Jackson State University welcomed three Chinese graduate students during the spring 2013 semester.
These students were the first to come to JSU and participate in a three-month exchange through a partnership that JSU has with Nantong University for the “China Graduate Internship Program.”
Under this exchange program, Chinese students are able to audit classes at Jackson State University and utilize the library resources to complete their dissertation for graduation at their university in China, while exploring the rich culture of Jackson State as a historically black university.
Lu Xu, a 25-year-old English major said she enjoyed her experience at Jackson State. Although she is an English major, she took business-related courses, such as strategies in entrepreneurship, introduction to business, and marketing.
“I wanted to take this opportunity to learn something different. I am happy to learn from world-class faculty at JSU,” said Xu.
Xu admitted difficulty in adapting to the difference in teaching style, but she enjoyed the freedom, flexibility, and JSU’s teacher-student interaction, and small group assignments, which promote efficient learning.
When asked about her experience in the United States, Tian Liu, who is also an English major, described it as “amazing.”
“There is just too much to explore. This is truly a melting pot,” she said.
Through this program, she has had the opportunity to travel the U.S. Along with scholastic advancement, the program serves as cultural enrichment. She has been to most major cities on the East Coast, but she said she likes Jackson, Miss.
“I like the slow pace in Jackson. I can escape from stress and have time to think. Jackson is s a good place,” Liu said.
Xianjing Liu, also an English major, said she has gained noticeable improvement in her English language.
“This program has really broadened my mind. I’ve learned so much in such a short period of time,” said Liu. She boasts that her critical thinking skills have improved, which will definitely benefit her in writing her dissertation.
All the students expressed satisfaction about their experience at JSU. They all credit their friends and professors, particularly Dr. Jian Jun Yin of the College of Education and Human Development, with making them feel right at home.