International Business in China

Program Overview

Designed for students interested in international business and economics, the International Business program offers undergraduates the unparalleled opportunity to study Chinese language, international business, and economic development in Asia’s financial center. Students participate in carefully designed activities and experiential study trips that provide a first-hand encounter with China’s rapidly changing business environment. Students may enroll for a semester, summer, or academic year, or a combination of a semester and summer term. Students are encouraged to consider spending their second term in China in a different Alliance program to deepen their knowledge of China's regional diversity.

Meet our on-site staff members who keep the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE) program running smoothly.

Pre-Requisites and Academics

Students are required to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and to be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at an accredited U.S. institution. The Alliance requires SUFE students to have completed one business course and one economics course prior to arrival in China. If business is not available at your school, two economics courses are required instead. The elective course International Money and Finance also requires students to have completed an Introduction to Finance course. The remaining elective SUFE courses do not have additional prerequisites.

Students are required to take a curriculum of Chinese language and English-taught business courses. There is no language pre-requisite for the SUFE program. Students' placement in the Chinese language course will be contingent upon the results of a placement exam after arrival in China. In the fall and spring terms, students receive 15-18 credits. In the summer term, students receive 9 credits. Students with at least three prior semesters of Chinese language instruction may apply for one of a limited number of internships available on the SUFE program.

Classes are offered exclusively for Alliance students. Chinese language classes average 6-8 students per class, taught by language faculty selected and trained by the Alliance. All business faculty have a PhD and are full-time faculty from SUFE or, in some cases, from Fudan University.

On Location in Shanghai

Shanghai offers students an unparalleled opportunity to experience China in a city undergoing economic rebirth and revitalization. Shanghai is the place to be to witness the economic and socio-cultural transformations of modern China (as well as to observe the disparities that remain). Shanghai has traditionally been one of the most important financial and business centers of Asia, and is becoming known as "the Wall Street of the East". After the Second World War and the establishment of the People's Republic of China, foreign investment was discouraged. Today, however, Shanghai is again a multinational hub of finance and business and one of the world's major financial centers.

Check out this interactive map of the Alliance's resources across Shanghai:

View Alliance On Location: Shanghai in a larger map.

Shanghai is a remarkable phenomenon in the evolution of global metropolises today. There is no place like this once sleepy fishing town which has become the largest city in China and the country's most important commercial, financial, and industrial center. One must experience Shanghai to begin to comprehend this diverse and constantly changing nation. Pudong (in eastern Shanghai) was the site of the 2010 World Expo. The entire city is still buzzing with excitement about welcoming 73 million domestic and international visitors.

Neighborhood

The Alliance's International Business program is located on Shanghai University of Finance Economics' (SUFE) Zhongshan Bei Yi Lu campus (中山北一路校区) in the heart of the densely populated residential streets of Shanghai's Hongkou District (虹口区), characterized by walkable neighborhoods with an array of small shops, food markets, and other amenities. Students are conveniently close to Chi Feng Road Light Rail Station (赤峰路站) and numerous bus lines serving all parts of the city.

One rail stop away lies Hongkou Football Stadium station (虹口足球场)−another bustling area of shops, historic streets, beautiful older homes, and Lu Xun Park and memorial−a great place for early morning exercise with the locals. Traces of early 20th Century history are still evident in this part of the city but for those lured by the neighborhood's modern comforts, Hongkou's busy shopping district is nearby stretching from Sichuan Bei Lu (Sichuan North Road 四川北路) all the way to Suzhou Creek and the city center. It is a great place to spend an afternoon, people watch, and find just about anything you need.

Shanghai University of Finance and Economics

The Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (上海财经大学), founded in 1917, is a multi-dimensional university with a core focus on applied economics and management and offering majors in law, philosophy, as well as humanities. SUFE, home to 24,000 students on two campuses, is administered by the Chinese Ministry of Education and has recently been selected as one of the "21st Century's Key Universities in China." It is the number one ranked finance and economics university in China. Alliance classes are based at SUFE’s International Cultural Exchange School (ICES). ICES is devoted to the education of foreign students and aims to train students with a background in international economics or management.

Fall and Spring Curriculum

This 15-credit program is designed for students interested in international business and economics, offering undergraduates the unparalleled opportunity to study Chinese language, international business, and economic development in Asia's new financial center.

