On March 18-27, in collaboration with the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), the Foundation organized a Chicago Harris China Study Group consisting of 17 students to visit Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai.
The students had meetings with the Chinese Institute of International Studies, the American Chamber in Beijing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Commerce, the Chengdu Development and Reform Commission, the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, and the Shanghai Pudong New Area Commission of Commerce. They visited famous Chinese historic sites and new modern Chinese districts, and exchanged views with Sichuan University students, Chinese scholars, and some officials in the cities.
After the ten-day trip, one student said, "For sure, this trip was an eye-opening experience, and a glimpse into a very different society, which is pressingly important to understand, especially from a public policy perspective." Another student added, "The trip in general gave me a better perspective on the cities we visited and the country as a whole."
