Contented Easterners are satisfied with their simple life, and therefore, do not seek to increase their material enjoyment. They are satisfied with their present lot and environment, therefore, they do not want to conquer nature but merely be at home with nature and at peace with their lot. While the truth of this statement could no doubt be debated when discussing Chinese urbanites, it seems to hold true in the rural areas of the Sichuan Province. Beibei, a city of great beauty set alongside the tranquil Jialing River and among magnificent mountains, is the site of the program.
Every effort is made to provide a stimulating intellectual environment.
The focus of the program is upon Chinese language, history, culture, literature, philosophy, and art. To facilitate the students' acclimation to Beibei, the program provides an orientation in Beijing and Xi'an prior to the beginning of classes in Beibei. If a field trip to a particular location would enhance the students' learning experience, then this is included in the program, e.g., archaeological excavations, Buddhist sites, temples, imperial palaces and tombs, the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. The focus is upon a structured curriculum, leaving room for the exploration of unique opportunities presented by the intellectual and cultural resources in China. Students will enjoy their meals of famous Sichuan cuisine at the foreign student restaurant.