In the rough sea of global economics America is floundering while China sails right by. SF State's business department is taking note.

China’s gross domestic product growth rate was 9 percent last year, while America’s GDP was just 1.5 percent, according to Dr. Jean-Marc F. Blanchard, associate professor of International Relations at SF State.

“China is a headline country in terms of economic growth,” Blanchard said. “We’re having trouble as much as they’re doing things right.”

The Office of International Programs is expanding its opportunities in China. The organization will be adding one - or possibly two - Chinese universities to the study abroad roster: one is assured, and the other is highly probable.

As of spring 2009, SF State will send students to study at Hong Kong Polytechnic University for the first time. There is also a proposal for a student exchange with Fudan University in Shanghai, a hugely populated city which sits centrally on the east coast of China.

The exchange between Fudan University and SF State will be pitched later this month to the All University Committee for International Programs.

"I feel fully confident that it will move forward," said My Yarabinec, associate director of the Office of International Programs. "I don't anticipate any problems."

While study abroad programs previously existed between SF State and China, the subjects students could take was limited. While classes focused mostly on language and culture before, these additions will offer education for business and hospitality students.

This expansion comes at time of globalization in the business world. Blanchard said studying hospitality in China will help students compete.

“The Marriott’s, Sheraton’s, and Hilton’s of the world want people who can handle different kinds of clients and work forces,” Blanchard said. “Being in China is one of the ways to get these skills.”

Before these additions, non-Chinese speaking students who wanted to study in China had few options.

Previously, the program required at least two semesters of Mandarin before studying at most universities in China. But both add-ons will be accessible to those who cannot speak Chinese: there are no language requirements, and most classes will be taught in English, according to David Wick, coordinator of Study Abroad Services.

Wick said if the program in Fudan is a success, then the curriculum will branch out from hospitality into other aspects of Business.

“We expect that we will send our first students in the spring,” Wick said.

Both inclusions will be apart of SF State’s bilateral exchange program. As opposed to the California State University international program, which applies to all students within the CSU system, a bilateral exchange is open only to those attending SF State.

“Fudan University sought us out through the strength of our hospitality program,” said Nancy Hayes, the dean of business at SF State. Hayes said the program will give students a view as to how business is done elsewhere in the world.

"Fudan is very prestigious," Blanchard said. "It's the most famous university in Shanghai by far."

Due to the global nature of commerce today, finding a business oriented job in general could be easier for students who have studied abroad, according to Blanchard. Students that haven’t ventured out of the States will be at a disadvantage.

“All they can say is I know how to sell Europe or the West,” Blanchard said. “That’s just not enough anymore.”

Sources:

Dr. Jean-Marc F. Blanchard
Associate Professor of International Relations
jmfblanc@sfsu.edu
(415) 405-2481 Phone

My Yarabinec
Associate Director of the Office of International Programs
my_ip@sfsu.edu
(415) 338.1293

Nancy Hayes
Dean of College of Business
nkhayes@sfsu.edu
(415) 338-2670

David Wick
Coordinator of Study Abroad Services
dwick@sfsu.edu
(415) 338.1293