Chinese Studies
Why Learn Chinese?
Across the globe, China holds the first-place title as the fastest growing economy. In 2004, BBC NEws declared, "China's strong performance was due to growth in trade, foreign investments, and consumer spending." Today, it is evident that China plays a significant role in the world economy. It acts as the second largest trading partner of the United States. With the fast-paced evolution of China's global status, more and more international corporations and investments pour into the nation. As such, the value and popularity of the Chinese language has soared as well. Increasing numbers of American businesses target-hire graduating students with biligual skills in Chinese and English. Undoubtedly, Chinese will give you an edge when you involve yourself in the economic hot-zone that is China.
Interesting Statistics:
- In 1996, 41,200 college students traveled to China to learn Chinese.
- In 2002, this number increased to 85,000.
- In 2004, 400,000 college students immigrated to China from all over the world to learn Chinese.
- In 2004, Chinese became an official TOFEL Exam.
- Today, there are more than 30,000 European students who reside in China learning Chinese.
- In 2004, Germany officially integrated Chinese into its high school language programs.
- The U.S. is the 4th largest investor in China.
- More than half of the Fortune 500 companies do business in China.
The growing Chinese market demands Chinese language skills. Mastering Chinese will help you compete in the business world.
The Department of Modern and Classical Languages offers the first three semesters of Chinese, plus an advanced Chinese course.
For more information, please contact Ms. Lilli Guo at guol@slu.edu or by phone at (314)977-3665.
- For General Information:
Dr. Reinhard Andress, Chair
314.977.2450
andressp@slu.edu - Spanish Graduate Program:
Dr. Elsy Cardona
Director of Spanish Graduate Program
314.977.3670
souzamm@slu.edu - French Graduate Program:
Dr. Annie Smart
Director of French Graduate Program
314.977.2449
smart@slu.edu - Mailing Address:
Ritter Hall 318
220 North Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63103
tel. (314) 977-3200
fax (314) 977-1495