ESU seeks new partners in China

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By Chris Walker (Contact)

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

There was time on the trip to appreciate spectacular scenery. Here is Williams on Yellow Mountain in front of the famous Friendship Tree.

Jim Williams, vice president of student affairs at Emporia State University, recently returned from a business trip to China. In this interview, he talks about ESU’s work in China to develop student-exchange programs.

Q What were some of the goals of the trip?

A We want to provide an international experience for both our students and the Chinese students. We have several partnerships with universities in China. My role in going was twofold: One to become better acquainted with Chinese population as it continues to grow, as well as to explore regions or schools where we haven’t created partnerships.

Q In a time when enrollment numbers count, do we really want to be exploring options of sending ESU students to foreign countries?

A They would go in a partnership agreement so they would still be ESU students. It might be a course over a four- or five-week period. I just think it is an invaluable experience for our students.

Q How many international students are on campus and what is the goal?

A We have 135 Chinese students on campus and we are close to 400 international students right now. Our goal is to be close to 1,000 international students. As we grow that population we want to have the resources to serve the students.

Q What are some the barriers for students coming here?

A One of the biggest issues is cost. They have to pay the American tuition rate and that is a significant difference. This trip was really about exploring what those barriers are.

Q What is China like today?

A Beijing is fairly western in nature. What is hard to describe is the size: 18 million people. The traffic is unreal. The growth and building is incomprehensible. In some cities you would look across a city and see 20 or 30 crane booms. It is an industrial revolution taking place and you are standing in the middle of that. Then we went to the Anhui province and I was struck by the complete opposite of Beijing. Rural, very agricultural and self- sufficient. You grow your own food and you have a roof over your head. We would consider it very impoverished by American standards. I was also struck by the hospitality of the Chinese.

Q What did you discover talking with students?

A I was in the Anhui province that hasn’t had many partnerships with American universities. I was really struck by their similarities with American students in their worries about their futures as well as being able to connect with their parents once they have a degree.

Q In America a big news story is the toy recall. Did you hear much about that when you where in China?

A We didn’t see too much on that story. The big story was the moon launch. They have put significant funding into their space program and they just launched a moon probe. They were very proud of that as a nation. They really want to play on the world stage in all facets.