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 Ģ������ƵStories      July 18, 2025

By Bill Studenc

Participants in a Ģ������Ƶ faculty-led summer travel course to China say it was more than just a study-abroad program—it was a transformative journey that left students with unforgettable memories, deep cultural insights and a renewed sense of global citizenship.

A cohort of nearly a dozen students took part in a four-week, six-credit international travel course, “Finance 493 and Management 493: Bridging Worlds – A Comparative Exploration of Cultural Markets and Financial Pathways,” from May 19 through June 16.

Students traveled across China, visiting the cities of Beijing, Kunming, Lijiang, Changzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai. The program, led by Yue Cai Hillon, professor of management and entrepreneurship, and Gary Curnutt, assistant professor of finance, combined academic lectures with immersive cultural experiences, offering students a firsthand look at China’s economic development, education system, cultural diversity and vibrant traditions.

“What made this journey so special was its perfect blend of workshops, scientific exploration, tourism and human connections,” said Justin Ghislain Malaba Nyemabu, a Ģ������Ƶsophomore from the Democratic Republic of Congo majoring in entrepreneurship.

In addition to the lectures at Beijing University of Technology, Changzhou University and Yunnan University of Finance and Economics, participants said that many impactful lessons came from real-world experiences.

Students visited businesses ranging from government-owned or government-invested and privately owned, K-12 schools and universities, and markets, gaining insight into China’s economic strategies and community development. Companies visited included automobile manufacturers, heavy machinery builders, battery producers, flower markets and traditional food processing sites. Participants learned about the importance of regional planning, environmental sustainability and the role of tradition in modern society.

“The biggest part of the learning experience was observing the cities and industries with our own eyes,” said University of Georgia junior Ocean Liu, a business law major from Atlanta and a Chinese-American student who found the trip deeply personal. “It helped me bridge my two identities.”

The cohort explored everything from ancient landmarks such as the Great Wall and Forbidden City to modern marvels including the Shanghai Tower. They even planted rice in rural fields, danced with locals in Lijiang and climbed Snow Jade Mountain in Yunnan at an elevation of 15,000 feet.

“This was probably the most exciting trip I’ve ever been on,” said Edwin White, a Ģ������Ƶsenior from Waxhaw majoring in computer information systems.

“Planting rice in Changzhou and sharing hot pot with university students in Beijing are memories I’ll never forget,” said Emmerson Cadena, a sophomore from Deer Park, New York, majoring in art education.

Whitney Dong, a Ģ������Ƶsophomore majoring in forensic science, knew little about the nation’s economic and community development situation prior to going on the trip. “This journey opened my eyes to the diversity of China’s regions and how each contributes uniquely to the country’s economy,” said Dong, from Whitsett.

Dracen Poovey, a Ģ������Ƶfinance major, agreed. “Seeing how China balances tradition and innovation was eye-opening,” said Poovey, a senior from Maiden.  “From high-tech factories to rural villages, every place had something to teach.”

For many, the trip was their first time in Asia, and they said it didn’t disappoint. “I went into the trip not knowing much about China besides our itinerary,” Cadena said. “But the rich culture, the traditions and the people completely changed my perspective.”

 The trip also fostered strong connections among students. “We didn’t just bond as a group—we became a family,” Cadena said. “The shared experiences, the laughs, the challenges—they brought us closer in ways I didn’t expect.”

Food was another highlight. Students raved about the affordability, variety and taste of local Chinese cuisine. “The food literally changed my palate,” said Ģ������Ƶsociology major Lucas Vencel, a sophomore from Decatur, Georgia. “Try everything—even the spicy stuff.”

The 2025 cohort also shared a few tips for those considering the 2026 trip: stay open-minded, try new things, safety and shared experience go hand in hand, take care of each other, be responsible and respectful, be prepared to walk a lot, install a translation app, set up mobile payments and pack light but smart.

“Come to China with an open mind, and try as many new things as you can. There will be unexpected moments, last-minute changes and plans that aren’t on the schedule, but stay flexible and trust in the process,” said Ģ������Ƶsophomore Branden Kelly, a mathematics major from Villa Rica, Georgia.

The advice from Davidson resident Lily Erwin, Ģ������Ƶsophomore majoring in special education: “Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. That’s where the growth happens.

Students agreed that the program isn’t just about earning academic credits—it’s about expanding one’s worldview. “This trip may challenge some of your assumptions. That’s the point. Take it seriously. Arrive on time, stay engaged, and focus on absorbing as much as possible,” said WCU junior Landon Orr, a political science major from Hickory.

Ģ������Ƶsenior Doc Hopkins concurred. “You’ll create unforgettable memories—I promise you that,” said Hopkins, a management major from Roswell, Georgia. “Carry the Catamount spirit and come back with stories even more incredible than ours.”

The trip was made possible by supporters including the Ģ������ƵCollege of Business, WCU’s Division of Academic Affairs, American Association of State Colleges and Universities through its American Short-Term Study in China Initiative, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, the China Jiangsu Province Beautiful Jiangsu Program, China travel agencies and WCU’s Chinese university partners: Beijing University of Technology, Changzhou University and Yunnan University of Finance and Economics.

“Their support was instrumental in making this program possible, enriching the students’ academic and cultural understanding and laying the foundation for future global engagement,” said Hillon.

Curnutt agreed. “In addition, we want to thank the students’ families for trusting us with their loved ones’ international learning journey and for supporting them every step of the way,” he said.

Recruitment for the summer 2026 program will begin Monday, Sept. 1. To learn more, contact Gary Curnutt at gcurnutt@wcu.edu or Yue Cai Hillon at ycai@wcu.edu.