Presidential Scholar Benjamin Schenkel '08 recently learned that after meeting President Bush this summer, he has been selected to join an intensive two-week study trip to China led by the National Committee on United States-China Relations.
   Ben will visit famous sites in Beijing, Xi’an and Luoyang, stay with host families, take part in cultural activities with Chinese peers and be briefed by experts on China’s history, culture, education and politics.  He departs for China on June 26, following the Presidential Scholars Recognition Week activities in Washington, D.C. and the White House, and a two-day pre-departure orientation by the National Committee.
   When Ben was designated a Presidential Scholar in May, he learned he was eligible for the Student Leaders Exchange program, and applied for a coveted spot on the trip.  Of this year’s 139 Presidential Scholars nationwide, only 12 have been selected to travel to China.  Past participants of the program, now in its fifth year, have called it a “life-changing experience” that altered their perspectives on global issues and inspired many of them to continue studying China and Chinese language. Congratulations to Ben! Learn about Ben's experiences abroad as a Presidential Scholar in an upcoming issue of The Journal.