Language students experience Asian food culture on Rochester field trip

A group of students from Alfred University, shown above with Daisy Wu (front-left) at the Asia Food Market in Rochester.

A group of students enrolled in Alfred University Chinese language courses traveled on a field trip to Rochester on Oct. 29 where they explored the rich and diverse world of Asian food culture.

The 17 students-enrolled in the Chinese 101, 201, and 301 classes-were accompanied on the trip by Daisy Wu, clinical associate professor of music and language, and Janet McClain, secretary for the university's Division of Modern Languages, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The immersive experience aimed to deepen students' understanding of Chinese culinary traditions, complementing their classroom studies on Chinese food.

The trip began with a fun and interactive mini-class on the bus led by the Chinese 301 class students Max Rasilla and Angelina Olivera, who are minoring in Chinese Language and Culture. They prepared a review for their classmates in lower-level classes, covering practical basics like self-introductions, months of the year, and counting to 100. The activity helped students at all levels practice together, and it set the stage for further learning about Chinese culture.

The group's first stop was the Asia Food Market, where students explored authentic Asian groceries, fresh produce, and specialty ingredients essential to traditional Chinese cooking. Guided by a scavenger hunt, they discovered unfamiliar vegetables, sauces, and items tied to Chinese festivals. This hands-on shopping experience allowed students to connect their classroom knowledge with the real-world flavors and ingredients that define Chinese cuisine.

Afterward, the group gathered for dinner at Szechuan Opera, a restaurant known for its authentic Sichuan cuisine. Students eagerly sampled iconic dishes, many of them experiencing Sichuan flavors, such as the famous "mala" (numbing and spicy) seasoning, for the first time. Angelina noted in a social media post about the experience "I'm so lucky to be part of such a wonderful little Chinese Language and Culture learning community, and to be able to help others and to learn more."

Wu expressed gratitude for the support that made the trip possible, thanking the office of Bob Stein, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, for its financial support; Janet McClain for organizing the event; students Janik Lily and Ben Buess for volunteering as drivers; Angie Taylor, chief diversity officer; and Andrew Kless, assistant professor of history and global studies and director of the Global Studies program.

"Trips like this are invaluable for helping students connect language learning with cultural understanding," Wu remarked. "Experiencing food firsthand gives students insights that go beyond what we can cover in the classroom."

The annual event, Wu noted, is part of Alfred's commitment to global education and continues to foster students' appreciation for Chinese culture, allowing them to deepen their knowledge in a fun, interactive, and meaningful way.