The University of Vermont will offer an 18-credit China Semester Abroad program in conjunction with Ocean University in Qingdao this fall.

UVM’s China Semester Abroad program is open to any student interested in understanding China’s dynamic culture and economy and how to work effectively in the Chinese business market. The program also includes an internship where teams of students will work on a designated research assignment for an area company or non-profit organization. The deadline to apply is March 5.

 “We have designed a semester abroad program experience that offers both language and cultural skills to work and live effectively in China. Through a semester-long internship, students will also gain valuable hands-on experience working in a Chinese company or organization,” said Gregory Dunkling, UVM’s global team director. “Our aim is to provide students with real experiences that will build their resume for future employment.”

China has become one of the most popular study abroad destinations for students around the world because of its culture, language, history and powerful influence in the global marketplace.

As the fastest growing economy, China largely influences how the world will approach business in the future. China is one of the world’s top exporters and is attracting record amounts of foreign investment. Participating in UVM’s study abroad program in China can give students the opportunity to learn Chinese and engage directly with China’s business environment.

Spending a semester in China may also help students gain a competitive edge in the job market. According to the Economic Policy Institute, unemployment remains high for young college graduates, and those 20-somethings that do find jobs will likely have to settle for entry-level positions.

As China positions itself as an economic superpower, understanding and speaking the Chinese language is a valuable skill and becoming increasingly important in the United States and beyond. Chinese is the language of nearly 20 percent of the world’s population, according to the China Education Center. Native Chinese speakers not only live in Mainland China, but also Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and across the globe.

International students choose to study Chinese language with the expectation of fulfilling employment opportunities in business, education, finance, banking, travel, media and more.

UVM will also offer Doing Business in China, a four-credit summer program from May 21-June 16, 2014. Students should apply to participate in either of these programs before March 5, 2014.

For more information, visit learn.uvm.edu/china/semester.