The Triangle

Issue date: 8/14/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Vivian Yan Orange County Register

Drexel has placed an emphasis on expanding their relationship with China. The University currently offers China-related programs such as classes, study abroad and co-op abroad, as well as a Chinese student organization, the Chinese Students & Scholars Association at Drexel, or CSSAD.

The main China-themed courses offered by Drexel are Mandarin Chinese language classes. Mandarin is one of the University's fastest growing language programs, according to Julie Mostov, professor of political science and associate vice provost for International Programs.

The University has offered a course on China's place in world affairs as well as China-themed special topics classes that could include guest lecturers. The Pennoni Honors College is planning a course to coincide with the 2010 World's Fair in Shanghai, China. The class, to be taught by Scott Knowles, assistant professor of history and politics and director of the Great Works Symposium, would allow students to communicate with peers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and to visit Shanghai during the World's Fair.

The Drexel Study Abroad office currently offers programs located in mainland China as well as Taiwan and Hong Kong, Daniela Ascarelli, assistant dean, Pennoni Honors College and director, Drexel Study Abroad, said.

Drexel, through the study abroad provider The Council on International Educational Exchange, offers a language-intensive exchange program in the Chinese cities Beijing, Shanghai and Nanjing for students majoring or minoring in International Area Studies or minoring in Chinese.

Drexel also offers students in all majors an exchange program with Taiwan's Chung Yuan Christian University. Students in the College of Engineering or iSchool are offered a program with Hong Kong University and Chinese University of Hong Kong that is run through the Global Engineering Education Exchange. Drexel hopes to expand the exchange to students from other majors, according to Ascarelli.

Drexel has also organized research-based exchanges with China. The iSchool is in the process of developing an exchange with Wuhan University that includes a joint Master of Science in Information Systems program, according to Mostov.

Ascarelli said one of the biggest obstacles to study abroad in China is the language difference. She added that political differences between the U.S. and China have not posed problems.

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