Chippewa Valley Times

The January intercultural immersion program to Hawaii, named "Cultural Preservation Through Tourism," provided international students at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire a hands-on connection with the land and Indigenous culture of the island state. The program was led by director of Multicultural Student Services Caitlin Lee and campus Upward Bound coordinator May Xiong.

Reflecting on their experience, one of the participating students, Yangguang Cheng, shared, "The natural scenery is absolutely beautiful, and the Hawaiian culture is even more attractive to me." Another student, Rong (Krystal) Wang, highlighted the immersive learning aspect of the program, stating, "It makes everything I learned about the land and people feel more real and touching."

During the program, the students engaged in various activities, including volunteering to help maintain tourist locations and participating in a full-day tour at the Polynesian Cultural Center. They also had the opportunity to compare and contrast Chinese and Hawaiian myths, stories of origins, and land structures, which added depth to their overall experience.

Speaking about the benefits of intercultural immersion programs, Chinese program manager Yiliu Yang emphasized, "Our cultural immersion programs offer international students the chance to expand their academic and cultural learning and overall American experience." Yang also noted the importance of feeling safe and secure while traveling, especially for international students and their parents.

Sharing advice for other students interested in similar programs, Yangguang Cheng encouraged being open-minded, exploring various opportunities on campus, and immersing oneself in the local culture for a fulfilling experience. Wang also highlighted the importance of wise travel planning and budgeting.

The intercultural immersion programs at UW-Eau Claire aim to enrich the academic and cultural experiences of all students, including international students. These programs provide unique opportunities for students to travel with a purpose, gain academic credit, and deepen their understanding of different cultures and perspectives.