Beginning in Spring 2014, Students must enroll in:

China: Economic Giant (3 credits)
One elective course (3 credits) and/or the internship course (3 credits)
A second elective course (3 credits) and/or Business Chinese course (3 credits)
Chinese language (6 credits) - (9 credits, Fall 2013)

Core Course

SHAN ECON360 China: Economic Giant (REQUIRED, 3 class hours/week, 3 credits)

The course provides an interpretative survey of China's emergence as a global economic power. The phenomenal changes in the Chinese economy over recent decades are highlighted against the background of the pre-reform era. Aspects of quantitative development are related to the radical reforms adopted since 1978. Students discuss major policy issues encountered by the Chinese government in sustaining high-speed economic growth without instability. Students will also explore China’s pursuit of full integration into the global free trade system. Particular emphasis is placed on the contributions of Shanghai and the Yangtze River delta, the single most important economic and financial hub of China.

Elective Courses

All area studies courses are taught in English and meet for three class hours per week. Students have the option of enrolling in two to three courses from the following list. Students with at least three semesters of Chinese may elect to participate in a 3 credit internship or Business Chinese to replace one of their area studies electives.

SHAN MKTG390 China as a Global Market (3 class hours/week, 3 credits)

China is not only a major export market but also a global sourcing base, given that Chinese exports are dominated by foreign-funded enterprises. Students will learn how to employ principles of international marketing in studying this dual role of China. Discussions include China's rising purchasing power and consumption market potentials, trends in China's demand for capital goods and western technology, marketing new products, cultural attributes in Chinese consumer behavior, outsourcing and sourcing in China, the service industries, international distribution systems, market regulations and deregulations, export tax rebate and import duties, and pricing and terms of payments.

SHAN ECON371/SHAN FINC370 International Money and Finance (3 class hours/week, 3 credits)

This course familiarizes students with the basic theories for global financial liberalization and the major policy problems involved for the Chinese government to fully integrate the country with the global financial system. Topics to be discussed include Chinese interest rate determination, the exchange rate regime, and associated currency risks; new investment and financing techniques including currency derivatives, currency options and currency swaps; B-share versus A-share in the Chinese stock markets and prospects for convergence; the role of QFII (qualified foreign institutional investors) and QDII (qualified domestic institutional investors), and the possible implications of renminbi being made fully convertible in the future. Students should have completed an Introduction to Finance course as a pre-requisite for this course.

SHAN MGMT390 Managing Enterprises in China (3 class hours/week, 3 credits)

This course focuses on the modus operandi of major types of enterprises in China, including large-scale state-owned enterprises, share-holding corporations, collective enterprises of global significance, and foreign-funded conglomerates. Class discussions address the different functional aspects of enterprise management, including production and investment decision-making, financing, marketing and supply sourcing, technology transfer, human resource management, and research and development. Students also tackle the ways in which business conglomerates relate to the Chinese government's changing regulatory framework.

SHAN ECON380 International Trade: A Chinese Perspective (3 class hours/week, 3 credits)

This course helps students develop the conceptual basis and the necessary tools for understanding modern international trade at the intermediate level. Topics include classical and modern theories of international trade, factor price equalization, empirical tests and extensions of the pure theory model, economic growth and international trade, the nature and effects of protection, and motives and welfare effects of factor movements. Each topic includes case studies under the context of China’s international trade with the U.S. and the rest of the world.

SHAN INTS380 Internship (10-12 hours/week, 3 credits)

Students with at least three semesters of Chinese may elect to participate in a 3 credit internship to replace one of their business courses. Interns are placed in Chinese, joint-venture, or foreign-owned companies. Interns spend 10-12 hours per week (or 120 hours a semester) at the internship site and complete a research project that includes a 5,000 word paper and oral presentation. Internships are supervised by faculty advisor Dr. Tong, who meets with students 4 times per semester and schedules individual meetings to discuss students' research project plans.

Language Courses

Chinese Language (required, 9 class hours/week, 6 credits)

No prior language study is required for admission. Upon taking a placement exam after arrival, students will be placed into the appropriate language level. Courses emphasize listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Alliance programs teach Simplified Chinese Characters, which are standardized Chinese characters officially used in mainland China. Click here to view a full listing of textbooks and lessons by Alliance program and course.

The syllabi below reflect the 9 credit hour course being offered to Alliance students through Fall 2013. More information coming soon on our new 6 credit hour course syllabi.

