Albert Park – författare

Transformative market reforms in China since the late 1970s have improved living standards dramatically, but have also led to unprecedented economic inequality. During this period, China’s educational system was restructured to support economic development, with educational reforms occurring at a startling pace. Today, the educational system has diversified in structure, finance, and content; it has become more market-oriented; and it is serving an increasingly diverse student population. These changes carry significant consequences for China’s social mobility and inequality, and future economic prospects. In Education and Reform in China, leading scholars in the fields of education, sociology, demography, and economics investigate the evolution of educational access and attainment, educational quality, and the economic consequences of being educated. Education and Reform in China shows that economic advancement is increasingly tied to education in China, even as educational services are increasingly marketized. The volume investigates the varying impact of change for different social, ethnic, economic and geographic groups. Offering interdisciplinary views on the changing role of education in Chinese society, and on China’s educational achievements and policy challenges, this book will be an important resource for those interested in education, public policy, and development issues in China.

Transformative market reforms in China since the late 1970s have improved living standards dramatically, but have also led to unprecedented economic inequality. During this period, China’s educational system was restructured to support economic development, with educational reforms occurring at a startling pace. Today, the educational system has diversified in structure, finance, and content; it has become more market-oriented; and it is serving an increasingly diverse student population. These changes carry significant consequences for China’s social mobility and inequality, and future economic prospects. In Education and Reform in China, leading scholars in the fields of education, sociology, demography, and economics investigate the evolution of educational access and attainment, educational quality, and the economic consequences of being educated. Education and Reform in China shows that economic advancement is increasingly tied to education in China, even as educational services are increasingly marketized. The volume investigates the varying impact of change for different social, ethnic, economic and geographic groups. Offering interdisciplinary views on the changing role of education in Chinese society, and on China’s educational achievements and policy challenges, this book will be an important resource for those interested in education, public policy, and development issues in China.

In a journey 11-years in the making, Park takes the reader on an extensive holiday to over 30 countries, friendly and hostile, exotic and metropolitan, all infused with the pleasures of life as well as the dangers of the same. Park sets the scene as a young undergraduate army cadet in southern California in the hopes of becoming an army officer during the Global War on Terrorism in 2003. His travels begin with the obligatory university euro trip, backpacking alone in the lands of the old empires and enjoying the fruits of discovery, topping off with the XXVIII Olympiad in Athens, Greece.

After commissioning into the U.S. Army, Park is stationed in Germany and expands his discoveries in Europe and also finds himself serving in Iraq and Afghanistan on almost back-to-back deployments. When not deployed, Park makes the most of his time and enjoys many new exciting experiences to include Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany; new years celebrations in Amsterdam, London, and Edinburgh; and reunites with all old friends in Italyjust to name a few.

Returning stateside, Park deploys to Haiti with "Americas Guard of Honor", the 82nd Airborne Division, providing humanitarian assistance to an earthquake torn country. Park continues to expand his democratic empire by returning to Europe to run with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain; travels to Egypt to marvel at the great ancient pyramids; and treks the mystical Andes Mountains of Peru and Patagonia. Park then takes in the beauty and adrenaline pumping adventures of New Zealand and also meets family in Australia.

Pushing the limits, Park treks the awe-inspiring Himalayas, reaching spectacular heights and scenery during the harsh conditions of winter. Finally, he ends his travels enjoying the delicious tastes and exotic grandeur of India; forms everlasting friendships, and even succumbs to some peril in Indochina.