Asst Professor Dr Steven A Martin
Assistant Professor of Asian Studies in Sociology and Anthropology
INTERNATIONAL UNDERGRADUATE STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS
In 1995 I read a small ad in the newspaper in Hilo, Hawaii, for a new study abroad program being developed between the University of Hawaii and Peking University in China.
I called the number and was surprised to be able to speak directly to the Chinese professor, Dr. John H.L. Cheng.
The sincerity in his voice immediately struck me, as he told me, "You go to China – you learn many things – maybe change your life!"
He was right; it did!
I went on to complete a total of nine undergraduate study abroad programs.
In the foreground of Mount Everest, Tibet, 2000 | Independent study with the University of Hawaii and Peking University | Click learn more...
NINE PROGRAMS ABROAD
Seven of the nine programs were components of my Bachelors of Arts Degree at the University of Hawaii. Thanks to the kindness and flexibility of Professor Cheng, a new Liberal Studies Committee was formed in order to approve a special undergraduate program, Experiential Studies in Chinese Culture and Philosophy.
After graduation, I continued learning abroad during the summer of 2002 in China, and the academic year of 2003 in Taiwan. These experiential learning programs helped me secure a scholarship from the Taiwan Ministry of Education and the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Los Angeles for my graduate studies.
1. CHINESE SILK ROAD
1995 | Xian, China | The Silk Road | Click to learn more...
2. COSTA RICA
1996 | Costa Rican Surfing Contest | Click to learn more...
3. NORTH CHINA PLAIN
1997 | The North China Plain | Click to UHH Study Abroad
4. CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
1997 | Xhosa Culture | Soweto, South Africa | Click for learn more...
1997 (Fall) Semester Abroad | Cape Town, South Africa
School for International Training (SIT) | University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa
Arts and Social Change in South Africa
Language Program | Xhosa
Independent Study Project (ISP) | Toponomy of South Africa
5. SEVILLE, SPAIN
1998 | The Spring Fair | Seville, Spain | Click to learn more...
1998 (Spring) Semester Abroad | Seville, Spain
St. Bonaventure University (SBU) | College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS) | International College of Seville (ICS), Spain.
Campus-based Program | Spanish language; Culture and Society of Spain; History of Spain
Independent Travel | Cordoba, Granada, Rhonda, Marbella, Madrid, Segovia, Mallorca, Portugal, Morocco
6. SOUTHWEST CHINA
2000 | Zhangjiajie | Southwest China | Click to learn more...
2000 Summer Abroad | UHH Chinese Culture Study Tour
University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH) | Peking University (PKU), Beijing, PRC
Southwest China | Exploring Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province; Jiuzhaigou and Chengdu, Sichuan Province – Photos
Independent Study in Tibet | Lhasa, Xigazê, and Gyantse fertile valleys of Tibet; Rongbuk Monastery, Mount Everest; Kathmandu, Nepal
7. SILK ROAD, CHINA & PAKISTAN
2001 | Kashgar Bazaar | Xinjiang, China | Click to learn more...
2001 Summer Abroad | UHH Chinese Culture Study Tour – China, Pakistan, India
University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH) | Peking University (PKU), Beijing, PRC
The Silk Road (China) | Exploring Xian, Jaiyuguan, Dunghuang, Turpan, and Urumuchi.
Independent Study (China, Pakistan, India) | Kashgar, Xinjiang, China; Gilgit, Taxila, Islamabad, Harappa in Pakistan; Deli and Agra, India.
8. SOUTHEAST CHINA
2002 | Hakka Culture | Southeast China | Click to UHH Study Abroad...
2002 Summer Abroad | UHH Chinese Culture Study Tour
University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH) | Peking University (PKU), Beijing, PRC
Southeast China | Exploring the Yellow River; Shao Lin Temple; Hemudu Archaeological Site; Hangzhou; Wuyishan; Yongding Earth Houses; Xiamen; Quanzhou
Independent Travel | Macau and Taiwan
9. TAIWAN
2003 | Taiwan Opera | Taipei City | Click to learn more...
2003-2004 Academic Year Abroad | Taiwan, ROC
University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH) | Ming Hsin University of Science and Technology (MUST)
Campus-based Exchange Program | Chinese Language, Culture and Philosophy
Independent Study | Chinese Language Program (CLP) at National Chengchi University (NCCU), Taipei
Thank you for visiting my Study Abroad Programs page.
I hope students can benefit from my story and create their own international learning opportunities.
If you feel motivated to learn more about my study abroad philosophy, or would like to arrange for me to give a public talk, please let me know – I’d love to hear from you.
–Steven Martin
Photo: Costa Rica 1996 | University Study Abroad Consortium (USAC)