scheduled to tour the Great Wall, the Shanghai Museum and other important cultural sites. Julie Chang Andrist, a Chinese lecturer and pre-professional advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences, and three other staff members are traveling with the group. Andrist led intense Mandarin language sessions and mini-seminars on Chinese culture and education prior to the visit. The students are also participating in leadership development seminars and conducting research on human rights issues in the United States and China. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.