Academic Explorers Programs
Academic Explorers Martial Arts in China
Traditional Chinese martial arts and philosophy form the heart of the Academic Explorers (AE) study abroad program. Each student in the AE program experiences a uniquely intensive language immersion training coupled with the experiential study of Chinese history and culture while engaged in a rigorous martial arts program. All students receive highly personalized instruction from a master, study and live with an international population and travel throughout China applying their learning to a cultural context. Class content, lengths and times are tailored to the students on the Academic Explorers Martial Arts in China program. As a student you can enjoy many opportunities, including the following:
- Study Shao Lin, what many consider to be the origin of all martial arts, with champion martial artists from Henan province, the birthplace of Shao Lin.
- Learn meditation and Traditional Chinese Medicine principles through internal martial arts, studying the art of using qi to regulate your body temperature and using pressure points to bring someone to consciousness more quickly than smelling salts.
- Immerse yourself in the Chinese language and culture — you will be amazed at how quickly you can learn to communicate in Mandarin, the most commonly spoken language in the world.
- Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and explore ancient Chinese history, existential philosophy, captivating scenery, ethnic and cultural diversity, rich and complex language and medicine based on the natural world.
Martial Arts
While in Beijing, students study martial arts four to seven hours daily with world-class martial artists. The training curriculum is designed specifically for Academic Explorers participants to best meet their goals and abilities. Teachers are hand picked to accomplish this objective.Language
All language classes are taught through immersion.
Participants will be thrilled to see how quickly they will become proficient in Mandarin Chinese. Chinese classes
focus on the students’ ability to communicate with the people of the country. Students’ language abilities are furthered
by martial arts classes conducted in Chinese, host family stays and excursions into the local community to practice learned
interactions. One of our most popular practice activities is the follow up to our lesson on the cultural practice of
bargaining: a trip to a local market, where students put their skills to the test.
History and Culture
Philosophy, Traditional Chinese Medicine and contemporary issues in China are only some of the topics that we cover in order to acquaint participants with the many complex facets of Chinese culture. Students explore the finer points of Chinese philosophy by studying the Dao De Jing based on the text ‘Dao Fa Zi Ran,’ while referring to the English translation by Wing-Tsit Chan. Guest lecturers provide instruction in a variety of subjects important for a thorough understanding of Chinese culture. Travel, both within Beijing and throughout China, offers an unparalleled means of learning about this vast and ancient country.Location and Travel
The Academic Explorers program is based in Beijing, the capital of China. This city is rich in history and culture, providing access to a wealth of palaces, monuments, temples and historical sites such as the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven.During the fall term, AE participants spend a majority of their time studying the Chinese language and practicing martial arts in various parks around Beijing, including Lianhuachi Gong Yuan and Ritan Gong Yuan. An additional martial arts school is located in a historic courtyard in one of Beijing’s ever depleting number of hutongs.
During the winter
travel term students journey south to some of the most remote, geographically interesting and culturally diverse regions of the
country. While sample itineraries will be provided, students are expected to take ownership over their travels through
research and help plan the four to seven week travel itinerary. Academic Explorers instructors assess the safety of each
presented itinerary and work through the final plan with AE participants. AE staff travel with these groups and teach all
subject matter during these trips.
