Defiance College (DC) and the Beijing International Studies University (BISU) are teaming up to offer students the opportunity to experience the summer Olympics in Beijing, China. The program will start July 28, 2008 and run through August 25, 2008. The Summer Olympics are scheduled to run from August 8 through August 24, 2008.

DC and BISU are working on an agreement that will give 4-15 students an opportunity to experience a once in a lifetime international experience. All majors are eligible and opportunities will be explored in many fields of study including sports management, business, athletic training, and any other student with an interest in obtaining an international experience in the country that will be the most influential in your lifetime.

The experience will consists of a three credit course taught (in English) at the university and a three credit internship negotiated between DC and BISU for each student. Each student will register for six credits of tuition and fees and will be responsible for transportation to Beijing (approximately $1,500) and travel within the country (no estimate at this point). Each tudent will stay at the Beijing International Studies University. We have not discussed meals and many other important details with our partners at BISU but as with CHinese customs the relationships must first be etablished before the details (language as consequences is a saying in the Chinese Culture).

This experience is in the planning stages at this point and is subject to approval of DC and BISU but students who have any interest should prepare for the possibility by enrolling in the 2 credit Chinese Language course being offered this Fall at Defiance College. Even if you do not take the experience this two credit course is an excellent elective.

Please contact Michael J. Gallagher, PhD, CPA Associate Professor of Business with your interest in this program as soon as possible and enroll in the two credit course. You are not required to take the two credit course in order to participate in the program and you do not need to participate in the program if you enroll in the two credit course.