The efficient sightseeing allowed more time for the academic purpose of the trip. Faculty from PKU and Peking Union Medical College and other speakers gave in-depth presentations on the history of China, the environment, women in China, public health and traditional Chinese medicine. Contrary to American stereotypes of Chinese seclusion and secrecy, speakers seemed surprisingly honest in front of this group of foreigners about the issues facing their country. And students demonstrated their preparation for the trip with probing, incisive questions, noting both the similarities and the differences with which China and the United States approach their internal issues and their relationship with each other. But it helps that travel in the 21st century is radically different from even two decades ago.
Distance is no longer much of a factor in communication.
Parents who bade their daughters farewell for three weeks at the Atlanta airport saw them return daily through the College's Web site. Harry posted digital pictures often and the students added journal-like reflections. Parents and friends in the U.S. often saw images of students' activities before the students themselves could view them on the Internet. The cliche about the shrinking world is a cliche because it is true. In many ways, Beijing seems quite westernized.