{"id":4592,"date":"2018-07-24T15:31:44","date_gmt":"2018-07-24T05:31:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/testblogs.griffith.edu.au\/asiainsights\/?p=4592"},"modified":"2018-07-31T08:16:42","modified_gmt":"2018-07-30T22:16:42","slug":"establishing-people-to-people-links-2018-asia-future-fellows","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/testblogs.griffith.edu.au\/asiainsights\/establishing-people-to-people-links-2018-asia-future-fellows\/","title":{"rendered":"Establishing people to people links | 2018 Asia Future Fellows"},"content":{"rendered":"

This July, 12 Griffith University students and 10 Peking University students of a plethora of disciplinary backgrounds participated in the Brisbane half of the Asia Future Fellows Undergraduate Program. After their long flight to Australia the Peking University students arrived at Griffith University ready to meet the local students and get involved in a week of professional, industry, government, and cultural activities and learning.<\/p>\n

The formal undertakings of the week began with a cross-cultural communication workshop from the Griffith English Language Institute, and an interactive presentation by the Eco Centre at Griffith University concerning the significance of sustainability and incorporation of sustainable practices as leaders.<\/p>\n

The ensuing days included an impressive diversity of speakers presenting on Australia-China relations that encompassed the Griffith University Asia Institute, the Australia China Business Council, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Consulate of the People\u2019s Republic of China, and fellow students. Students were thrilled to gain access to the arenas of change-makers with a visit to Brisbane City Council and River City Labs.<\/p>\n

Between the formal events of the program students immersed themselves in Brisbane with tours of Brisbane City Hall\u2019s history and architecture, the Gallery of Modern Art, patting kangaroos at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, shopping in Queen Street Mall, exploring the streets of Chinatown, soaking up the sunshine of Surfer\u2019s Paradise, and enjoying the view of Brisbane\u2019s city lights.<\/p>\n

In the last days of their adventure as a group, students undertook critical thinking workshops where they were challenged to think outside their own perspective and break down their assumptions.<\/p>\n

Students broke into teams within which Australian and Chinese students prepare to create a collaborative essay on a topic of their selection, negotiated around the areas of expertise of their respective group. Students must overcome obstacles of availability, distance, and communication to have their essay ready to present in Beijing in late October.<\/p>\n

Over the brief period of a week, the Asia Future Fellows Program promoted people to people connections and supported diplomacy between China and Australia through an appreciation of the ways in which we are unique and the things we share.\u00a0 The program is developing a lasting relationship that endorses respect for where our countries differ and values what diversity has to offer on the growth and collaboration of our two nations.<\/p>\n

Dana-Maree Buffett, Griffith University Asia Future Fellows President 2018<\/em><\/p>\n