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May 5, 2005
By Pamela McLaren
When groups of Chinese managers or Vietnamese
teachers come to Cal State Fullerton for advanced study or training,
the people who often make sure that the arrival, living arrangements
and other amenities are amenable are Lisa Xue and Arthur Wang of
University Extended Education.
Xue, director of international programs-Asia, and
Wang, program coordinator, work with universities and communities,
as well as members of the campus community, to develop academic
programs that bring benefits to students and faculty on both sides
of the globe.
“Our goal is to build a bridge of international
understanding,” says Xue. “We, working with others on
campus to establish successful international programs, are creating
a brand name with other countries.”
One such program is Experience
China, a program begun last year. In that program two
groups of California educators traveled to China: one group worked
with Chinese students in an international summer camp; the other
worked with Chinese teachers, helping them enhance their skills
in teaching English.
| Q: |
Do you only work on programs created
by University Extended Education? |
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| A: |
No, many times programs are arranged by
administrators and faculty members on campus. In those cases
we handle the administrative part so that the faculty can
focus on the academic part of their programs. Arthur helps
with the housing arrangements, the logistics – such
as airport pick up, transportation to and from the university,
etc. Right away our goal is to make these international visitors
feel welcome and comfortable.
We love being able to help make the job easier for our faculty
members so they can make the best use of their time in sharing
their experience and knowledge. |
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| Q: |
It sounds like we have developed quite
an extensive effort with China. |
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| A: |
Yes, Cal State Fullerton works closely with
colleges and universities and government organizations throughout
China to develop degree programs and specialized training.
Our efforts include both long- and short-term training programs.
For example, 13 government officials from Pudong, China, were
here earlier in the year to attend a six-month training program
in public administration. This was the first year in a three-year
agreement with the region.
We also have a group of faculty who came here for six months
from Guizhou.
They came to gain a perspective of American higher education.
I have been working with Fudan University’s Continuing
Education Unit on offering a master’s degree program
in educational leadership, as well as a training program for
administrators and faculty members.
In addition, we’ve been working with Louise Adler [chair
of educational leadership] to bring public school principals
from China to attend campus lectures and panel discussions.
They are expected to arrive this fall, again as part of a
three-year agreement Cal State Fullerton has made.
China, of course, is but one country in Asia we are working
with. There are also programs with Vietnam, Japan and Korea.
Last year a group of five professors from a Japanese university
took part in a “shadowing” program with professors
of our university, and at the beginning of this month there
was a delegation from Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh
that visited the campus to learn more about the faculty shadowing
program. |
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| Q: |
Why do you think Cal State Fullerton
has been so successful in international programs? |
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| A: |
China is very careful about choosing partners, so when
they choose to send groups here it is a great honor. They
are looking for the best quality programs. The prestige of
our university and of our administrators has helped make our
efforts successful. President Gordon has a great vision and
his efforts have been helpful in developing Cal State Fullerton’s
reputation.
We also have great support and cooperation with the deans,
department chairs and many faculty members on campus. We feel
very comfortable with each department and college –
this helps us feel motivated to work hard. With such support,
we can’t do less. |
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