Brooklyn Goes to China

­We are the very proud parents of Brooklyn McDaniel.  We are excited to announce that she has been selected to participate in the Wesley International Academy study abroad China Programme.

The student selection process was quite extensive.  Four years of Mandarin instruction and the completion of Level II or higher on the Youth Chinese Test was a prerequisite to applying to the program.  Middle school students were required to complete an application that included writing an essay describing and reflecting on the benefits of traveling to China, both personally and socially.  Once individual interviews were conducted, each student was notified  of their selection into the program.

Engaging students in a foreign language is one of the most important factors in preparing them to be contributors to the global community.  As part of their drive for fluency in Mandarin, Wesley International Academy (WIA) students from grades 6th-8th grade are embarking on an academic and social-cultural adventure to China in May 2015. 

The China Summer Programme was organized for students to study abroad in Nanjing, China at Nanjing University. The mission of the journey is to enhance students' Chinese linguistic and cultural acquisition through full language immersion. Its vision is to provide an experience that will awaken their senses, and encourage them to become more independent, enthusiastic learners.

Accompanied by WIA Chinese teachers, students will live in the Nanjing University dormitory for a month with foreign students from around the world and work with Chinese staff members who have extensive experience teaching non-native speakers. Students will participate in daily intensive language classes in Mandarin as well as other activities such as cultural exploration, cultural classes in calligraphy/painting, Tai-Chi, local high school classes and socials, and field trips to Beijing, the Great Wall, and Purple Mountain. 

Brooklyn needs help to reach her goal of $4,600 to cover her travel, living, and food expenses for the 2015 China Summer Programme. We are asking all our family and friends to support her in this amazing opportunity.

Thank you for your donations.