China Studies Application Materials China Studies Photo Gallery
To help future business leaders understand the global nature of business, St. Bonaventure University Professor Donald J. Swanz, J.D., developed a three-credit course to teach M.B.A students how to work in a foreign country and overcome the many hurdles that exist. And he chose China as his classroom.
In 2007, Dr. Swanz transferred the program leadership to Dr. Carl Case.
The three-credit course, unlike any other offered at the University, takes students on a two-week journey to China, a country with one of the most dynamic influences on all commercial markets in the world.
"There is no substitute for being physically in China and exposing yourself to the market there," Swanz said. "Learning it first hand is the best way to do it. To get to know such a totally different culture is most important. That's why we take them there, so they can visualize and understand what’s going on there."
The summer course is offered primarily to M.B.A. students but some undergraduate seniors and students of St. Bonaventure’s Integrated Marketing Communications master's program have participated.
During the intensive two weeks, students have visits to Western New York companies with plant facilities in China such as Moog (East Aurora).
"They not only give us briefings, but they open up their facilities to us," Swanz said. "The important thing is they are open to questions and no question is excluded. We often find ourselves staying an extra hour because they are willing to answer any questions we have and don’t want the students to leave wondering about something."
One important stops that has become a regular of the course since its 1997 beginning is the briefing at the U.S. Embassy.
"The spokesperson at the embassy gives us a complete flavor on how to compete and start a business in China," Swanz said.
Students also participate in lectures from professors at the Beijing Institute of Technology, the students' host while in the country, as well as various other Chinese business people.
"The lectures from the Beijing Institute give us a briefing on the history, culture and language of China. The culture is important, as it is so very different. Also, the institute's director of international exchange is with us the entire time, so we have no problem with language or anything. That puts students who are apprehensive at ease.
"One of the highlights of the trip in the past couple years is a lecture by CNN Beijing bureau chief, Jaime Florcruz. That's a marvelous experience. Florcruz has been in China since 1971, so he's been exposed to some dramatic changes that have gone on politically, as well as economically and infrastructure wise," Swanz said.
The Director emphasizes that his students are not tourists. "It is a pretty intense trip. Nobody sleeps in. They're not allowed to. Even on the bus rides we are discussing various business, management and marketing issues."
However, they do make room in their busy schedules to see the sites, including a trip to Xi'an to see the Terra Cotta Warriors and visits to the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Ti'ananmen Square.
"St. Bonaventure should be proud of this program that offers its students a rare opportunity to touch base with a global village that is shaking the world. There is no substitute for being there," Swanz said.
Dr. Case will lead the program back to China in 2013. The group will depart May 13 and return May 28, 2013. Class size is limited so be sure to submit your application, release form, copy of the complete photo page of your passport (if you have one now), and deposit as soon as possible!
To learn more about the China Studies Program, watch the video produced by Dr. Swanz or contact Dr. Case via e-mail at ccase@sbu.edu or via phone at (716) 375-2202.
China Studies Application Materials China Studies Photo Gallery