China

It’s the world’s third largest country, with the second largest economy, and home to one-fifth of the world's population. For our students, China is a fascinating place to study business and religion, thanks to an interdisciplinary program that combines classroom preparation and a two-week trip.

Students first take a three-credit course called “China and the Chinese People,” which meets the college’s global awareness requirement, and is co-taught by religious studies professor Martin Pion and business professor William Donovan.

Armed with the basic information they learn in that class, they are prepared to go to China with the professors, where they visit Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai. The trip is offered every other year.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about one of the most significant countries in the world, and one that will have a tremendous impact on their futures,” said Dr. Pion. “Once a student takes an international trip, they stay interested in that country for the rest of their lives.”

“I hiked part of the Great Wall of China – that was one of the best things, even though I was sore for two days,” said student Kathy Newman, who traveled to China last May. “And we went to Tiananmen Square, which I had read about. It was bigger than I’d pictured it.”