By Rachel Engel
A group consisting of four students and two professors from the
Chuxiong Normal University in China visited Western Oklahoma
State College last week to observe campus life and student
activities. This was the fourth group to visit from Chuxiong
Normal University since 2004.
“The program really started with the BCM director, Randy
Townsend,” President Randy Cumby said. “He visited the
university five years ago, and met with their foreign affairs
advisor, and got into a conversation about forming a
relationship with our institution. I sent a letter inviting them
to visit, and we’ve been hosting students for the last four
years.”
During their stay, the students observed different classes
around the campus, attended sporting events, and took trips to
visit the elementary schools in the area.
“They can choose which classes they want to visit,” Cumby said.
“That’s part of the whole exchange program, that they can get a
feel of how we do things and how we conduct our classes.”
Visiting Altus and Western Oklahoma
State College made an impact on the visiting students.
“Everyone here is very friendly,” Lan,
a visiting student, said. “Everyone smiles and waves, and is so
open.”
The students also noticed cultural
differences during their trip.
“No one walks,” Lan said. “Everyone
drives and that is very unusual. Most everyone in my hometown
walks
to work and school.”
Western Oklahoma State College is planning to send a team to
visit Chuxiong Normal University in June to explore the
possibility of setting up a distance learning connection with
them.
“We think we can connect from anywhere,” Cumby said, “and they
have just recently completed a distance learning facility, so
we’re going to be bringing a few of our technology officers as
well to look at the equipment and compatibility and to possibly
set up a test connection to see how well the picture and quality
would be. If it all works, we’re looking at possibly being able
to offer Chinese language classes.”
The group traveling to Chuxiong Normal University in June
consists of Cumby, Dr. Randy Smith, vice president for academic
affairs, history instructor Rebekkah Morrow, psychology
instructor John Phelan, Kent Brooks, dean of information
services, and students Amanda Meeks and Colin Lowe.
