Business Executives From China, Study at Cal State L.A.

University seeks to connect individuals with local businesses, public agencies or non-profit organizations for final five-week segment of program beginning in September

A group of 22 business executives and civic leaders from the city of Wuhan, China, are completing a course of study in American business practices at California State University, Los Angeles. The program, which began in May, will end in October 2002. The officials are currently taking academic courses in business administration, international finance, law, management, investment, quality control, e-commerce and an introduction to World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations.

The last phase of the program, beginning in September, will focus on the practical side of conducting business in the United States. During this phase, the participants will spend up to five weeks observing U.S. organizational culture and practice in local businesses, public agencies or non-profit organizations. Their goal will be to observe how U.S. organizations are structured and operate and to participate as volunteers in the day-to-day functions of local businesses.

Members of this delegation come from a variety of business backgrounds and industries, including: media and publishing, tax and accounting, city government, tourism and recreation, biology, chemicals, law, human resources, foreign trade, agriculture, urban and economic development, youth organizations, and more. “These highly skilled Chinese business executives are eager to meet their American counterparts in their places of business. They are also very interested to establish connections with American businesses that, in the future, might consider expanding their markets in the large Chinese economy,” said Michael D. Fels, director of Cal State L.A.’s International Programs and Services.

The office of International Programs and Services is currently conducting a search for the unpaid “observational” phase of the program. Organizations, large and small, are needed to host these executives. For information about each Chinese official, check the Web site at: <www.calstatela.edu/univ/intlstu/special_prog>. Michael D. Fels can be contacted at (323) 343-3170 or at mdfels@cslanet.calstatela.edu.

Contact: Carol Selkin
Director, Media Relations/Public Information – (323) 343-3044

Michael D. Fels, Ph.D. Director, International Programs and Services – (323) 343-3170

Additional media assistance is available by contacting CSUS public affairs at (916) 278-6156.