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Show I o--? - iTm: ' -5 5. . . 1 - J I . - ir jr j :' : HMD I r . iP-"- pHUu;..v O w-- irr-r , . . ; 1 - u r " ir- LTLi J ' , - --j.'t: W. ... j -k.i: ' Chinese scholar earns masters at WSU By Karen Wilcox Signpost senior reporter Wei Zhang's quiet demeanor ibelies her determination to overcome all obstacles and succeed. In May, Zhang will be the first non-resident full-time student to graduate with a master of education degree from Weber State University. 2 Zhang obtained her bachelor's degree and taught school in China for 10 years. Her parents, sister and brother have all been teachers, and Zhang was influenced to teach also. "China is undeveloped because education is not developed. My country needs qualified teachers," she said. Zhang's desire to teach English prompted her to further her education in the United States. It is very difficult for a ininese citizen to get permission to study in the United States, Zhang said. Before she could even apply for a visa she had to be admitted to a r.j university. Zhang was fortunate to have a sister living in Provo to do the necessary paperwork for admission to WSU. She then had to apply for a passport from the Chinese Secu-O rity Bureau and obtain permission from the Chinese State Education Commission and "other official Chinese departments," she said. "You need two or three years to prepare to study here, so it's not easy," Zhang said. Once she arrived in the United States, the struggle did not become easier. Although English classes are required in Chinese schools, the v 5 i 1 fA ... I i 1 wr-.n.'.nii, basic vocabulary and grammar are taught by teachers who don't speak English themselves, Zhang said. It was very difficult for her to understand the "American" version of English, not only because Americans speak quickly, but because of the different slang usage, she said. For ex ample, she said she knew about the "American dollar," but when people "say it costs one buck or two bucks," she wasn't sure what they meant. For this reason, Zhang would like to stay in the United States for at least a year or two after graduation, and perhaps even work toward her doctorate degree. Zhang plans to continue her N. CHINA y 7 "If you don't study now and take advantage of getting an education, you will regret it later." -Wei Zhang research by observing a friend who teaches English as a second language at a local school. She said she hopes to take these experiences back to China to help improve the English teaching methods there. Although Zhang said she has benefited from the wide variety of experiences she has had in the United States, she misses her home in the province of Guizhou in China. Zhang said she misses authentic Chi nese food almost as much as she misses her family. "American food is too greasy and much too sweet," she Said. "The Chinese food in America is not authentic because they have to meet the needs of the American people. If it's too spicy, they won't eat it. I like hot and spicy food," Zhang said. In fact, she said one of her favorite ways to relax is to get together with other students from China and cook and eat traditional Chinese food. Because of her visa, Zhang is not allowed to have regular employment. See Asian page 8 Head of Utah alliance talks about Asian impact on U.S. By Paul Schroader Signpost staff writer The Asian Studies program at Weber State University is growing at a phenomenal rate and fast becom ing a pioneering force in President Paul H. Thompson's goal of "internationalizing" the campus. The program has taken to heart some of the ideas addressed in the campus mission statement, such as learning in a changing world, responding to the changing global environment, and opportunities for faculty and students to transcend boundariescreated by discipline.Through the efforts of Gordon Harrington, the Asian Studies minor was first offered some 20 years ago. Since then, however, there hasn't been much interest shown until just recently. Other universities in Utah have caught on to the importance of "internationalizing." Two years ago, Utah State University had virtually nothing on Asian Studies. Today, USU offers five courses a year in Chinese and six courses a year in both Japa nese and Korean. USU currently hasbi-lat-eral relations with four Korean universities, two Chinese universities, one Japanese university and is negotiating with universities in Taiwan and In donesia. There are also plans for an Asian Studies Center in its own building. WSU currently hosts a diverse Asian population. Students come from such countries as Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Bangladesh. "I think we'll actually see an increase in the number of Asian students here at WSU," said Dean Collinwood, director of WSU's Asian Studies Alliance. With the increasing number of Asian students on campus, the Asian Studies Alliance hopes to accommodate them however possible. One thing that may make life easier for a number of students is the possibility of a Japanese word processor on campus. It also publishes a newsletter and displays information See Program page |