Opening Windows to the World

GSW renews agreements with international universities

Over the past semester, Georgia Southwestern officials have met with representatives from various international universities, including Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU), Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, and Zhengzhou Institute of Aeronautical Industry Management.

In February, the president of Jilin Institute and the dean of their International Exchange Center made a special visit to GSW to renew agreements in business, computer science and general studies.

“I was so pleased that the delegation from Jilin made the trip to the United States with the sole purpose of visiting Georgia Southwestern,” said GSW President Kendall Blanchard. “I think this says something about the high regard they have for this institution, its faculty, staff and students.”

Representatives from Zhengzhou Institute of Aeronautical Industry Management also renewed a Memorandum of Understanding with GSW.

GSW President Kendall Blanchard (right) shakes hands with Jilin Institute President Gao Weiping after signing a renewal agreement as members of faculty and staff look on.

Blanchard added that the formal relationships Southwestern has with Chinese universities (or any university outside of the U.S.) help achieve the goals GSW set for itself in its Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), “Windows to the World.” The primary goal of the QEP is to make graduates better prepared for the emerging global world.

Since 2007, 75 students from Shanghai Ocean University have been enrolled in a special accelerated master’s program for exchange students at GSW.

Helen Tate, associate VP for Academic Affairs, who leads international programs at GSW, said the University has seen increased interest from partner institutions to develop faculty exchanges and to send GSW students to Chinese universities. During the latest meeting with SHOU, a new layer of the partnership was discussed, and beginning this year, up to 15 students and faculty members can travel to Shanghai to study the Chinese language and culture for credit.

Additionally, two GSW students, Tabias Pittman from Griffin, Ga., and Mikaela Shimko from Cumming, Ga., are currently studying at Nanchang Hangkong University – a partner school – on full scholarship from the Ministry of Education in China.

Though they have never been outside of the U.S., they both have longed to travel to China.

“I am excited to have this opportunity,” said Pittman. “I’ve always been interested in different countries and their cultures. I have been studying Chinese before attending GSW, and when I saw that I would have the opportunity to travel to the country, I took it without hesitation.”

Shimko shared in Pittman’s excitement.

“For me to be able to participate in such a wonderful opportunity to study abroad … at a place I have longed to visit is beyond incredible!” said Shimko.

Shimko is a mechanical engineering major. In Fall 2013, she was a part of GSW’s Women’s Cross Country Team. She has already committed to staying a whole year at NCHU.

Pittman is studying computer science, and he will also be continuing his education of Mandarin Chinese while at NCHU.

“I feel that by taking this opportunity my eyes will be opened to how others are in this world,” Pittman said.

Tabias Pittman is attending Nanchang Hangkong University through GSW’s Study Abroad Program.

Shimko also plans on allowing the experience to open her eyes to the world.

“This opportunity will help me become more independent… and to see many different people and cultures,” Shimko said. “I cannot thank Georgia Southwestern State University and Nanchang Hangkong University enough for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Mikaela Shimko is attending Nanchang Hangkong University through GSW’s Study Abroad Program.