There are substantial benefits for both parties in student and faculty exchanges. Forging partnerships with China not only advances scientific and economic growth; it also promotes friendship and cultural understanding. These relationships will help facilitate increased opportunities for other cultural, educational, scientific, and business partnerships between the greater communities of China and the U.S., ultimately bringing more business opportunities and economic success in both countries. In one of our student exchange programs, for example, Chinese medical students complete 3 months of clinical medical observations/rotations, and nursing students spend 1 month for clinical observation. Graduate students may attend UNMC between 12 and 24 months for research training or 4-5 years to obtain a Ph.D. In another unique aspect of our partnership, UNMC has established a training program designed to expose administrators selected from our Chinese partners to the methods used in American academic health sciences centers. In this program, Chinese administrators receive 3-6 months of education and training in administrative methods and procedures at UNMC. These administrators are being groomed in order to help their institutions move aggressively toward Westernizing their curriculum and administration in all areas.
At the same time, UNMC sends medical, nursing and graduate students to Chinese Universities for 1-3 months of learning experience, while UNMC faculty members perform teaching and give seminar and lectures series at our Chinese university partners.
