Study Abroad: China Experience 2010 (May 10-May 31)

Syllabus

Introduction

This course provides an opportunity for students to learn about the dynamics of China, and her culture and economic system. China is not only major player of Asia economic and political court but also the entire global. The students will experience firsthand the culture, society, economic system and business environment in China. In addition, the students will have an opportunity to communicate and exchange ideas with Chinese scholars, students, and local businessmen. The field trips to factories and historical/cultural sites will enhance the students’ understanding of other cultures. The trip is timely appropriate as we observe the dynamics of globalization and international diversity. An ancient Chinese proverb says that a man is not a great man until he goes to the Great Wall. Metaphorically, this will be true for the students who take part in the study trip. The theme of this year’s trip is “Enhancing Your International Experiences and Diversity”.

Country Profile

China has one of the world’s oldest and continuous civilizations, consisting of states and cultures dating back more than six millennia. It has the world’s longest continuously used written language system, and is the source of many major inventions, such as what the British scholar and biochemist Joseph Needham called the “four great inventions of Ancient China”: paper, the compass, gunpowder, and printing. Historically, China’s cultural sphere has extended across East Asia as a whole, with Chinese religion, customs, and writing system being adopted to varying degrees by neighbors such as Japan, Korea and Vietnam. 

City Profile

We will visit the following cities in the trip:

  • Beijing: the capital city of China, the nation’s political, international activities, and cultural center, with population of 16.5 million

  • Shanghai: the economic, financial, trade and international shipping center in China, with population of 18.2 million. Shanghai will hold the EXPO2010.

  • Jinan: the birthplace of civilization in China, with population of 7.3 million

Faculty

  • Dr. Weiqi Li, (weli@umflint.edu) School of Management.  He is a native Chinese and can speak Mandarin. He has successfully organized China trips from 2004-2007.

  • Dr. Seyed Mehdian, (seyed@umflint.edu) School of Management. He is a veteran of international trips organization and participant. He has successfully organized many study abroad programs, including trips to China, Russia, Japan, and Taiwan.

Course Profile

This is a 3 credits course open to all students on campus. The course is being offered in the Spring 2010 term. Students can register for this course as one of the following courses:

  • MGT580-Internationl Business Study Abroad for MBA students

  • BUS480-International Business Study Abroad for BBA students

  • INT594-Special Topic in Study Abroad (graduate students in all other majors)

  • INT394-Special Topic in Study Abroad (undergraduate students in all other majors)

The size of the course will be limited to 15 students because we have only 15 EXPO2010 tickets available.

Eligibility

Open to all students, MBA, BBA, MPA, BA and BS students of all majors. There are no academic prerequisites or language requirements. This program is also open to the students in other universities and colleges.

Course Objectives

To provide an excellent opportunity for students to

  • See The EXPO2010 Shanghai

  • Gain international and global perspectives of business, economics and culture of China.

  • Study the impacts of Chinese culture and business on globalization.

  • Understand business opportunities, challenges, and problems in China and their implications to American businesses.

  • Enhance international experience and appreciate the cultural diversity of the world.

  • Meet the curriculum requirement for International Business major

Methodology

  1. Lectures and Seminars: A set of lectures and seminars on the Chinese political, legal and economic system, business environment, culture and history will be given at the host universities.

  2. Visits: Several field trips to local companies, communities, markets, and historical/cultural sites will be arranged.

  3. Local Faculty and Host Culture Involvement: All lectures and seminars in China will be given by the professors at the host universities, who are the experts in the areas. The students will have opportunities to interact with the Chinese scholars, students and people. The students will spend one day and night with normal Chinese families in Shanghai. The students will visit many historical and cultural sites during the trip and will be accompanied by local guides and Chinese students.

  4. Assignments:

    • The students who take undergraduate credit should complete a trip report. The report should at least include (1) student’s observation on international business, globalization, Chinese economy, or Chinese culture, and (2) student’s experience in China and its affect on the student’s attitude and knowledge on international diversity.  The report should be at least 5-page long and double-spacing. The quality of the report should be good enough to be published in the local newspaper.

    • The students who take graduate credit should write a research paper on a topic selected by the students and approved by the instructors. The research paper should be at least 10-pag long, double-spacing, and in the research article style (e.g. explaining a research problem, analysis, conclusion, references, etc.).

  5. Course Requirement:

    1. Attend all lectures/seminars/activities in U.S. and China.

    2. Be actively involved in seminar discussions and ask meaningful questions.

    3. Complete the report/paper assignment.

Grading Policy

Participation  50%
Assignment    50%
Total 100%

Costs

The total program costs are tentatively set at $2,514 (estimate subject to change based currency exchange rate and airfare) plus UM-Flint tuition and fees for a 3-credit course (Please check the university Spring 2010 fee schedule). Program costs include:

  • Housing
  • Meals
  • Health Insurance
  • Lecture and Field Trips
  • Cultural Events (including the ticket to EXPO2010 Shanghai)
  • Local Transportation

Students will be responsible for airfare, passport and visa fee, immunization, and other additional personal expenses. For visa information, please visit the following links:

There are several flights to Beijing from different major US cities and different airlines. You must choose the final flight to Beijing which arrives at Beijing between Noon and 5:00pm in May 13, 2010. You can choose any return flight from Shanghai in May 31 or after.

Application, Cancelations and Refunds

Application must be submitted with a $100 non-refundable deposit to the Office of Study Abroad. Application deadline is December 18, 2009.

The remainder of the program cost is due on February 26, 2010. There will be no refunds after February 26, 2010.

Any withdrawal must be done in writing and submitted to the Office of Study Abroad.

Important Rules

  • Participate in all group activities
  • Observe the local laws, regulations, rules, and traditions
  • Respect the local people
  • Never leave group individually!!!
  • The vehicle is the king on road!!!

Trip Scholarships

Study Abroad scholarships are available from the Office of Study Abroad. For the scholarship information, please visit http://www.umflint.edu/ic/studyabroad/resources/students/financial_aid.htm.