Elting Center Doubles Down on “Experiential Learning” With Sweatshop Visit to Xinjiang

Angelica Gajewski ’26

Executive Bits and Pieces Editor

Fresh off the success of last week’s Amazon facility trip in Windsor, CT, The Elting Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship has announced its plans to offer a sweatshop visit to the Xinjiang region of China. In a campus-wide email, the Center announced the trip as part of its new Experiential Learning program, aimed at placing Trinity’s innovative curriculum into real-world contexts through hands-on workshops around the world. The announcement quickly ignited debates on student forums with many supporting the initiative while critics questioned XinJiang’s relevance. “Lowkey human rights violations in factories is so 2017, not sure what the marketing strat is here” wrote one user. Another student added, “btw Tufts took its business students to Shein HQ…where is my tuition going again?” 

Johnny Lawyerparents, a senior who went on last week’s trip, has already committed to the program’s expansion to China. He spoke to the Tripod about his experience, “It was really cool, well, not like cool, but reassuring to see that someone will be doing the work I don’t want to do. Hoping to see more of that on our trip to China!” Johnny graduates in May with a double major in Sociology and Human Rights, he plans on taking a gap year before enrolling in law school. “In the future I hope I can help protect these organizations and workers…whichever pays more.” Program coordinators at the Elting Center declined to be interviewed by the Tripod citing journalistic practice concerns, but reflected on the feedback in a profile written by the guys who wrote Trinity Today emails. “The Elting Center is committed to reflecting industry interests as we continue to develop our global opportunities” the statement read. Despite ongoing discussions, the Center is urging students to enroll ASAP as seats continue to be filled.Registration for the Fall ‘26 Xinjiang trip is open until April 10th. For more information, students should visit BantamsMakeBucks.org.