Global Leadership

Location of Program: China      Year: 2015
Program Director(s): Brent Nelson
Participating Major(s): All Engineering and Technology Majors

Summary:

Students learned leadership skills and techniques needed to address ethical problems found in globalization.  They created lasting friendships with classmates of Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, China as they worked together on video projects, campaigns, and visited local companies and sites.  Highlights included Quest Composites, Midea, ATL Technology, an NGO library, the Floating Mountains, the Great Wall of China, the Gobi Desert, the Terrace Rice Fields of Longji, Hong Kong, and Terra-Cotta Soldiers of Xi’an.

Recap of the Year:

Leadership Development

BYU and SYSU students became unified as they worked on projects in teams. This gave them opportunities to practice effective communication, learn about their personality traits and develop personal leadership styles. Students developed a vision of their potential as influential global leaders. They also learned how to prepare for ethical dillemas they will face as leaders.

Global Agility

Students devolved global skills as they embraced and immersed themselves in the local culture. They spent time experiencing the cuisine, geography and religions of China. They also learned about ancient Chinese history, which gave them a greater appreciation for the modern China they lived in. These cultural interactions fostered capabilities to lead internationally.

Technical Experience

Students visited electronics and composites corporations in southern China. Students acquired better understanding of challenges found in production. Even more importantly, students saw the applications of engineering on a personal level.

Student Experience

"Studying in China completely changed my educational goals. I have set goals to achieve more not only in school, but in my career and community."
-John Dunn

​"This study abroad enlightened me in so many ways. I learned more about myself and who I can become, and developed a greater motivation to learn about the world."   
-Valerie Hibbert