Chinese Consular Officials and Business Titan Supporter Charlie Zhang Get First-Hand Look at Study Abroad Impact | College of Business and Economics at CSUF (chinese-consular-officials-and-business-titan-supporter-charlie-zhang-get-first-hand-look-at-study-abroad-impact)

One of the key priorities of the Cal State Fullerton College of Business and Economics is “to provide our students with opportunities for a study abroad experience that helps them apply their knowledge but also foster professional and personal development and growth,” stated Dean Sri Sundaram. A moment highlighting the impact of such an experience on students was captured on Aug. 21 when Consul Wei Huang and Consul Lijun Yang from the Consul General of China in Los Angeles and longtime Titan supporter Charlie Zhang heard the glowing testimonials of students who participated in the recent study abroad trip to Shanghai and Hangzhou.

Thanks to the invaluable support of Charlie Zhang, the College of Business and Economics successfully established a strong connection with the Consul General of China in Los Angeles, paving the way for a strategic partnership with the prestigious Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE). This collaboration represents the result of extensive planning, coordination, and dedication from our team. Under the leadership of Associate Dean of the College of Business and Economics, Jenny Zhang, the college worked closely with SUFE to design a dynamic program that reflects the strengths and goals of both institutions. Funded in part by the college’s Instructionally Related Activity (IRA) initiative and the “Young Envoys Scholarship” Program (YES Program) of the China Education Association for International Exchange, this partnership not only enriches the academic experience for our students but also strengthens the college’s growing network of relationships with major international institutions, fostering a truly global learning environment.

Through this program, Business Titans had the opportunity to experience the global economy firsthand, witnessing the rise of the world’s second largest economy, the interconnectedness of global trade and the supply chain, and the cultural differences and similarities. Students also interacted with their peers at Shanghai University of Finance and Economy, listening to lectures related to the Chinese economy, housing market and global trade.

Discovering the Eye-Opening World of China

“This trip was mind-blowing, because of all the misconceptions I had that changed,” said accounting major Alexander Pina ’25. “In China, it’s super clean, security is top-notch, and the architecture stood out. Thank you to our faculty and donors for providing this experience for us.”

In China, the mobile payment service Alipay is a staple of everyday life, used for in-store purchases, local transportation and ridesharing, dining, and much more. Entrepreneurship student Quin Wardlaw ’25found the experience eye-opening, helping to form her personal identity and gain knowledge of the world at the same time.

“I was born in China and visited at age 10, but going back as an adult was helpful in understanding my culture and how the housing market is so different there,” she said. “People don’t own land, but it is leased to them. And it is easy to navigate large cities such as Shanghai and Hangzhou with the future-focused infrastructure and development focus.”

Drawing Hope Through the Promise of the Next Generation of Business Titans

Cal State Fullerton President Ron Rochon addressed the assembly and met with the Chinese consular representatives. In divisive times, the president pointed to the next generation of Titans as a solution for the future.

“My optimism in the world is because of you,” he told students. “Stay happy. Stay positive. There is negativity all around us. But you bring solutions. We need your brilliance to create new solutions. Your resilience, your drive, your desire, your creativity and your courage. My optimism resides with you as leaders. Putting other people first and uplifting community. Job well done.”

“Convince your peers to get a passport or at least travel and see the world and open their eyes to the possibilities,” he says.

Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics is committed to providing immersive extra-curricular experiences for our students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. For more on the latest college news, read our articles about college happenings and events.