Mercer Island grads complete Beijing study abroad program

Two Mercer Island High School graduates recently participated in and completed the IES Abroad Beijing program this spring.

By Megan Managan • July 8, 2013 4:25 pm
Mercer Island High School grads Alyssa Suhm and Colin Strong were both students at Beijing Foreign Studies University during the spring semester.
Mercer Island High School grads Alyssa Suhm and Colin Strong were both students at Beijing Foreign Studies University during the spring semester.

Two Mercer Island High School graduates recently participated in and completed the IES Abroad Beijing program this spring.

Alyssa Suhm, a 2011 MIHS grad, and Colin Strong, as 2010 MIHS grad, completed a semester in contemporary issues at Beijing Foreign Studies University. During the graduation ceremony, Suhm was recognized for most improved language ability in Mandarin Chinese, while Strong was recognized for outstanding overall academic achievement.

As part of the program, the two studied both Mandarin Chinese, but also took classes in modern Chinese literature, government and politics, international relations, environmental science and Tibetan studies.

Suhm will return to Villanova University this fall, while Strong will return to Whitman.