Prior to beginning formal classes, the group visits such famous historic sites as the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, and several ancient temples noted for Buddhist images carved on cave walls or cliff faces. There is no question the China program is Furman's least expensive foreign study experience. Normally, the Furman group departs for China around August 22 and returns to the U.S. just prior to Thanksgiving. Although prior knowledge and experience of Chinese is not required, students on the program will take a beginning Chinese language course, along with an introduction to Chinese culture, and, depending on which Furman professor serves as program director, a Chinese literature, history, or religion course. During their stay in Shanghai, students have ample opportunity not only to explore the city but also to make frequent weekend excursions on the train to nearby cities such as SuZhou and HangZhou to see some of China's most famous beauty spots.
Many students return home with fine collections of souvenirs.
Most importantly, however, the students form great friendships among the Chinese they encounter. Many students report that the experience is life-changing.