Come Study in China!

For the fall quarter of 2011 the Business Program of the University of Washington Bothell is offering a program in Beijing, China. Students selected for the program can take a normal load of three classes while gaining direct experience in—and extensive knowledge about—one of the most consequential business environments on earth. The program will run from Oct. 1 through Dec. 2011. It costs $6,888 INCLUDING tuition, books, insurance and housing. Students will also need to pay for airfare and food expenses, so a total personal budget of $9,888 is recommended.

The courses included in the program are: the Global Environment of Business capstone (BBUS 480), the upper-division elective Government, Business & Society (BBUS 461) and a special course Doing Business in China: Culture, Language and Contemporary Issues (BBUS 490). Students who have already completed 480 or 461 may be able to arrange independent studies and still participate in the program.

Why Participate?

China matters. What happens there will affect your career and life. The air you breath, the clothes you wear, the technology you use, the prices you pay for groceries and the interest rates you get on loans are all likely to continue to be influenced by China. The profitability or success of organizations you work for may depend on the success of their “China strategy.”

Iconic American brands like General Motors and KFC are already making more money in China than they do in the United States. China is a critical market for companies like Boeing. Microsoft and Google both have large research and development operations in China (yes, Chinese R&D, not just product assembly). In fact, the state of Washington and even the University of Washington have offices in China. China is the world’s leading consumer of many raw materials, the leading producer of many goods, an important destination for foreign investment and a major supplier of outbound capital.

As these phenomena suggest, China’s vast population and its growing economic, political and cultural influence make it a virtual certainty that China will affect your life. However, most Americans know very little about China. As a nation we are generally unfamiliar with China’s history, geography and details of its current political structure and internal challenges. Moreover, while virtually every Chinese college student becomes proficient in English, comparatively few American students learn any Chinese. Given the influence of an increasingly affluent China, these knowledge deficiencies are problematic.

This program will help you better understand China and thereby position you to deal more effectively with the enormous opportunities and challenges created by China’s rise as a global power. Because this is a quarter-long program, participants will gain more than a superficial, tourist-level appreciation for China’s dynamic environment. Students will study and live in Chinese campus environment, eat in campus cafeterias and local restaurants (the food is delicious and affordable!), and make extensive observations of the local economy.  Because the program is located in Beijing, China’s capital, it will provide students with wonderful opportunities to visit important firms, government offices and historical sites as a group. For example, students will hike along the Great Wall, visit the Forbidden City and visit local and foreign-invested businesses. Students will also be given a rich introduction to Chinese culture, language and contemporary issues. All this will be done while earning 15 UWB academic credits, including two upper-division electives and the 480 capstone.  Participants should also plan on having a wonderful time and forging close bonds with other participants.  It should be a profoundly educational, fun, life-changing experience.

How will the Program Work?

Students will be enrolled in UWB as usual. Because this is a UWB program, no transfer of credits is required! Students will pay the $6,888 program fee to UWB in lieu of normal tuition for the quarter. Note that this fee includes the cost of housing, books, insurance and many group meals while in Beijing. Students accepted will need to submit a $500 deposit within one week of being offered admission to hold their place, and the balance of the fee must be paid in equal installments over the summer (July, August and September).  Guidance will be offered, but students must obtain a valid passport, a PRC visa and book their own air travel in order to arrive in China by October 1.  UWB staff will meet each student at the airport and escort them to the campus of our host institution, Minzu University, located on a lovely gated campus in the heart of Beijing, conveniently near a subway stop (more on Minzu below).

In China the 480 and 461 courses will be taught by a regular, full-time member of the UWB business program faculty (specifically Prof. Hutchens, about whom more information is provided below). The 490 course will be overseen by Prof. Hutchens and will include guest lectures by host institution faculty, field trips to local companies, professional firms and government offices, field trips to historical and cultural sites (such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City and various museums), and several hours of small-group Chinese language instruction per week (with supplemental tutoring available) provided by host institution faculty. The language lessons will help students enjoy their time in Beijing and appreciate Chinese culture. Absolutely no prior experience studying Mandarin is required, though students with prior experience can study at a more advanced level.

Program Leadership

Prof. Walter Hutchens will lead the program and serve as the principal instructor. He has previously led five study-abroad programs to China, two for MBA students and three for undergraduates. He has also managed a summer program in China for the University of Minnesota Law School. He has lived in China for a total of about five years, including working in the Beijing offices of a major US law firm. He first visited China in 1989 and has traveled extensively within the country. He speaks and reads Chinese. In addition to his law degree, he has an MA in Asian Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. On the Bothell campus he has previously taught the 480 capstone and 461 electives that will be offered in China. He is passionate about sharing his enthusiasm for China and helping students understand more about this important, dynamic country.

