Chinese government leaders arrived at Ball State University Sunday to begin a two month training program that will allow participants to observe and study the American government, culture, educational system and business practices.
The Deyang Project consists of 10 senior-level officials from Deyang, China, who have been selected from a large group of respondents to visit Muncie and observe American life by taking college courses, examining government practices and living with host families.
Participants will attend approximately 60 lectures at Ball State, ranging from American culture to international trade. They will also have internships with organizations and businesses around Muncie that relate to their professional field.
This is the first year for the Deyang Project at Ball State, but Muncie and Deyang have had a sister-city relationship since 1994. Sister-city relationships allow both cities to have a better understanding of international relations and to interact with each other, according to Ball State's Far East Asia Program Web site.
The Chinese officials will be staying with local families.
"(Host families) have to be good examples of a typical American household," Carol King-Reed, Deyang Project coordinator, said. "Some are single, some are married, some are retired, but all families have to be interested in cross-cultural experiences."
King-Reed said government officials from Muncie will also be coming to Ball State throughout the two-month training period to evaluate the project.
She said she is hopeful that the project will "spark a dialogue of economic development and an exchange of ideas" and expand the relationship between Muncie and China. This project may also trigger additional relationships between Muncie and other countries.
One of the most important experiences the participants will gain from this program is the relationships they form with host families. Although these Chinese government officials have studied American life, the knowledge and understanding they will receive by living with an American family will be critical to the whole experience, according to the Web site.
"It's a great opportunity for both Ball State and Muncie to show what they can do together," King-Reed said. "The resources, the interest and the support that has been put into this program is going to benefit everyone."
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