SHAN CHIN320 Business Chinese (4 class hours/week, 3 credits)

This course will be offered beginning in the Spring 2014 semester. Students develop specialized skills in business-related communication in Chinese in both oral and written forms. Available for students at the 201 Chinese level or higher.

Summer Curriculum

This 9-credit program is designed for students interested in international business and economics, offering undergraduates the unparalleled opportunity to study Chinese language, international business, and economic development in Asia's financial center.

Students must enroll in:

One elective course (3 credits) or the internship course (3 credits)
Chinese language (6 credits)

Elective Courses

All area studies courses are taught in English and meet for six class hours per week. Students must enroll in one from the following list. Students with at least three semesters of Chinese may elect to participate in a 3 credit internship to replace one of their area studies courses.

SHAN MKTG390 China as a Global Market (6 class hours/week, 3 credits)

China is not only a major export market but also a global sourcing base, given that Chinese exports are dominated by foreign-funded enterprises. Students employ principles of international marketing in studying this dual role of China. Discussions include China's rising purchasing power and consumption market potentials, trends in China's demand for capital goods and western technology, marketing new products, cultural attributes in Chinese consumer behavior, outsourcing and sourcing in China, the service industries, international distribution systems, market regulations and deregulations, export tax rebate and import duties, and pricing and terms of payments.

SHAN ECON371/ FINC370 International Money and Finance (6 class hours/week, 3 credits)

This course familiarizes students with the basic theories for global financial liberalization and the major policy problems involved for the Chinese government to fully integrate the country with the global financial system. Topics include Chinese interest rate determination, the exchange rate regime, and associated currency risks; new investment and financing techniques including currency derivatives, currency options and currency swaps; B-share versus A-share in the Chinese stock markets and prospects for convergence; the role of QFII (qualified foreign institutional investors) and QDII (qualified domestic institutional investors), and the possible implications of renminbi being made fully convertible in the future. Students should complete an Introduction to Finance course as a pre-requisite for this course.

SHAN MGMT390 Managing Enterprises in China (6 class hours/week, 3 credits)

This course covers the modus operandi of major types of enterprises in China, including large-scale state-owned enterprises, share-holding corporations, collective enterprises of global significance, and foreign-funded conglomerates. The discussions will address the different functional aspects of enterprise management, including production and investment decision-making, financing, marketing and supply sourcing, technology transfer, human resource management, and research and development. Students also tackle the ways in which business conglomerates relate to the Chinese government's changing regulatory framework.

SHAN ECON380 International Trade: A Chinese Perspective (6 class hours/week, 3 credits)

This course helps students develop the conceptual basis and the necessary tools for understanding modern international trade at the intermediate level. Topics include classical and modern theories of international trade, factor price equalization, empirical tests and extensions of the pure theory model, economic growth and international trade, the nature and effects of protection, and motives and welfare effects of factor movements. Each topic includes case studies under the context of China’s international trade with the U.S. and the rest of the world.

SHAN INTS380 Internship (20 hours/week, 3 credits)

Students with at least three semesters of Chinese may elect to participate in a 3 credit internship to replace one of their business courses. Interns are placed in Chinese, joint-venture, or foreign-owned companies. Interns spend 20 hours per week at the internship site and complete a research project that includes a 5,000 word paper and oral presentation. Internships are supervised by faculty advisor Dr. Dong, who meets with students 4 times per semester and schedules individual meetings to discuss students' research project plans.

Language Courses

Chinese Language (required, 15 class hours/week, 6 credits)

No prior language study is required for admission. Upon taking a placement exam after arrival, students will be placed into the appropriate language level. All courses emphasize listening, reading, speaking, and writing. The Alliance programs teach Simplified Chinese Characters, which are standardized Chinese characters officially used in mainland China. Click here to view a full listing of textbooks and lessons by Alliance program and course.

Faculty

Dr. Zhou Qiang, SHAN ECON 370: China: Economic Giant

Dr. Tong Chunyang, SHAN MKTG 390: China as a Global Market

SHAN INTS 380: Internship

Dr. Ko-Chia Yu, SHAN ECON 371/SHAN FINC 370: International Money and Finance

Dr. Keng Shu, SHAN MGMT 390: Managing Enterprises in China

Dr. Chen Bo, SHAN ECON 380: International Trade: A Chinese Perspective

Capstone Research Project

One important and distinctive component of Alliance programs in China is the Capstone Academic Research Project. Capstone projects challenge students to engage with Chinese people and deepen their own understanding of one aspect of Chinese policy, society, culture, or business practice.

