Program Description

Twenty-five to thirty delegates will be selected through a rigorous application and interview process from universities across China to participate in HPACE 2012. The weeklong program combines the experience of a liberal arts education at Harvard with interactive activities designed not only to enhance the worldview of the student delegates, but also to allow them to share their unique personal experiences with the Harvard community.

By actively participating in events like the workshop series, the student delegates will have the chance to personally mingle and connect with Harvard undergraduates, which will help them develop a stronger understanding of American culture and a broader perspective of the world around them. The series and similar events will also allow the delegates to illuminate Harvard undergraduates on the social and cultural aspects of China from a more authentic and personal angle.  Moreover, by attending seminars and classes at Harvard, student delegates will gain insight into the values and limits of an American liberal arts education, in comparison to their own educational experience in China.

Lastly, HPACE provides a common ground for Harvard students and Chinese delegates to form meaningful relationships with prominent speakers and professors. Through in-depth discussions with guest speakers and professors, students from both countries will be exposed to new insights and diverse perspectives on relevant social and cultural issues in the two countries.

Program Highlights

In an effort to achieve all of these goals, HAUSCR has planned the following components of the Student Exchange Program.

• Student delegates will attend an opening reception open to the general public. The reception will give delegates the ability to interact with the Harvard community at-large.

• Student delegates will actively participate in symposium events, many of which will give delegates an opportunity to share their opinions and views, as well as showcase aspects unique to their cultural background.

• Student delegates will attend exclusive lunches and dinners with prominent guests, designed to give delegates the unique opportunity to interact with Harvard professors and guest speakers in an intimate setting.

• Student delegates will have a chance to attend any Harvard classes of their choice.

• Student delegates will form strong relationships with their Harvard undergraduate hosts, who are selected for their demonstrated interest in cultural exchange. Students are also encouraged to fully explore the day-to-day campus life at Harvard.

• Since it is increasingly common for Chinese university students to study abroad for a post-graduate degree, student delegates will have the opportunity to attend tours and information sessions at various graduate schools at Harvard as part of the student exchange program.

• Through organized tours, student delegates will have the chance to visit many historically significant sites and famous sightseeing locations in Boston and Cambridge. These experiences will give delegates a stronger exposure to American history and culture.