Zhangjiajie张家界

Zhangjiajie:Located in Hunan Province

I. Expanding Intercultural

Understanding

II. Experiential Learning

III. Making a Difference

IV. Personal Growth

The Four Pillars of China Alive at Shanghai American School

Pillar I: Expanding Intercultural Understanding

Tujia Minority Culture

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

* Major regional ethnic group

* Interview and record oral history

* Share cultural forms of entertainment

Pillar I: Expanding Intercultural Understanding

Bamboo Weaving

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Pillar I: Expanding Intercultural Understanding

* Baskets and hats part of local costume

* Work with a local craftsperson to learn how to weave baskets

Identifying Values of a Culture

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Observe the surrounding environment, identify

effects of changes to landscape and infer what

the culture values.

Pillar I: Expanding Intercultural Understanding

Pillar II: Experiential Learning

Bamboo and the School

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

After a visit to a local

primary school, identify a

need and determine how

bamboo (a natural

resource) could be used to

alleviate that need.

Pillar II: Experiential Learning

A Visit to the Local Market

* Walk to a nearby market

with local teachers and

students to purchase

produce for lunch at the

school

* Learn to haggle and shop

at the local market

Pillar II: Experiential Learning

Pillar III: Making a Difference

Yuan Jia Zhuang Primary School 袁家庄小学

* Collaborate and interact with local schoolchildren

* Determine the facility’s strengths and needs

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Pillar III: Making a Difference

Video Log & Daily Journals* Daily reflective opportunities

* Compare and contrast lives

with

that of the local community

* Communicate daily findings

and

each day’s experiences with

local

people and places

Pillar III: Making a Difference

Pillar IV: Personal Growth

Sketching and Watercolor

Pillar IV: Personal Growth

Sketching & watercolor

painting from nature will

expand upon the

students’ artistic skill

set.

Yellow Dragon Cave 黄龙洞

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

A visit to the local karst cave exposes students

to stalagmites, stalactites, waterfalls and a

natural reservoir.

Pillar IV: Personal Growth

Physical Comfort Zones

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Opportunities for rafting, yoga and nature walks

provide first-time or rare experiences outside of daily

urban life in Shanghai.

Pillar IV: Personal Growth

Emotional and Geographical Comfort Zones

* Immersion in heights and nature challenges

* levels of comfort

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Pillar IV: Personal Growth

It’s going to be an adventure!