Students in the Skyline College Bécalos Program enjoyed San Francisco’s sights and sounds this past Saturday, October 25, as they toured Chinatown as part of the Cultural Immersion Series. The visiting students from Mexico experienced the culinary and historical outing by sampling hot-off-the-press fortune cookies, weaving through outdoor markets, and experiencing the reverence of Chinatown’s earliest place of worship, Tin How Temple.
The students participated in guided tours of the Chinese Cultural Center and the Chinese Historical Society Museum led by local staff members. The oral presentations shed light on the history and influence of Chinese immigrants documented through art, murals, relics, and photography. Students learned about significant contributions of past decades and obtained a personal view of San Francisco’s rich cultural diversity. Throughout the day, they snapped photos of landmarks as they chronicled their trip on BART and walked the hills between Grant Avenue and Stockton Street. The group was also accompanied by Skyline College staff member, Brian Jenny who served as a chaperone.
Upcoming Immersion trips will focus on higher education, and civic organizations in an effort to increase awareness of American institutions.
For more information or to particiapte in the Becalos Program Cultural Immersion Series, please contact Alessandra Zanassi at zanassia@smccd.edu .
Article and photos by Alessandra Zanassi
