2025 Global Cultural Exchange Ambassador - China Tour

July 5 – July 19, 2025

US Citizen only
Spots are limited! Apply early before they fill up.

Organized by
Washington Adventist University,
American Society of Music Excellence

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Xi'an China

Scholarships for all Students

Exclusive Scholarship Opportunity – Join for an Unforgettable Experience!

Calling all middle school, high school, and college students (not just music talents).

We are thrilled to offer an exclusive Global Cultural Exchange Ambassador Scholarship to all accepted students! This scholarship covers the majority of the program costs, including:

✔ Accommodations in hotels throughout the trip
✔ All meals and local city transportation in China
✔ Entrance fees to world-famous landmarks such as the Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall, The Bund in Shanghai, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), etc.
✔ Exclusive music performances at prestigious venues alongside talented international and local students
✔ Participation in student exchange activities, including friendship concerts, collaborative workshops, and cultural immersion events
✔ Guided cultural experiences, such as calligraphy, traditional music workshops, traditional Chinese medicine, and professional masterclasses

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore China’s rich history, enhance your musical talents, and connect with like-minded students—all at a significantly reduced cost. Spots are limited, so apply today and take advantage of this incredible scholarship to make your dream musical and cultural journey a reality! 🎶✨

Exclusive Cultural Exchange

Engage in musical collaborations with local Chinese students, participate in traditional music performances, and enjoy cultural immersion activities.

Historical & Cultural Exploration

Discover iconic sites such as the Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall, the Bund in Shanghai, and the breathtaking landscapes of Huangshan.

Performance Opportunities

Showcase your musical talents in prestigious venues like the Chang’an Yue Music Hall and participate in joint performances with Chinese peers.

Elite Musical & Academic Recognition

Earn the Global Cultural Exchange Ambassador Scholarship, covering accommodations, meals, and local transport, enhancing your academic and artistic profile.

Program Introduction

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime musical and cultural journey through China with the Global Cultural Exchange Ambassador Program. Designed for talented middle school, high school, and college students, this program offers a unique opportunity to explore China’s rich history, perform at top venues, and engage in meaningful cultural exchanges. From the ancient wonders of Xi’an to the modern marvels of Shanghai and the picturesque landscapes of Anhui, this program blends music, education, and adventure to create an unforgettable international experience.

Departure City: Washington D.C. – All participants must gather in D.C. airport for departure together.

Program Cost: Only $3,120 after scholarship coverage!

This all-inclusive package covers essential travel expenses, including round-trip international flights, domestic flights, and Visa fees. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to study abroad with minimized costs—secure your spot today!

Contact Email: info@asofme.org

What Students Will Gain from the Tour

  • Unforgettable Performance Experiences – Play and sing at prestigious venues alongside talented international peers.
  • Deep Cultural Immersion – Experience authentic Chinese traditions, arts, and cuisine.
  • Personal & Artistic Growth – Improve musical skills, gain global exposure, and develop cross-cultural communication abilities.
  • Friendships & Networking – Build lasting friendships with musicians and students from around the world.
Anwar Ottley

Music Director

Anwar Ottley is an Associate Professor of Music and the Director of Choral Activities at Washington Adventist University, where he leads university choirs and teaches courses in sacred music and musicianship. He also serves as the Director of Worship at the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland where he oversees worship services, leads the worship ministry staff, and coordinates the church’s four ensembles, along with other worship-related ministries. A sought-after clinician, he has conducted clinics, festivals, and workshops on choral music and worship ministry.

He is a published arranger whose works have been performed in venues across the country, including the American Choral Directors Association Conference, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the Washington National Cathedral in Washington D.C.

Dr. Ottley is currently a member and rehearsal conductor for the world-renowned choral ensemble Jason Max Ferdinand Singers and has served as a section leader and rehearsal conductor of the Washington Master Chorale. His list of teachers also includes Jason Ferdinand, Stephen Zork, Thomas Colahan, Claudio Gonzalez, Timothy Sharp, and James Bingham.

Dr. Ottley holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Washington Adventist University, a Master of Music in Choral Conducting with a secondary emphasis in Theory and Composition from Andrews University, and a Doctor of Worship Studies degree from Liberty University. While his passion is choral music, it is also his desire to equip the next generation of musicians with the tools needed for worship ministry and leadership. He, his wife Sharlene, and two sons currently reside in the Washington DC Area.

Itinerary

The itinerary is subject to adjustment based on any changes.

T

  • Visit historic sites: Guanzhong Academy, Terracotta Warriors, Huaqing Palace, Shaanxi Historical Museum, City Wall, etc.
  • Participate in cultural workshops (calligraphy, traditional music, TCM experience)
  • Join youth exchange events: Friendship basketball game, outdoor musical performance in Hanfu attire
  • Official grand performance at Chang’an Yue Music Hall
  • Watch the fantastical famous show: Changhen Love Song
  • Discover the stunning Huangshan mountains
  • Immerse in Hui-style architecture and Anhui cuisine
  • Cultural heritage visits: Traditional villages of Hongcun and Xidi
  • Performance exchange with local students
  • Iconic city exploration: The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Yuyuan Garden
  • Professional performance recording at landmark sites

Performance Hall

The Terracotta Warriors, an iconic archaeological discovery, are an extraordinary army of life-sized clay statues created to accompany China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, into the afterlife. Unearthed in 1974, these sculptures represent one of the most remarkable finds in history, showcasing ancient craftsmanship and offering invaluable insights into China’s cultural and military heritage.

 

Terracotta Warriors Amy

2025
China Tour

China Yellow Montain

Yellow Mountain, or Huangshan, is one of China’s most famous and breathtaking natural wonders, renowned for its uniquely shaped granite peaks, ancient pine trees, and stunning sea of clouds. Located in Anhui Province, this UNESCO World Heritage site has inspired countless poets, painters, and philosophers for centuries. Its dramatic landscapes, including the iconic “Welcoming-Guests Pine” and the towering peaks that seem to pierce the sky, make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers alike, offering an unparalleled experience of China’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Yellow Mountain

The Bund, a historic waterfront area in Shanghai, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, offering a stunning contrast between its colonial-era architecture and the modern skyline across the Huangpu River. Stretching along the riverbank, the Bund is home to a collection of early 20th-century European-style buildings that once housed banks, trading houses, and consulates. Today, it serves as a vibrant cultural hub, blending Shanghai’s rich history with its dynamic present, and offering breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, including the futuristic Pearl Tower and towering skyscrapers of Lujiazui.

Shanghai The Bund

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