Day Four

Day 4 of Week 2 Blog Post (Semiah Actkins- Liberal Arts)

April 28th, 2026

The third day in Wuhan has begun and we have a jam-packed day with presentations and sports at the beautiful Wuhan Open University. The Chinese sky filled with rain affecting our ability to walk to the university. Once we arrived at the school, we were greeted by the outgoing and friendly business teacher Larry.

We were presenting to a group of students from China about Gateway Technical College, and the education system in the United states as a whole. While I am always nervous to present, I thought we did a good job of not only presenting, but also answering the questions that the students had about the information. Once our presentation ended, we began our live stream activities in the building of business. My classmates encouraged me to join in and to share my awesome dance moves that have been presented throughout our trip.

Presentation screen reading "Length of Study Career Focus" with presenters beside it and students seated at desks

Green screen television studio with camera equipment and monitors, two people standing in front of the green backdrop

After finishing up our live streams, we were informed that we were invited to try coffee from coffee making majors. I had never heard of this in the U.S which broadened my perspective on the opportunities offered at this institution.

Television studio monitor showing a live broadcast of two people, with camera equipment and a green screen backdrop behind

Seven people seated in red chairs, each holding a small cup, in front of a lit bar display

Two people preparing tea at a low table set with a tea service

Once our coffee experience was complete, we were delighted to be greeted to a tea making class. The class was very informative and thorough.

Three people seated on a couch holding cups, behind a table set with a tea service

Person seated at a tea-making table, screen behind reading "Warm and wash the bowl" with a video demonstration

Presentation screen showing a "Catalog" outline slide with sections "Why," "How," and "Practice," table with cups in front

Person in fencing mask and gear guiding a child through a fencing stance in an indoor hallway

Following our wonderful time at Wuhan Open university, we had to part our ways to experience Wuhan Hai Diane Foreign Language Shi Yan School. During the tour I saw many activities for students. It was impressive to see that many students from this international high school get admissions to many top tier universities in the United States such as Princeton, Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, and U.C - Berkley. The educational system here is always so interesting, and it seems a lot of students are taught about the value of hard work at an early age. Once the tour was over, we were invited to a pickleball tournament with the students in the gymnasium.

Wall-mounted display of trophies and plaques on pegboard shelving

Indoor sports facility with an archery target and wall signage, people standing nearby

Person standing on a gym court holding a black and white robotic device

Our group leader, Sarah Dakwar, made it to the finals of the pickelball tournament and actually won. We were all surprised and proud of her hidden athletic talent.

Lastly, our group visited a Chinese outdoor market which had a Walmart to buy our helpful directors gifts. They have been so amazing and supportive this entire trip so it felt good to gift them something to show our appreciation.

While I was sad that we were leaving Wuhan, I am excited to see what Shanghai has to offer. I am so grateful that I was able to experience such an incredible moment with my group and I have been so fortunate to have such supportive leaders during the trip. I must say, my favorite part of the day was visiting Wuhan Hai Diane Foreign Language Shi Yan School. It had endless opportunities with many honors. Visiting this school excited me because I plan on becoming an English teacher in China once I finish my bachelor’s in Sociology.

Semiah Actkins

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