Meaningful Exchanges Around the World.

VICE PRESIDENT'S VISTA

In a two-week journey through Beijing, Xian, Nanjing and Shanghai, ACEI members, guests, and several National Board Certified Teachers had the opportunity to share and reflect on their individual classroom practices and on the needs of their respective states. We also visited 12 Chinese classrooms and two universities. At each school, our delegation observed classes and engaged in stimulating conversations with teachers and administrators regarding the education needs of children and the complexities of teaching.

Our Chinese counterparts showered us with questions regarding U.S. standards and classroom practices. They learned that they had much in common with us, including the desire to provide the best possible teaching and learning experiences for all students. To quote Madame Li Jiamei, wife of the former president of China, and founder of the Sunshine Primary school in Beijing, "We wish to have all children grow up in peace. I believe all of you and all the teachers at the Sunshine School wish this for children all over the world. Let's join hands in friendship to the dedication of our lives for children the world over."

We watched history being unearthed at Xian, imagined an emperor's life in Beijing, and wandered wide boulevards and a maze of alleys in Shanghai. China is rapidly changing, but luckily for this group, much still remains the same--the richness of tradition, the variety of cuisine, and the gentle nature of the Chinese people.

Nothing helps one to understand and teach about cultural diversity or the differences in educational systems better than having firsthand experiences. With this thought in mind, I invite you to attend ACEI's educational and cultural delegation to Australia and New Zealand from July 17-27, 2000, for the purpose of furthering meaningful educational exchanges with other early and middle childhood educators. (See below for more details.)

For further information on this international travel opportunity, contact Dawn Davis, Senior Director of Educational Programs, at People-to-People Ambassador Programs. She may be reached at 1-877-7872000 (ext. 485).

This July 17- 27, People-to-People International will sponsor an Early and Middle Childhood Education Delegation to Australia and New Zealand. Led by Maria "M.J." Savaiano, ACEI Vice President Representing Intermediate / Middle Childhood, the delegation will convene in New York on July 17, 2000, for a pre-departure reception and a briefing by a People-to-People Ambassador Programs representative. The group will arrive in Auckland, New Zealand, on the evening of July 19. While in New Zealand, the delegation will tour local neighborhoods and sights, attend professional meetings, and embark on cultural excursions. On July 22, the delegation will travel to Sydney, Australia, for further visits, meetings, and discussion sessions. On July 27, they will return to New York.

The cost of the program is $4,865 per delegate or accompanying guest. This includes round-trip airfare from New York, first-class hotel accommodations, meetings with professional counterparts, special site visits, a published journal of activities, sightseeing and cultural events included in the itinerary, all transportation between airports and hotels, and meals included in the itinerary.

To register, or for more information about the trip, contact Dawn M. Davis, Director of Professional Programs, People-to-People Ambassador Programs, Dwight D. Eisenhower Bldg., 110 S. Ferrall, Spokane, WA 99202; 1-877-787-2000 (ext. 485); Fax: [phone]; E-mail: [e-mail].

--Maria "M.J." Savaiano, Vice President Representing Intermediate/Middle Childhood