The project will have far-reaching geographical, geological, ecological, agricultural, archeological, sociological, economical, and political effects.  Many aspects related to China, locally and globally, will never be the same after the project is completed in 2009. 

Because of the reservoir that will be created upstream the dam, an area of about 400 miles long by 70 miles average width will become submerged under a mass of water as high as almost half the height of Sears Tower.  This enormous mass of water will cover many cities, towns, and villages and force about 1.5 million people to relocate, with a significant loss of agricultural land, archaeological sites, and wild life. 

In addition to visiting the dam site in Sandouping, participants visited also universities, institutions, industries, professional societies, historic sites, and cultural centers in Beijing, Chongqing, Yichang, Wuhan, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.  Participants also cruised the upstream of the Yangtze River along the future course of the ribbon-like reservoir that will be created after the dam is completed, with shore excursions to some of the soon to become inundated cities and villages such as Feng Du, Zigui, Ghost City, and Shibaozhai. 

The study abroad course: “China 2000” attracted students, faculty, staff, and professionals in all disciplines who went to China to study that project.  The School of Technology at Eastern Illinois University feels that a great educational achievement has been accomplished through that course.