With China emerging as one of the world’s largest economies, the growing trend among universities to heighten student awareness of U.S.-China relations is not surprising.
In November, the University of Alabama established a program similar to LSU’s China Program. Alabama signed a cooperative agreement with Ocean University of China to offer students more learning opportunities. While this program may be new to Alabama, LSU has been reaping the benefits for two years.
The University began the Modern Chinese Commerce and Culture Initiative in 2005 to prepare students for a U.S.-China marketplace. What began as a cooperative effort between the E.J. Ourso College of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences has developed into a unique cultural experience.
Patrick Downs, coordinator for the Office of Academic Affairs, said he was not surprised when Alabama instituted the program.
“Some of our aspiring peers have been doing this for a couple of years,” he said. “Other universities have been increasing student travel and research collaboration recently.”
The initiative aims to heighten student body awareness of the importance of U.S.-China relations by providing students with firsthand knowledge of the Chinese business and cultural environment. The initiative has been successful in focusing on a key objective of the University’s Flagship Agenda – improving the quality of undergraduate programs.
Downs said the program wanted to encourage students to choose language and elective courses with a focus on China. Toward this effort, the College of Arts and Sciences approved a Modern Chinese Commerce and Culture minor in 2006. Downs said the number of Chinese course selections have doubled as a result of interest among students.
“The University hopes to increase awareness among LSU students about studying the Chinese language, interests and business practices,” Downs said. “The program has been successful so far, and it continues to evolve and change.”
To teach the new courses such as Mandarin Chinese, politics of China and Chinese marketing, Downs said the University created eight new faculty positions, four in the E.J. Ourso College of Business and four in the College of Arts and Sciences.
“These professors all have expertise in the different areas of China,” Downs said.
Jessica Baudin, biological engineering sophomore, said she would be interested in going to China to study. She thinks the opportunity for students to obtain a minor in Chinese commerce and culture would be beneficial.
“It is a good thing for international trade and finance majors,” Baudin said.
Downs said the initiative has a particular perk for Honors College students. As part of the China Program, the University takes 20 first-year Honors College students on an all-expense paid, two week trip to China. Downs said students traveled on a trip to China this past summer and will have the chance to journey on another trip in May. The College of Arts and Sciences and the E.J. Ourso College of Business funds the $3,500 trip for each student.
“It was the provost’s decision for the trip to be free,” Downs said. “Her intention was to promote the initiative. But for most of the other trips in the past, the student pays some, if not all, of the cost.”
In addition to seeing popular landmarks such as the Great Wall of China, students are enrolled in a brief language course where they learn the basics of the Chinese language. Downs said touring the city helps students experience the culture.
“The idea is to get them excited about the Chinese culture and maybe look into getting a minor,” he said.
Tommy Hunt, mass communication senior, said he thinks the China initiative is a great opportunity for business majors.
“But I don’t think it should be limited to Honors College students,” Hunt said. “It should at least be offered to any business major.”
Baudin agreed the program should not be limited in its selection of students.
“It limits opportunities to other students,” she said. “It sounds like a good experience, but it is unfair to other business majors. Most incoming freshman don’t know what they want to major in. If they had the chance to go on the trip, it might help them know.”
Downs said the University is evaluating how effective the money being put into the trip is. He said the evaluations began in an attempt to get more students interested and involved.
“We have to make sure we are providing the best opportunity for students,” he said.
—-Contact Natalie Messina [email protected]