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Tourists having the time of their life in China — What made this possible?

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BEIJING, July 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from China.org.cn on traveling in China:

 

Some viral jokes started by foreign tourists in China have popped up on the Chinese social media lately. For example, a video creator redefined “city,” and his part-English-part-Chinese punchline which literally means “city or not” has been imitated by numerous netizens. Another vlogger bluntly said it’s too “dangerous” in China at night, because the gourmet foods at night are such a lure.

At the beginning, many videos about people’s impression of China were posted on non-Chinese video platforms, with the hashtag “China Travel.” They’ve been so popular that some people reposted them back on Chinese social media, with their jokes and punchlines being well received by Chinese netizens.

One important change has made it possible for so many foreign tourists to appear in China — the country again relaxed its visa requirements. Last December, China included altogether 54 countries in its 72/144 visa-free transit list; in less than four months after that, China extended its visa-free policy to 11 European countries including France, Germany and Switzerland. Several days ago, New Zealand, Australia and Poland were added to the visa-free policy list.

Meanwhile, things have become easier for the foreigners who travel in China, both in terms of facilities and services. For example, in the past, many foreign tourists found it difficult to “spend their money” in China, given China’s prevailing norm of cashless payment. Now, for those who choose traditional payment methods, foreign bank cards and cash are more acceptable in more places, as an alternative to mobile payments. For those who prefer to try the new way, the required procedures like ID verification and bank card binding have also been streamlined.

Lower thresholds and a smoother experience have spurred more people to travel in China. Statistics show that in Q1 this year, the number of foreign visitors increased over 3-fold compared to Q1 in 2023, with more than 1.98 million people entering China via the visa-free policy, an increase of 266.1% compared to 2023.

With China’s gate wide open to the world, more international friends have the chance for a first-hand China experience. The “rookie visitors” usually start with metropolises like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, while the experienced ones will choose to explore other popular destinations, like Chengdu and Chongqing in southwestern China. There are also “advanced players” who are confident enough to begin their adventures in farther places like Xinjiang and Qinghai…

To no one’s surprise, many of them fell in love with the kaleidoscope of Chinese gourmet foods. Some of them are amazed by China’s infrastructure, like how clean and tidy the bathrooms are in China’s subway stations, or how fast and comfortable are the high speed trains; a vlogger posted a video of him accidentally joining a group of elderly public square dancers at night; and some went to Xinjiang and tasted the delicious local foods and watched the local performances…

More and more first-person perspectives about the Chinese people and the country are being posted on international social media platforms. And there are something in common: A lot of these content creators and numerous comments are saying, China is not what they expected.

Of course, there’s no perfect destination. In a thousand tourists’ eyes, there are a thousand images of China. But, if one pays a visit to China, he or she will for sure find an answer to questions like is China safe at night, or is life in China dim.

Quoting Mark Twain, travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness. Now, China is expanding its “circle of friends” and opening its gate wider. So, book your flight and buckle up, friends — you will be sincerely welcomed.

China Mosaic 
http://www.china.org.cn/video/node_7230027.htm 

Tourists having the time of their life in China — What made this possible?
http://www.china.org.cn/video/2024-07/12/content_117304180.htm 

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SOURCE China.org.cn

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National Center for Charter School Accountability Launches with Analysis of State Charter School Laws

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September 23, 2024

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The National Center for Charter School Accountability provides research and recommendations on increasing transparency and accountability for charter schools.

NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Network for Public Education (NPE) announces a new project, the National Center for Charter School Accountability (NCCSA), to provide research and recommendations on increasing transparency and accountability for charter schools. NPE is the leading organization that advocates revising state charter laws to make charter schools better align with the original vision of charter schools as teacher and parent-led schools of innovation that complement, not compete with, the public school system.

“The charter sector, now saturated with impersonal national chains and for-profit management corporations, has strayed far from the original mission of charter schools. A few states follow that vision; most do not. We regularly receive calls from charter school parents, teachers, and public school advocates raising concerns. The Center will educate the public with facts and provide information on how best to address concerns,” said Carol Burris, the Executive Director of NPE.

The Center includes a searchable database of news stories highlighting problems regarding charter schools. It also provides a portal where parents and taxpayers can submit questions and complaints. It also provides access to nine NPE research reports on charter schools, including reports on charter closures and for-profit-run charter schools.

In addition to research and reports, NCCSA evaluates state laws based on accountability, responsible growth, community input, and protections for students and taxpayers. An interactive map shows the number of open and closed charter schools in each state.

“The Center will grow over time, providing information unavailable on charter trade group sites. One million students have been displaced due to charter closures. In the age of choice, parents and taxpayers deserve the facts,” Burris added.

Commenting on the new project, NPE President Diane Ravitch noted, “NCCSA is a valuable resource for parents, taxpayers, policymakers, and the press who want to be informed about the status of charter schools. Accountability matters, and the Center will provide it via accurate and timely information.”

Access to NCCSA can be found here.

The Network for Public Education is a national advocacy organization with over 350,000 members and 200 grassroots groups. Its mission is to preserve, promote, improve, and strengthen public schools for current and future generations of students.