The Capstone Project is a research project that makes use of more than academic readings and published research. While these are important components of research and should be included in the project, the Capstone is meant to help students take advantage of their setting. Students use resources they would not have access to at their home universities. Students also incorporate interviews, participant observation, and other methods to create a final paper and presentation. Many students develop their Capstone as part of a senior thesis or broader future research project.

The Capstone Project is a graded component of the required course taught in English, China: Economic Giant. The Capstone Research Project comprises 40% of the grade for this course. Graded project work includes a project abstract with a problem statement and research methodology outline, a PowerPoint presentation, and a final paper.

Featured Fall 2011 Capstone

Joyce Park (Connecticut College)

"My report reviews the history, processes, and strategies of eBay and TaoBao in the context of the Chinese market. Though its primary purpose is to analyze and compare the two corporations, this report can also serve as a future reference for other e-commerce companies who wish to gain insight on how to successfully penetrate the Chinese market without repeating the mistakes of eBay. Both primary and secondary research was conducted to gather information for this report. Primary research consists of surveys done by 50 local Chinese students, interviews with Chinese roommates, as well as my own observations. Secondary research also comes from a broad range of sources, including scholarly journals, published case studies, and public blog and forum discussions."

Examples of Student Capstone Projects at SUFE

Agricultural and Environmental Policy in Modern China
The Chinese Automobile Industry: Past, Present and Future
Impact of Censorship on China’s Television Industry
Say Hello to the Competition: Chinese College Students and the Real World
The Need for Renewable Energy in China
China High-Speed Rail: What Can the United States Learn From it?
Investment in Brazil and China’s Middle Class
China and United States: Trade Imbalance and RMB Exchange Rate
My Dad Can Beat Up Your Dad: The Chinese and American Militaries
The Social and Economic Implications of China’s One Child Policy
Nutritional Challenges of Urban China
China is Wealthier, but is it Happier?

For more Capstone project ideas from Alliance students in all our China programs, click here. To read more abstracts of Alliance students' capstones, click here.

Credits, Grades, and Transcripts

A study abroad experience is first and foremost an academic experience, and the Alliance for Global Education takes the process of credit and grade conversion seriously.

Credits

The Alliance provides information on credit transfer and conversion at the time that a student chooses courses. Credit appears on transcripts issued by Arcadia University at the completion of a student's term of study abroad. Credit is issued in U.S. semester hours, ensuring that students continue to make progress toward their degrees and verifying the full-time academic load a student carries while abroad.

All Alliance courses have been reviewed and approved by Arcadia University’s Undergraduate Academic Programs Committee. Arcadia University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Any grades that appear on an Arcadia transcript must meet Middle States' standards.

Grades

Students receive a letter grade on a scale from A to F for every course they take while enrolled on an Alliance program. Although policies at students' individual home institutions may differ, the Alliance does not permit students to take courses on a credit/no credit basis. Student grades are determined by criteria set forth in course syllabi. As noted above, all Alliance courses are reviewed and approved by Arcadia University’s Undergraduate Academic Programs Committee. Arcadia University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Transcripts

At the conclusion of a program, the College of Global Studies at Arcadia University sends an official Arcadia University transcript to a participant's home school and an unofficial copy to the participant.

Because universities abroad have different administrative structures, transcripts may take longer to issue than they do at U.S. institutions. While the timeline varies by program, a general timeline for issuing transcripts is:

Fall programs - transcript issued in late February
Spring, Summer, and Academic Year programs - transcript issued in late September

If you have a question about the process, please feel free to contact your program manager responsible.

Please note: Transcripts are not released for students with an outstanding balance due to program fees. Students enrolling in consecutive terms with the Alliance do not receive their first term transcript until their second term fees are paid in full.

Participants can request additional copies of transcripts online or in writing at any time from the Arcadia University Registrar's Office.

Internships in Shanghai

The Alliance is offering an exciting internship course in both the Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) and Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE) programs. Internships are available in the spring, summer, and fall terms.

