HANGZHOU, China (WGNS) - Seven Middle Tennessee State University students spent more than two weeks in China this summer, moving beyond the traditional classroom to gain firsthand insight into the country's history, culture, and daily life.

Jun Da, a professor of linguistics and Chinese in the MTSU Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, led the group through Hangzhou and Shanghai from May 18th to June 3rd. The faculty-led experience centered on a three-credit course, Introduction to Chinese Culture, which introduces participants to Chinese philosophy, history, society, and modern technological development. The course fulfills requirements for both the Chinese minor and the interdisciplinary Asian Studies minor at the Murfreesboro university.

During the trip, students visited historical landmarks and technology companies, participated in traditional arts workshops, and lived with local families through a homestay program. MTSU participants also paired up with students from Hangzhou Normal University through a buddy exchange program to build relationships and trade cultural perspectives.

Local students noted that the experience helped them build confidence while navigating a new environment. History major Benjamin Wiggins of Lewisburg and art history major Emma Turner of Murfreesboro both highlighted how the personal interactions and daily navigation helped broaden their worldviews and shape their future academic goals.

Faculty leaders plan to offer the study abroad program again in the summer of 2027. Da intends to expand the curriculum offerings to include Intersections of Language and Culture, a course taught in English designed to allow students from even more academic disciplines across Middle Tennessee to participate.