Host Institution in China

UWB is working with Minzu University, located in a desirable part of Beijing. Minzu University is a comprehensive university with 15,000 students, one of the 38 “key” universities in China. It has successfully supported many other programs for foreign students (including undergraduate programs for the Univ. of Oregon, the University of Alabama and Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington). Minzu University of China College of International Education Haidian District, Beijing 10081 People’s Republic of China http://cie.muc.edu.cn/english/index.asp

Few Notes

The cost of this program is higher than the in-state tuition for a quarter. However, the program fee includes housing, books and insurance, and you will not need to spend large amounts on transportation in Beijing (transportation for field trips is included, too). Food is also very affordable in Beijing. Thus you may wish to compare the cost of participating in the program to your actual cost for staying in the Seattle area for a quarter, as well as weigh the value of studying abroad in one of the most important business environments on earth. Although this program is intended to be enjoyable, it is an academic program, not simply “tourism for credit.” Students will need to study at least as hard as they do while on the main campus. Students hungry to learn as much as possible about China are encouraged to apply; students wishing to have a laid back academic semester are discouraged from applying.

Civil, courteous, safe behavior is especially important when traveling abroad. We will be guests and should act as such. Participating students must adhere to the laws in China, the rules of our host institution, and the rules of any venue we may visit or place where we will be lodged. The UW code of student conduct will be strictly enforced. While no disciplinary problems are anticipated, in order for everyone in the program to have a great time and learn as much as possible, students whose behavior is disruptive or endangers themselves or others may be summarily sent home.

How to Apply

Students wishing to apply should immediately alert Prof. Hutchens of their interest by email at hutchens@u.washington.edu and complete the simple application form. An interview may be required before final acceptance. Accepted students will need to pay a $500 deposit within a week of acceptance in order to reserve their spot. The balance of the $6,888 program fee can be paid in equal installments on the 12th of July, August and September (students paying the entire fee by July 12 are eligible for a $288 discount). Because UWB must pay deposits in advance, student deposits and partial payments are non-refundable. An optional information session about the program will be held on Friday, May 13 at 1:30 on the the UWB campus (room TBD), and for students planning to participate it will be important to attend another meeting on Saturday, May 21 from 2:30-5:30. Please send your questions and expressions of interest to Prof. Hutchens at hutchens@u.washington.edu

2011 UWB China Program Application Form

The YMCA of Greater Seattle strengthens communities in King and south Snohomish counties through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more than 133 years, we have provided safe and caring environments, positive role models, creative activities and opportunities to serve the needs of others. We are dedicated to today’s youth. We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. We bring families closer together, encourage good health and foster connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. And, we listen and respond to our region’s most critical social needs through education and training in neighborhoods, connecting diverse demographic populations and building healthier communities. Through our internships, we offer the opportunity to lead, learn and serve in ways that will enhance and further your educational experience and future career.

Internship Description

This is an opportunity for a student to gain greater exposure to the Human Resources profession, increase their knowledge in specific HR areas such as recruiting, learning & development, Total Rewards (compensation/benefits), employee relations, HR metrics, etc. Duties include completing projects that involve researching and making recommendations to enhance the HR services and products. Specific internship project will be completed based upon current Y need as well as the intern’s completed coursework and general interests. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Assist in the day-to-day execution of HR services, such as recruiting, on boarding staff, cofacilitating trainings, compensation and benefits, employee relations, etc. Research and present recommendations on projects focusing on recruiting, learning & development, Total Rewards (compensation/benefits), employee relations, HR metrics, inclusion and/or other HR areas. Assist in preparing reports and analyzing data for the Human Resources team.

Qualification

• Coursework or previous experience in Human Resources
• Excellent organization and communication skills
• An eagerness to learn
• Analytical skills and attention to detail
• Creative thinking and research abilities
• Proactive, flexible, and professional manner
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Interest in cause driven, for-social-profit organizations (preferred)

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The opportunity to receive college credit when completed through a university’s approved internship program gain skills and explore your personal interests; develop new friendships; learn, grow and have fun complete an internship with a highly respected non-profit organization with a proud history of more than 133 years.

To apply:

Submit a cover letter of interest and resume online to: http://www.seattleymca.org/Pages/Careers.aspx or via email to bkashino@seattleymca.org.