Placements

At SUFE, internships are offered in various areas of business at Chinese, joint-venture and multi-national companies as well as non-business sectors. The Alliance makes every effort to place student interns at companies or organizations that match their interests as closely as possible. The placements depend on the employers’ needs, what each student can bring to the company/organization, each student’s background, prior experience, performance during interview, and skill sets, including but not limited to the student’s Chinese language level and communication skills. The placement process begins with the submission of the Internship Intent Form during the program application process, and placements are typically finalized after an in-person interview in China. Although the Alliance makes every effort to accommodate student preferences during the placement process, applicants are also encouraged to be flexible. Certain fields and industry sectors may limit the types of work available to undergraduate interns. The internship field in China’s large cities is highly competitive and the number of available placements is limited.

Sample of Past SUFE Student Internships:

Shanghai Tonghe Industrial & Trade Development Co., Ltd, the not-for-profit economic development bureau of Baoshan District Government
Chi Heng Foundation, a Hong Kong based NGO that focuses its work on supporting education and training for children and families impacted by HIV/AIDS
VanceInfo Technologies Inc., an IT and software development firm consulting for finance, technology, telecommunications, transportation, manufacturing and retail
Image Tunnel, a studio located in Shanghai’s Contemporary Arts District that is devoted to recording the changes in the city and promoting the culture in Shanghai
Merck Chemicals China, global chemical company offering specialty products for electronics, printing, coatings, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and biotech industries
Forte, Inc., a residential real estate subsidiary of Fosun, Inc., Shanghai’s largest privately owned company
CITS, New Shanghai International Travel Service Co., Ltd, China’s largest travel services agency
City Weekend Magazine, a print and online magazine under Ringier, a Swiss-based multinational media company

Pre-Requisites

At least 3 semesters of college level Chinese are required to participate in the internship. Spots are competitive. You will need to apply for the internship course when completing the Course Selection Form.

Credit and Course Requirements

The internship course is worth 3 credits and will replace one of the area studies courses. Credit is awarded for the academic component of the internship. Interns will complete a research project, including a 5000-word final paper (in English). The work is supervised throughout the term by a faculty advisor, Dr. TONG Chunyang, who will hold both group and individual meetings with students to provide academic advising for their research project. In the fall and spring semesters, interns will spend 10-12 hours per week (or 120 hours a semester) at the internship site. During the summer term, interns will spend 20 hours per week at the internship site. (Please note that in addition to language, summer students only take one business content course. If a student selects the internship course, s/he will not take any other content courses.)

More information about the internship course can be found at SUFE Internship Guidelines.

Academic Calendar

Program Dates

Spring 2013 term: February 13 – June 10
Summer 2013 term: June 19 – August 19
Fall 2013 term: August 28 – December 23
Spring 2014 term: February 12 - June 9
Summer 2014 term: June 18 - August 18
Fall 2014 term: August 27 - December 22

The Alliance Orientation is MANDATORY. You should make your travel plans accordingly. More details can be found in the Accepted Students: Travel Arrangements section.

Given the program’s busy academic schedule, weekly local activities and excursions, and field study trips, the Alliance STRONGLY DISCOURAGES students from hosting visitors until the end of the semester. Please encourage family and/or friends to visit AFTER the program has ended.

2013 Spring International Business Program Calendar

Suggested flight departure: February 12
Arrival in Shanghai: February 13
Orientation: February 13-17
Classes begin: February 18
Long Weekend Trip: March 15-17
Field Study Trip: April 6-13
Mid-term Exams: April 19
Independent Travel Week: May 4-12
Last day of final exams: June 7
Students may depart: June 8
Students must vacate housing (by 12 noon): June 10

2013 Summer International Business Program Calendar

Suggested flight departure: June 18
Arrival in Shanghai: June 19
Orientation: June 19-23
Classes begin: June 24
Field Study Trip*: July 18-21
Last day of final exams: August 16
Students may depart: August 17
Students must vacate housing (by 12 noon): August 19

* Organized trip dates are subject to change at any time.

Program Fees

Spring 2013 Program	$ 13,990
Summer 2013 Program	$ 7,100
Fall 2013 Program	$ 14,200

What's Included

The program price includes tuition and fees, pre-departure materials, guidance with applying for a visa, orientation, housing, weekly activities, all textbooks, the services of a full-time Resident Director, medical and evacuation insurance, an eight-day Field Study Trip and a weekend Field Study Trip in the fall and spring semester, and a five-day Field Study Trip in the summer term.

The program price does not include airfare to China, meals, passport and visa fees, independent travel, and other items not mentioned as included.

