By Kelly Garthwaite ’05
Studying abroad is an enlightening experience. Traveling scholars learn about other cultures, gain new friendships and see the world in a new and intriguing way. RU has study abroad programs traveling to many countries, including, but not limited to, most of Western Europe, South Africa, Australia and China.

Zylphia Shu-En Kirk Scholars travel to China every Maymester for four weeks. The trip begins around mid-May and concludes mid-June. The first destination on the trip is Beijing Language and Cultural University where students take classes in culture, language, calligraphy and Tai chi. They also visit historic locations, such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Their experiences are not limited to life in Beijing. In the past, they have also visited Shanghai, Dalian, Xian and Huangzhou.

RU alumnus R.J. Kirk established the Zylphia Shu-En Kirk Endowment, named after his daughter, providing scholarships that allow RU students to make this unique trip.  Students who apply for this program must have a 2.75 GPA or higher and meet the January 31 application deadline to qualify. After meeting the academic qualifications, they are required to enroll in Mandarin Chinese for two semesters before going abroad.

On average, the program receives 50 to 60 applicants each year, and accepts 18 to 20. Students selected for 2005-06 include: Joy Adams, Virginia Beach, Va.; Tiffiney Allen, Arrington, Va.; Cory Broyles, Christiansburg, Va.; Alana Chips, Kill Devil Hills, NC; Ashlee Cossaboon, New Kent, Va.; Jennifer Davis, Oakton, Va.; Brittony Fitzgerald, Front Royal, Va.; Emily Flora, Rocky Mount, Va.; Manuel Gomez, Alexandria, Va.; Kimberly Hawks, Cana, Va; Elizabeth Leemann, Fairfax, Va.;  Kimberly Rich, Fairfax, Va.; James Rosensteel, Poquoson, Va.; Heidi Ruhling, Woodbridge, Va.; Shannon Snider, Blacksburg, Va.; Brandy Tate, Bland, Va.; and Jenna Wickenhofer, Norfolk, Va.

The Kirk Scholarship covers most of the travel expenses, including airfare, tour transportation, most meals, accommodations and international insurance; however, students are responsible for covering tuition, some meals, independent transportation, tips, departure taxes, airline deposit and any gifts or souvenirs purchased. Overall, the trip usually costs around $900, not including tuition, which is relatively inexpensive considering that it lasts four weeks.

Learning Chinese has many positive outcomes. As Joe Flory, director of RU’s International Education Center commented, “It’s important for the U.S. to be more involved with China because of business and economics, and learning about cultures other than our own can broaden our minds.”

Students from almost every major and class standing have been accepted into the Program since its inception in 2000. They enjoy learning Mandarin Chinese at their own pace because most of them have never been exposed to the language or the culture. They work with foreign languages and literatures professor I-Ping Fu, a native Mandarin speaker, and with professors from their own majors to balance the workload.

Students from past trips have returned to China to pursue careers as teachers. Nathan Taylor (pictured at right with a group of his students in China), who has signed his second year contract to teach English in China, is one example. Sarah Cole and Sarah Ragsdale are also contemplating returning to China to teach.

Shelley Gentry visited China last May and is now working with the program helping other students to grasp the language. From her experience she has learned a lot of beneficial information that she plans to carry with her. She said, “I would recommend this program to other students because it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  There is no better time to put yourself out there and see the world than while you are in college.”