China has the world’s fastest growing economy. Almost every day, the nation makes new strides to opening its culture and society. The time is now to build partnerships with Chinese education and business leaders.

International agreements with universities in China support NC State’s academic and economic development mission, as well as provide benefits for campus diversity and supporting global understanding.

From benefits for current and future students to addressing the shortage of STEM graduates, here’s a look at why this initiative matters.

Benefits for students and for NC State:

International exposure – and real-world experience in China – give NC State students an advantage when they compete for jobs, because they have real-world experience in one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. This is not be the standard summer study-abroad approach, but an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in Chinese culture, language and society. Similarly, degrees from U.S. universities make international students more competitive in the job market, and are therefore highly sought. Many international students stay in North Carolina, adding to the state’s well-educated work force. NC State benefits from the increased number of international students and the global perspective they bring to campus.

Economic development benefits for the Raleigh region, North Carolina and the nation:

NC State is the only university in the state with “economic development” as part of its mission. Uniquely positioned to deliver a multi-disciplinary education combining the sciences and the humanities, NC State also takes steps to prepare its graduates to lead, live and work in an increasingly global economy.
Historically, NC State has been an engine for economic development through research, creation of jobs and spin-off companies, extension services provided in all 100 counties and the Cherokee reservation, partnerships with business and industry, and collaborations with other universities. The links to universities in China not only open an academic connection between the state and China, but are conducive to furthering the cause of economic development in the state. As an integral partner in the Research Triangle, NC State’s academic relationships support North Carolina’s economic outreach to China. Among its many advantages, Research Triangle Park is home to a number of businesses – companies such as Lenovo, Red Hat and others – with global ties, including ties to China.

Addressing the Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) shortage:

NC State has taken a national leadership role in the advancement of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). In the global community of today and tomorrow, these high-tech fields are the keys to jobs, opportunities and success. NC State offers more than 150 degrees in STEM fields and consistently ranks among the top universities in the nation in producing STEM graduates. NC State, for example, accounts for up to half of all graduates in textiles each year and ranks sixth in the total number of all engineering degrees awarded. The university’s physics, statistics, chemistry, and marine, earth and atmospheric science departments are among the largest programs in the nation. Through the university’s newest international partnerships with Chinese universities who also have strengths in the STEM disciplines, NC State will attract more students to STEM fields and prepare graduates to be leaders in a globally competitive future. In addition, many of the Chinese students who come here for advanced degrees elect to stay in North Carolina, strengthening the state’s STEM capacity.

Supporting the Global Community:

To lead, live and work in an increasingly global economy, graduates will need to be able to understand global cultures and societies. Partnerships with universities in China give American students the opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture, and bring more Chinese students to NC State, broadening the diverse community already found on campus. (NC State’s 31,000 students come from 157 countries.) In addition, international academic agreements become the basis for economic development and cultural exchange, promoting, in this case, a better understanding between the people of China and North Carolina.