Please click here for a breakdown of spring, summer, and fall 2013 program fees and an itemized list of additional expenses that students will encounter while abroad.

Multiple Term or Academic Year Discount

The Alliance encourages students to enroll for more than one term and to consider studying with more than one Alliance program. Some students choose to spend fall term in one location and spring term in another. Others continue in our summer term after completing spring.

Students who continue into a second term with the Alliance receive a $500 discount on the program fee for the second term. All combinations (two semesters, semester plus summer, two semesters plus summer) are possible.

Student Housing

Students are housed in the student dormitory located near the center of campus and very close to Alliance classrooms. This building houses international students and a small number of local undergraduate and professional degree students. Each Alliance student will share a double room with a Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE) university student. Rooms include two single beds, two desks, desk lamps, two thermoses for boiled water (available on first floor of dormitory), closet space with a lockbox for each student, remote control heater/air-conditioner, bathroom with shower, and a balcony. Hot water is available 45 minutes after turning on the hot water heater located in the bathroom. The water heater holds approximately 15 minutes worth of hot water. Sheets, pillows and a comforter are provided; towels are not. Filtered water is replenished at student expense (10 RMB/$1.45 per tank), with the help of the dormitory’s front desk staff. During Alliance SUFE orientation all students are required to pay a 200 RMB (approximately $30 US dollars) housing deposit. If there is no damage to the room at the end of the program, the deposit is refunded in full.

Chinese Roommates

A distinct feature of the SUFE program is the chance to share a double room with a Chinese student studying at SUFE. This offers the opportunity for Alliance students to get to know Chinese students on campus quickly and to engage in language and cultural exchange with their new friends. Chinese roommates are invited to attend many of the organized activities. Former Alliance students consistently rate this experience as one of their favorite program features.

Food and Meals

Meals are not included in the Alliance program fee. Many students eat in the new cafeteria on campus. Meals are inexpensive (about $1-3 per meal). Many students also eat in local restaurants, especially those on the street adjacent to the campus. Students should budget $10 per day for meals, which will allow them to eat some meals off campus at local restaurants if desired.

Vegetarians will find that good food is available in China. Most restaurants serve lots of vegetables, tofu dishes, and staples such as rice, noodles, or dumplings. Note that some restaurants may use animal fat in preparing dishes.

Local Activities

Throughout the term, students are invited to take part in a full schedule of excursions, events and lectures designed to enhance their understanding of China and the historical and modern influences that impact its culture and people.

Extra-Curricular Classes

The Alliance arranges extra-curricular classes which may include Chinese painting, calligraphy, cooking, Taiji or other martial arts, seal carving, or paper cutting. These classes offer a wonderful opportunity to learn more about traditional Chinese culture.

In and Around Shanghai

SUFE students will visit the famous sites of Shanghai including Yuyuan Park, the historic Bund along the Huangpu River, and the former French concession. Activities may also include cultural performances, museum visits, special lectures, visits to artists' studios, architectural walking tours, and opportunities to meet locals, including students from other campuses. To complement the international business curriculum, the Alliance arranges a series of visits to Chinese, joint-venture, and foreign-owned enterprises, allowing students to better understand the local business environment. Below is a sampling of activities from previous semesters. Specific activities for future terms are subject to change:

Company Visit to Sigma Group in Baoshan District

Sigma's aluminum alloy exports represent 50% of China's total aluminum alloy exports, and 40% of China's aluminum alloy exports to Japan. With the rapid development of China's automobile market, Sigma's domestic sales have also increased at a rapid pace. Sigma has the highest domestic sales volume out of China's secondary aluminum smelters. Students visited the company and each were given a copy of the New Yorker magazine article in which Sigma Group and its CEO Tony Huang were prominently featured. Tony personally hosted the excursion, led students on a tour of the processing facility and shared his insights in a Q&A session.

Weekend Trip to Shaoxing City

Students on the Shaoxing City trip had the opportunity to visit two textile factories and Asia's largest textile market. Students also paddled down one of Shaoxing's historical canals, visited Lu Xun's boyhood home and school, and picked tea at a tea farm.

Propaganda Poster Art Centre

Founder and owner Mr. Yang Peiming hosted the tour of the facilities and provided an introduction to his poster collection. Participants of this activity included SUFE students and their Chinese roommates. For more information on the Propaganda Poster Art Centre, please visit http://www.shanghaipropagandaart.com/.

