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Study in China and Gain a Competitive Edge


Finding a job in the United States is as challenging as ever. According to the Economic Policy Institute, unemployment remains high for young college graduates, and those 20-somethings that do find jobs will likely have to settle for entry-level positions.
How does a recent college stand out among thousands of other job applicants? If you studied abroad and gained international work experience while in college, you will have a competitive edge. Especially if you studied in China.

Discovering the Business Culture in China

China has become one of the most popular study abroad destinations for students around the world because of its culture, language, history and powerful influence in the global marketplace.
Beginning in the fall of 2014, The University of Vermont will offer an 18-credit China Semester Abroad program in conjunction with Ocean University in Qingdao. In a moment we’ll describe why this offers a terrific opportunity for UVM students.

But first, why should you consider China?

Fareed Zakaria, author, CNN host and editor of Newsweek International, has described China’s position in the world as such: “China’s rise is no longer a prediction. It is a fact…it is the powerful new force on the global scene.”
As the fastest growing economy in the world today, China will undoubtedly influence how we approach business in the future. China is one of the world’s top exporters and is attracting record amounts of foreign investment. Participating in a study abroad program in China can give students the opportunity to learn Chinese and engage directly with China’s business environment.
Gregory Dunkling, UVM’s Global Team Director states: “We have designed a semester abroad program experience that offers both language and cultural skills to work and live effectively in China. Through a semester-long internship, you will also gain valuable hands-on experience working in a Chinese company or organization. As a member of three-student team, you’ll work to solve a marketing challenge, a human resource issue, or some pre-defined project identified by a sponsoring organization. Our aim is to provide you with real experiences that will build your resume for future employment.”
Even if you have no previous Chinese language background, the UVM semester program will serve your needs.
As China positions itself as an economic superpower, understanding and speaking the Chinese language is a valuable skill and becoming increasingly important in the United States and beyond. Chinese is the language of nearly 20 percent of the world’s population, according to the China Education Center. Native Chinese speakers not only live in Mainland China, but also Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and across the globe.
International students choose to study Chinese language with the expectation of fulfilling employment opportunities in business, education, finance, banking, travel, media and more.
Following give successful years of offering a summer course, “Doing Business in China” in Qingdao, UVM is building on valuable connections with the business and academic community in Qingdao by offering a full semester program with Ocean University.
The UVM China Semester Abroad program is open to any student interested in understanding China’s dynamic culture and economy, and how to work effectively in the Chinese business market.

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