STUDY ABROAD CHINA China’s new position in the global marketplace is creating a huge thirst for greater understanding of its people, culture, history and economy. More than 1.3 million Americans visited China last year (up 72% over the previous year) and China study abroad programs have expanded by 375% in the past ten years.

Nationwide, university faculty are struggling to develop short-term China study tours which meet increasing student demand for knowledge of this new economic power. Busy schedules and limited availability of effective outsourcing options, compounded by the rapid changes occurring within China, combine to make it difficult for faculty to create programs that meet institutional academic standards.

Ming Cheng Educational Travel solves these problems by offering curriculum and guided educational tours that meet the highest academic standards. Ming Cheng delivers what universities and faculty want – a complete, comprehensive program that provides students with an academically focused, culturally rich, rewarding and enjoyable China experience. Ming Cheng provides culturally sustainable and socially responsible educational travel opportunities that benefit the academic community, students and the people of China.

 

OUR SERVICES

Ming Cheng believes that in order to have a successful and academically rewarding experience, the work must begin long before the actual trip takes place and must continue even after the students return home. We are committed to assisting the faculty, students and host institutions at every step of the process.

BEFORE THE TOUR

ACADEMIC CONSULTATION
Our Academic Consultants are trained educators. They meet with faculty members scheduled to teach a pre-tour course (if offered) and lead the students on the tour. An initial agenda is crafted from these planning sessions that meet the professor’s academic and logistical requirements. Tours are typically adapted from our extensive inventory of educational tour templates; however, Ming Cheng is equipped to tailor educational programs for faculty with a unique vision. The Academic Consultant is available to help with implementing course marketing strategies, assist with the pre-trip course and make sure that all of the faculty advisor’s goals are met.

PRE TOUR MARKETING
Ming Cheng provides marketing materials to the university and faculty to ensure maximum exposure and enrollment numbers. Materials include:

Advertising templates for newspapers, magazines, newsletters, and journals.
Templates for posters, flyers, brochures, and pamphlets for display and distribution
Multimedia presentations to assist with promotional lectures
A website that markets to prospective student participants

PRE TOUR COURSE
***If the institution chooses to conduct a course in conjunction with the tour***
Designed for college and university students, the program often begins with a pre-tour course offered on campus. Upon course completion, students get to experience first hand the many topics and themes covered in the classroom. Ming Cheng tours are active learning adventures that expose students to the wonder and excitement of today’s China, increase cultural awareness and broaden understanding.

Ming Cheng can provide curriculum and learning materials which connect your pre-tour course to the upcoming trip. Materials are available to students online, using the latest technology to provide a multimedia experience that peaks students’ interest. The pre-tour course prepares and motivates students for the tour; enhancing their academic experience, enjoyment and satisfaction.

Online Teaching Resource: Lesson plans, supplemental readings, in-class activities, group projects, essay topics, quizzes, and more are available to augment the professor's own course materials.

Online Student Resource: provides background information on the places they will visit, the people they will encounter and the cultures they will explore. Films, readings, and online activities offer abundant opportunity for self-study. Links to internships and China career options are also provided.

THE EDUCATIONAL TOUR

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Ming Cheng provides materials and activities for use during the tour to create an experiential learning environment. Throughout the tour, the academic, culture and daily life issues discussed in the pre-tour course are reinforced through first hand experience. Activities are conducted with local experts in small groups to facilitate understanding. Students are also given assignments to accomplish on their own, discovering through exploration. Ming Cheng provides subject matter experts, academic assistants and cultural guides trained in the latest pedagogical techniques to engage students through participatory learning throughout the tour.

AUTHENTIC & DIVERSE CULTURES
To truly experience China, students must escape the tourist sites and make connections with everyday people and experience genuine culture. On our tours, participants meet students, business leaders and ordinary families. They eat in neighborhood restaurants that provide authentic cuisine so they can explore the culture with all of their senses. Our expertise allows us to find locations far off the beaten path. By staying in a rural village, students can encounter local traditions and learn about everyday country life. Even when visiting more touristed locations, Ming Cheng has the cultural connections to bypass tourism culture and provide authenticity.

ADVENTURE & ENJOYMENT
Ming Cheng’s academic focus and cultural awareness ensures that our educational and cultural activities are interesting and fun. However, we know that having time to pursue personal adventures is an integral part of any travel experience. Accordingly, our tours provide recommendations and information on interesting places to visit as well as on dining, entertainment and shopping destinations to make the students’ stay enjoyable. Comfort is also important, so accommodations are chosen in convenient locations and meet western standards.

TOUR LOGISTICS
Ming Cheng Educational Travel is an American company based in northern California. We are registered to provide educational tour services under California law and strictly adhere to all State and Federal tourism and banking regulations to protect your investment. Ming Cheng handles all tour logistics from arrival in China through departure home. Transportation within china, accommodations, organized meals, tours and site-visits are arranged. Additionally, our suggested itineraries, destinations and entertainment options foster safe and enjoyable free time. Ming Cheng has trained all tour guides and subject area experts and has designed all educational activities in collaboration with attending faculty. In short, Ming Cheng provides everything needed for a fun, safe, exciting, comfortable and culturally rich and rewarding educational experience.

AFTER THE TOUR

POST TOUR MARKETING & FEEDBACK
Video and photos are taken throughout the tour and are available to participating students and faculty. Additionally, students’ opinions, reaction, observations and feedback are also recorded throughout the tour. These materials assist the university in evaluating the academic success of the experience and in developing more tailored marketing for future programs with Ming Cheng.

ACADEMIC ADVANTAGE & LIFE LEARNING
Upon completing the Ming Cheng program, students earn college credit which often can be applied toward their academic major. Ming Cheng’s programs have clear and specific academic goals, so students know what to study and learn effectively. Our tours offer practical life and career skills that are marketable in a variety of fields. There are opportunities to make contacts that can lead to internships or jobs with corporations doing business in China. Beyond the potential academic and professional gains, travel in China provides the chance for personal development. China can test the physical, emotional, mental and even spiritual boundaries of visitors. Ming Cheng tours assist in this journey of discovery.