Visit to Baosteel in Baoshan District

Students participated in a site visit to the largest iron and steel conglomerate in China. Baosteel is the sixth-largest steel producer in the world with revenues of $21.5 billion.

Lecture/Discussion titled "Adapting to China's Business and Financial Practices"

The engaging lecture and Q&A session was led by Daniel Drescher, Alliance alum and 2008 graduate of University of Florida; Li Qi, Managing Director, Prosperity Assets Management Company and former Assistant Vice President, Golden Brilliant Investment Holding Company; and Wang Xumin, former Investment Director, Prosperity Assets Management, Ltd.

Documentary/Discussion: "Art, Economics, and Shanghai's Urban Redevelopment Politics"

The artist, and voice behind the M50 (Moganshan Lu) Studio and Contemporary Art Gallery District, presented her documentary on the making of the M50 district; an exploration of contemporary art, urban redevelopment, and social transformation.

Field Study Trips

The Alliance organizes a nine-day field study trip for students during the fall and spring semesters and a five-day field study trip during the summer term. The Field Study Trips allow students to gain a greater understanding of Chinese culture, society, and economic development. As part of their Capstone Projects, students will continue to investigate an area of particular interest during this trip.

During the Field Study Trip during the fall and spring terms, SUFE students travel to Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macau. Guangdong is the most affluent province in China and is dramatically influenced by the neighboring Hong Kong. The high level of economic integration between the Pearl River Delta and Hong Kong has led Guangdong to play a leading role in China’s economic growth. Understanding the growth and evolution of investment in manufacturing, real estate, and financial service industries will deepen students’ understanding of the miracle of economic development in southern China.

Additionally, a weekend trip to a nearby city is also organized during the fall and spring terms.

Summer Field Study Trip

The location of the five-day summer field study trip varies each year. In past years, SUFE summer students have visited the historical and cultural sites of Beijing.

Contact a Program Graduate

How do Alliance program graduates look back on their experience studying in Asia? What advice can they offer on making the most of your time abroad? Contact these students to ask your questions!

To view graduates from other Alliance programs, click here. Interact with graduates via our Facebook and YouTube pages, too!

Sarah Christie

International Business in China

University of Denver – Business Major

sarahchristie213@gmail.com

Sarah Christie here! Studied at SUFE past fall and so enjoyed it. Currently attending University of Denver as an... read more

Sarah Christie here! Studied at SUFE past fall and so enjoyed it. Currently attending University of Denver as an International Business major and Chinese minor. So glad to have met the people I did and experience such amazing things while abroad and happy to share these experiences with others. Hope to return to China in the future! hide

Johnny Wu

International Business in China

Tufts University – International Relations Major

jpwu03@yahoo.com

Hey, Johnny here, studying International Relations related to International Trade and Entrepeneurship at Tufts... read more

Hey, Johnny here, studying International Relations related to International Trade and Entrepeneurship at Tufts University. Class of 2014. Just finished studying abroad in Shanghai at SHUFE, had a wonderful time. hide

Quinn Kolberg

International Business in China

Amherst College – Economics Major

QSaundersKolberg14@amherst.edu

Greetings, I'm a junior at Amherst College in Amherst, Mass. I'm an econ major, and spent the fall semester of... read more

Greetings, I'm a junior at Amherst College in Amherst, Mass. I'm an econ major, and spent the fall semester of 2012 studying at SHUFE as a member of the International Business Program. Held a job at a consulting firm, made a brief foray into the Southeast Asian International Softball Circuit, trained at MLB China -- I had a great time and met even better people. Can't wait to go back. Had the time of my life. Happy to talk with anybody about it. hide

Patrick Mendelsohn

International Business in China

Arcadia University – International Business Major

pmendelsohn@arcadia.edu

Hey Everybody! I am a senior at Arcadia, studying International Business and Culture with a minor in mathematics. I studied in Shanghai this past spring semester, and I had an absolutely... read more

Hey Everybody! I am a senior at Arcadia, studying International Business and Culture with a minor in mathematics. I studied in Shanghai this past spring semester, and I had an absolutely amazing time there, both in studying and in experiencing the culture. Now that I have the experience under my belt, I aim to make sure that students aiming to study abroad have as much information they can use in order to have the best semester or year they possibly could. hide

