The mission of the U.S.-China Business Center (USCBC) at Central Connecticut State University is to coordinate the developmental outreach activities and educational opportunities for Central Connecticut State University in the People’s Republic of China.  To best integrate its efforts, the USCBC forges links with Connecticut businesses and industries in furthering the University’s initiatives in China. 

Additionally, as part of Connecticut’s Sister-State relationship with the Province of Shandong in the People’s Republic of China, the USCBC has provided professional development training in public administration for over 200 Shandong public officials over the past five years.

Former Governor William A. O’Neill and the Connecticut legislature, founded

this Sister-State affiliation over 20 years ago.  It has been maintained by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and has been proven to be mutually beneficial in education as well as business.  This affiliation was recently commemorated by an exchange of statues – one of Mark Twain to Shandong from Connecticut, and one of Confucius from Shandong to its current site in Hartford, Connecticut.

An integral part of the USCBC function is the sponsorship of faculty and student study-abroad opportunities in China.  USCBC is preparing sponsorship, in coordination with the Center for International Education (CIE) at CCSU, of a fourth group of faculty and students to study in China during this summer.  Previous groups have been from the departments of Political Science and Criminal Justice.  The current group will be from the English Department.

Each participating professor presents a three-credit course while both students and faculty conduct field study in their areas of expertise.  Arrangements in China are made in conjunction with Shandong Normal University in Jinan.

The CIE and USCBC arrange for all ground logistics, assist the professor in student preparation for entrance into a different culture and provide contacts for the professor to guide the academic experience of the students.

Past study-abroad courses in China have led to further projects for both faculty and students.  The Shandong Judicial Department is seeking training for their judges in the near future.  Students have been invited back to China to share their English language skills with their counterparts at various Chinese universities.

An international experience is rapidly becoming a valuable asset for students as they graduate into today’s global economy. Those who can navigate in an intercultural arena have a competitive advantage over others.  The faculty has an opportunity to share research, network for further collaboration and bring a fresh perspective to the classroom upon their return.  In this way, the USCBC helps to fulfill the CCSU mission, as it strives to provide a well-rounded education for all students in preparation for their careers.
 

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