Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - When 10 University of Wisconsin-Platteville students traveled halfway around the world last March, they were able to learn how business is conducted in a foreign culture. The short study tour of China was such a success that another trip is planned for spring break 2005.

Offered by the UWP International Business Resource Center (IBRC) in conjunction with the UWP Department of Business and Accounting, the 2005 China study tour will take students to the capital city of Beijing, the economic center of Shanghai, the manufacturing area of Guangzhou, and the modern city of Hong Kong. Participants will visit businesses and cultural sites, and learn about company organization, human resources, education, market strategy and related topics from Chinese business people.

"China is a fast growing market, and it's very important to the economy of Wisconsin," said Louis Nzegwu, IBRC executive director.

Students will gain course credit by enrolling in BSAD 4950, Chinese Business Practices and Cultures. The University of International Business and Economics in Shanghai will serve as one of several host universities.

Last March, a group of UWP students traveled to China during the 2004 study tour, where they learned about Chinese business and culture. As part of the class, students were required to write a paper about their experiences.

"The most important thing I learned to be successful in China is the art of the three Ns: negotiate, negotiate, negotiate," wrote student Chiamaka Ozomma, Adazi-Nnukwu, Nigeria.

Visiting several of China's top universities, students also had the chance to speak with Chinese students and participate in lectures and discussions. "It was one of the best and most influential experiences of my life," wrote student Eric Haegele, Wauwatosa. "I was amazed at the amount of Chinese [people] who could speak English, even at a minimum. I wish our school system pushed foreign language on us more and at an earlier age."

Other participating students included: Phillip Moskall, Lodi; Ross Vehmeier, Lena, Ill.; Lorelei Rindy, Elk River; Jolene Haines, Tomah; Matthew Oppriecht, Ferryville; Dallas Ramsden, Wisconsin Rapids; Dave Keillor, Shullsburg; and Jared Peterson, Belmont.

Students toured the Nanjing plant of Milwaukee-based water products corporation A.O. Smith, and also had the chance to talk with top executives of other state businesses who were in China as part of a Wisconsin trade mission led by Governor Jim Doyle.

"It gave an opportunity for students here from UWP to mingle with Wisconsin businesses, many of them looking to do business in China," Nzegwu said.

Among the cultural sites students visited included the Great Wall of China, the Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Lou Janowski, international trade consultant for the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, accompanied the group on the trip.

"I was impressed with the quality of the students and their desire to learn. The hands-on aspects of the trip were especially helpful. Chinese lecturers were very good," Janowski said.

Applications are being accepted now for the 2005 China study tour, March 15-26. The total estimated cost is $2,400, which includes airfare, lodging, transportation and other trip expenses. All applicants are also eligible for one of several $500 scholarships being offered by the IBRC to help defray costs. The study trip is open to all full-time UWP students in good standing. For more information, contact Nzegwu at the IBRC, 435 Gardner Hall; by phone, 608-342-1597; or via e-mail, nzegwu@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Louis Nzegwu, executive director, UWP International Business Resource Center, 608-342-1597, nzegwu@uwplatt.edu

Prepared by: Dan Lehnherr, UWP Public Relations, 608-342-1194, lehnherd@uwplatt.edu