Genevieve Norman

International Business in China

Austin College – Business Administration and Chinese Major

Genevieve.Norman1@gmail.com

Hello fellow ambassadors!! My name is Genevieve and I am a senior at Austin College. I just spent spring 2012... read more

Hello fellow ambassadors!! My name is Genevieve and I am a senior at Austin College. I just spent spring 2012 semester studying abroad at the SUFE. Living in China for almost half a year was a life altering experience and really helped me find myself and find a balance between being Chinese and American. I really hope to encourage and inspire other students to go abroad and have a similar experience to my own! hide

Allyson Chew

International Business in China

Mount Holyoke College – Economics Major

allysonschew@gmail.com

Hello everyone! Quick stats: Name: Allyson Chew; Class: 2013; Experience: AWESOME! I really enjoyed the program and exploring Shanghai and China. I would love to go back to work after graduation, and am stoked to be an Alumni... read more

Hello everyone! Quick stats: Name: Allyson Chew; Class: 2013; Experience: AWESOME! I really enjoyed the program and exploring Shanghai and China. I would love to go back to work after graduation, and am stoked to be an Alumni Ambassador so I can share my enthusiasm for the program and country. I'm from San Francisco but am loving the East Coast. I am deeply involved in campus life through various organizations (Women for Business, Model United Nations, Habitat for Humanity) and write for Uloop, a national marketplace and blog for college students. hide

Charles Tiu

International Business in China

Bentley University – Marketing Major

tiu_char@bentley.edu

My name is Charles Tiu from Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts. As you can tell from my last name, I’m not American. In fact, I’m a Chinese that spent most of his life growing up in Hong Kong, China. Yet I chose to study abroad in... read more

My name is Charles Tiu from Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts. As you can tell from my last name, I’m not American. In fact, I’m a Chinese that spent most of his life growing up in Hong Kong, China. Yet I chose to study abroad in Shanghai in the Spring term of 2010. There are numerous reasons why I chose to study abroad:

It gave me the opportunity to learn about the culture of a different area, the so-called “Dragon Head” of China’s biggest business district; I was able to sharpen my skills in a universal language 1 in 5 people use in this world; it broadened my understanding of the different values, perspectives, ideas and beliefs that different people hold in terms of marketing, management, and most importantly, “guan xi” – networking; all in all, it trained me to become a leader that understood how the Western and Eastern worlds worked individually and cooperatively.

My most memorable moment in Shanghai was during an internship. In the beginning, my Mandarin was rusty, I had no idea what was going on, and was told to direct a small group of international students from America, Spain, and China to handle several tasks. It was awfully difficult to coordinate everything and the whole thing was a mess! But after a few months of grueling training and living with each other – exposing yourself to everything new and uncomfortable to what you’re used to – you gain a valuable and critical understanding of the dynamics and rhythms of the different cultures. Now, handling a large diverse group of people has been a lot easier, a lot clearer, and all this is thanks to the opportunity I had with the Alliance Program. hide

Daniel Mixa

Popular Culture and Social Change

Intensive Chinese Language

International Business in China

University of Tampa – Business Major

dmixa@spartans.ut.edu

Back in the summer of 2010 I was preparing to study abroad in Shanghai, China. I was overly excited. Before coming to China I spent a good year studying Chinese on my own and had spent countless hours examining and studying Chinese culture. I knew that... read more

Back in the summer of 2010 I was preparing to study abroad in Shanghai, China. I was overly excited. Before coming to China I spent a good year studying Chinese on my own and had spent countless hours examining and studying Chinese culture. I knew that China would be a fascinating place and that I would enjoy my study abroad. Half way through my fall semester at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics I knew that my time in China would not have been enough; I fell in love with China, I couldn’t leave. I then decided to attend the Alliance’s spring program at Fudan University, Shanghai. I then once again was not satisfied. I attended the Alliance’s summer program at Beijing Language and Culture University; during that time I stayed with a Chinese host family and also interned with a Chinese Magazine. Coming back home was bitter sweet; I was happy to be home, but sad to be leaving China. My experiences in China are priceless; I met many great people, I visited amazing places that most people will never see, I attained a great understanding of Chinese Culture, and most importantly, I significantly improved my Chinese skills. Now my Chinese is very good; it may take years to attain fluency but I know that if I build on my current skills fluency is imminent. China has become my second home and I hope to live and work there right after graduation! hide