SHANGHAI, China – There is no lack of sights, sounds, and education for the 35 members of the Howard University Freshman Leadership Academy (FLA) that arrived in the world’s most populous nation to begin their tour of China and later Japan.

The team began in Shanghai, the largest city by population and the economic engine of the People’s Republic of China.

While touring the country’s most cosmopolitan city, students visited the U.S. Consulate General on Wednesday for a presentation on the Consulate’s work on environmental sustainability and technology in Shanghai. Thursday included visits to the Jade Buddha Temple, an auto factory that makes luxury cars with a name that few outside of China would recognize, and had opportunities to practice Mandarin with Chinese students who are learning English.

They saw the Yu Garden, a showplace of classical Chinese landscaping dating back to 1537, and toured the shops that line colorful Nanjing Road.

"As young African American students crossing boundaries and breaking barriers that exist between East Asian and American culture, we function as ambassadors of Howard University and are honored to carry its name internationally," said Jasmine Nicole Price-Tillery, a sophomore English and Psychology major from San Francisco.

The team will visit universities, businesses and cultural and historic sites in China and Japan during their 19-day excursion Students will explore global trends, business practices and learn about Chinese and Japanese history, education and leadership through lectures and cultural immersion.