Global Skills

June 2 to 23, 2010

Partner with Dalian Nationalities University

This course is designed to enhance a student’s knowledge and capability of working in a variety of environments throughout the world. Getting practical experience in a culture and society with very deep historical roots provides insight for adapting to a variety of cultures. China and Asia are major forces in the global economy. Having understanding of the culture and how to deal with Chinese citizens in a wide range of situations provides University of Northern Iowa an advantage when seeking career opportunities.

OBJECTIVES:

· Learn needed global organizational skills for successful interaction in international locations and/or with international associates.

· Basic language training in Chinese

· Learn how international organizations and companies from various backgrounds and cultures work together in the same geographic location.

· To experience life in both a non-western but also transitional society.

· Gain written skills in communicating thoughts, feelings, and observations in an environment different from one’s home.

Course Resources:

“Working GlobeSmart, 12 people skills for doing business across borders” by Ernest Gundling

Five articles from Issue 8, “Why is it so important to understand cultural differences when working abroad?” from the text, Roundtable Viewpoints, International Business by Christopher J. Robertson, published by McGraw Hill.

Pre-trip orientations will be scheduled for later in the spring semester. Often these work best on Friday afternoons. The first will occur shortly after spring break.

Grading Criteria

Participation 50

Presentation on US or Iowa Culture 50

Chinese Language Assessment 100

2 quizzes @ 50 each 100

Web Blogs 100

Final Paper 100

Points 500

Participation:

Students will be graded on willingness to participate in all activities, openness in group discussions as well as attendance at all meetings including pre-trip orientations and follow-up. Points will be awarded for bringing up discussion topics, thoughtful discussions during class time, fully participating with language partners and being assertive in practicing the language both in class and during the time in China.

Chinese Language Assessment

The Chinese language instructor will assess the oral communication ability of the students after the two weeks of training and time with conversation partners. This part of the grade will be based on criteria set by the Chinese counterpart.

Global Skills

Two multiple choice quizzes will be taken during the instruction period.

Culture Presentation

Each student will prepare a 10 minute presentation concerning some aspect of Iowa or US culture. A PPT presentation with lots of photos is required.

Blog Journal

Each student will record observations, personal reactions and feelings about the day’s experiences on the UNI China Tour blog site. Grading criteria is based equally on quality of the communication based on grammar and spelling, observations discussed, and reflection on how to use knowledge gained from the observations.

Final Paper

After returning home, students will write a minimum five page paper reflecting on the experience. It is important that the student consider the personal reflections and apply the experience to the university field of study majored in.

Grading criteria

Grammar and organization of thoughts 20 points

Ability to communicate the ideas 20 points

Reflection of experience 30 points

Application for future career 30 points

Course Schedule

Initial orientations will begin to prepare the students for the travel segment of the course. These orientations will cover objectives, expectations, what to pack, and behavioral issues.

On May 28 or 29- a final pre-trip orientation will be held for insuring all preparations and students are ready.

June 2 arriving on the 3^th -travel from United States to Beijing.

Ø Seven students with one faculty member

Ø Meet up with students from Universidad EAFIT

June 4 and 5- touring in the Beijing area.

Touring arranged by CITS Beijing Co. Ltd. and American Express Travel Service

Arrive in Dalian on Sunday, June 6 via train.

Lodging and most meals will be provided at Dalian Nationalities University from June 6 to departure on June 23.

June 8 to 19 Monday through Friday

Ø 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.- Chinese language class- instructor at Dalian Nationalities University

Ø 10:45 to 12- Working Globe Smart- training led by Chris Schrage

Afternoons filled with company and trade organization visits or lectures on related topics.

Ø Dalian Free Trade Zone Administration

Ø Port Authority

Ø Dalian Logistics Company

Ø Sante Clothing Manufacturer

Ø Companies from various countries (choose from wealth of foreign companies in free trade zone)

o Discuss challenges – benefits of Chinese location

§ Lectures discussing Chinese business culture-

§ Lectures on documentation and logistical lingo to prepare for FTZ and port visits

Weekends are available for attending social and local tourism events with DNU students as conversation partners and developing relationships. UNI interns in Dalian may also

participate with the group for activities. Three day tours are planned for the weekends.

June 21- Oral Chinese language assessment

June 22- fun day with conversation partners- shopping, etc.

June 22- banquet for students to learn Chinese cultural protocol, meanings of traditions

Business attire required

June 23 depart for United States

July 1- Final paper due and de-briefing session