Scholar Laureate – Delegations For Career Exploration

The China Medicine Delegation was one of the most awesome experiences I have had to date. The ten days were packed with educational and cultural information that will last a lifetime. I am excited that I overcame my skepticism and raised the money to participate.

A few tips: Ladies should always wear flats....never know how long you'll have to walk after exiting the bus

Ask quesions and make the most of this experience...it's once in a lifetime!!

Actually follow up with friends from China and the Delegation, never know what networking opportunity will present itself.

If something doesn't feel right......don't do it, and tell an advisor

Make sure you have enough batteries, or a power source for your camera.

Bring some going out gear. You may want to experience China's nightlife. Have a bag for dirty clothes-so they dont smell up your clean ones.

As a Black woman in China, I had many photo opps. At first you feel like a celebrity, but it gets a little old. Remember to be polite, even if people stare.

Don't bother buying lighters as souvenirs (not even allowed in checked bags)

RIDE THE BULLET TRAIN (only 40yuan--$6.50) and you get to the airport in 7minutes

Pack light. You will want to bring back souvenirs. If overweight, you have to pay. Not to mention, sometimes you have to carry your own lugguage for quite a distance.

China was awesome, I'd definitely go back. Thank you ISLP for exposing me to such an incredible place.

One of my favorite travels of my life. What a great experience!!!

I attended the 2008 ISLP Diplomatic and international relations *Just* before the 2008 olympics. I had a blast and learned alot too about each individual's contribution to the program. The key is not to panic before or during your stay...everything will be fine...oh and good character and good fellowship exchanges with our hosts go a long way...

plan, prepare, and keep your focus...

It's also a better idea to party in your hotel rooms...less likely to get into trouble when you don't know the language. Oh and a Chinese phrase book IS a lifesaver...even attempting to learn the language is bonus points of respect for our hosts and whomever you may run-into on the street for help.

1st thing you should do once you land any city, GET A MAP and get familiar 360* of every landmark around your hotel...if you travel out on your own or with small groups this will help you get back (once youve marked where you'll be staying at on that map).

Oh...and as Dio once said: "Don't Talk to Stranger's" It's really applied to natives that come up to you...as you can approach almost anyone to help you out...it just seems weird for a native to come up to a foreigner 'such as yourself' and expect to give information or help with a situation.

HI,
I have just been nominated for the ISLP and am keen to pick China. Any advice about how to go about this and if it is a worthwhile trip? I am keen that it is just not a touristy thing. I hope there is a lot of interactions with university, business people etc.

Hi,
I'm glad to see a testimony of the trip. I was nominated and the program I'm very much looking forward to taking is the China session. I was just wondering, how many were there in the group you went with?
I'd appreciate your reply :)

I attended the delegation on Medicine in China last summer and had the time of my life! I don't think any other trip to China would be comparable. I made amazing friends who are still some of my closest, I also got to further my medical career and understand Eastern medical techniques and theories. On top of that, I went to some of the most amazing places: large cities, small remote villages, hospitals, mental hospitals, orphanages, schools, and so much more. I would not hesitate on going on another trip through ISLP! Truely a life changing experience that I highly recommend! I learned not only about the culture but I also ended up learning a lot about myself and people in general. I could go on and on about my trip but I will restrain myself from doing so.