Contact: Carol Burris
cburris@networkforpubliceducation.org
(646) 678-4477

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-center-for-charter-school-accountability-launches-with-analysis-of-state-charter-school-laws-302256096.html

SOURCE Network for Public Education

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Vermont State Dental Society, University of Detroit Mercy, Sanders, and Welch Announce Historic Effort to Advance Dental Care and Education Across State

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September 23, 2024

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BURLINGTON, Vt., Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Vermont State Dental Society (VSDS), University of Detroit Mercy (UDM), Senator Bernie Sanders, and Senator Peter Welch are partnering to bring an innovative Dental Oral Health Education Center to Vermont in Fall 2027. This new dental clinic and education program would bring UDM students to Vermont to complete their final years of training – strengthening the dental care provider pipeline and expanding access to much-needed care across the state.

At a recent press conference, VSDS, UDM, Sanders, and Welch celebrated the program receiving its accreditation from the Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA) – an essential step in establishing the teaching program in Vermont.

Sanders and Welch are working to secure $4.6 million in federal funding through the FY25 Congressionally Directed Spending process to support this historic initiative. The funding was recently approved by the Appropriations Committee and needs to be passed by the House and the Senate before being signed into law by President Biden.

The tentative location for the new center will be in Chittenden County.

VSDS, a nonprofit professional healthcare organization whose mission is to improve the oral health of Vermonters and to serve the profession of dentistry in the state, is pioneering the new institution with UDM as it brings more than 90 years of experience in educating dentists worldwide.

Beginning in the fall of 2025, this partnership will include two years of foundational and preclinical education at the UDM School of Dentistry Campus in Detroit, followed by two years of clinical and didactic education at a new dental clinic based in Colchester. The Detroit Mercy-Vermont dental program will offer DDS dental education in the state of Vermont, accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA).

University of Detroit Mercy-Vermont will house modern classrooms with on-site clinics to support its clinical education program and serve as a public health Medicaid clinic to provide dental care to qualifying individuals. Extending its reach beyond its Colchester facility, the new dental program will partner with clinical organizations in Vermont to reach areas with a shortage of dental health professionals and underserved populations.

As Vermont’s professional association for dentists, the VSDS works diligently to enhance the oral healthcare environment in the state. With just under 400 members, VSDS includes more than 80% of the state’s practicing dentists. VSDS provides resources, educational information, and support for its members and the public and advocates for public policies and systems to improve oral healthcare for all Vermonters.

University of Detroit Mercy is Michigan’s largest and most comprehensive independent Catholic university, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). For more information, please visit www.udmercy.edu.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vermont-state-dental-society-university-of-detroit-mercy-sanders-and-welch-announce-historic-effort-to-advance-dental-care-and-education-across-state-302256126.html

SOURCE University of Detroit Mercy

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eBay Announces Samantha Wellington as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary

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52 mins ago

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September 23, 2024

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SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — eBay Inc. (Nasdaq: EBAY), a global commerce leader that connects millions of buyers and sellers around the world, today announced the appointment of Samantha Wellington as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary. In this role, Samantha will oversee all global aspects of eBay’s legal department, including Government Relations, intellectual property, employment, litigation, regulatory and corporate work across our financial services, marketplaces, and product and technology organizations. Samantha will report directly to Jamie Iannone, eBay’s Chief Executive Officer, and will join the company on October 7, 2024.

Samantha joins eBay with a distinguished career in legal and business affairs, most recently serving as TriNet’s Executive Vice President of Business Affairs, Chief Legal Officer, and Secretary. In this role, Samantha led a team of professionals across Legal, Compliance, Government Affairs, Customer Service, Sales, Operations, Product Management, Engineering, Technology, and Risk. Her leadership focused on spearheading initiatives that address the evolving workplace dynamics for TriNet’s customers, facilitating capital access for small business owners, and enhancing customer service experiences to support business growth. Prior to TriNet, she spent 12 years at Oracle, where she held a number of senior legal positions.

“Samantha has successfully led multifaceted teams and navigated complex legal and regulatory environments throughout her career,” said Jamie Iannone, Chief Executive Officer, eBay. “Samantha’s expertise will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and grow our global marketplace while ensuring we meet our legal and ethical responsibilities. Her passion for empowering small businesses aligns perfectly with eBay’s purpose, and I’m excited to welcome her to the team.”

“My parents started their business by selling skateboard parts at the open market in Sydney, so I have a deep appreciation for eBay’s role in empowering businesses of all sizes,” said Samantha Wellington. “As a longtime eBay user and collector, I am passionate about helping others unlock similar opportunities and connecting people with what they love.”

Samantha holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Creative Arts and Laws from Wollongong University, as well as a Master of Laws in Communication and Technology Law from the University of New South Wales. She has served as a board member for the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations and BSA, The Software Alliance.

Samantha replaces Marie Oh Huber, who left eBay in June after nine years as General Counsel. 

About eBay
eBay Inc. (Nasdaq: EBAY) is a global commerce leader that connects people and builds communities to create economic opportunity for all. Our technology empowers millions of buyers and sellers in more than 190 markets around the world, providing everyone the opportunity to grow and thrive. Founded in 1995 in San Jose, California, eBay is one of the world’s largest and most vibrant marketplaces for discovering great value and unique selection. In 2023, eBay enabled more than $73 billion of gross merchandise volume. For more information about the company and its global portfolio of online brands, visit www.ebayinc.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-announces-samantha-wellington-as-senior-vice-president-chief-legal-officer-general-counsel-and-secretary-302256084.html

SOURCE eBay Inc.

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