For the past six years, the Legends of China “Silk Road to the Future” has sponsored its annual summer visit to Beijing and other cities in China. The trip stresses world peace and the importance of cultural exchange between China the United States — two countries that have historically held skewed political and economic views of each other.

But with China’s rapid economic growth and the 2008 summer Olympics in Beijing looming ahead, the cultural exchange between the two nations seems as important as ever.

Independent from the Education Abroad Program, the Silk Road to the Future focuses more upon experiences gathered from acting as student ambassadors in China, giving students a glimpse of Chinese culture, rather than providing a quarter- or year-long language program.

“It’s really an introduction, it’s not very academic,” Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Education Advancement Loren Thompson said.

Yet despite its lack of academic focus, the program’s educational qualities remain just as strong, its context resting on a “better understanding between countries,” according to Thompson, who coordinates the program at UCSD.

Revelle College senior Joachim Lyon attended the program in 2002 and soon after, was inspired to learn Chinese and studied abroad in China through EAP for one year.

“They do a nice job on balancing your time during the trip and you get a pretty thorough picture of China,” Lyon said.

Students join faculty and staff from all UC campuses and spend one week in mid-July visiting Beijing — for a price tag of $1,368, a package that includes airfare, hotel accommodations, transportation and tour guides. Those interested in extending the trip go on to Shanghai, Hong Kong, Zian and Suzhou, among others.

What separates the trip from a typical vacation to China is that it allows students to mingle with other UC students as well as Chinese students, who take them out to receive a taste of the nightlife and other cultural aspects in their respective cities.

“It isn’t just a tour; it’s life,” Thompson said.

The opportunity to join Legends of China, however, is limited. The program’s final year will be in 2007, culminating at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing where a “Silk Banner” will be presented during the opening ceremony. Symbolizing world unity, the quilt-like banner stitches each student’s vision of peace.

The deadline to apply has been extended to May 1. For more information, visit http://www.legendsofchina.com.