UNO Welcomes Chinese Students from GCC

As the plane descended in Omaha, the students of Guangzhou University peered out of the windows to catch a glimpse of their new home. From their large, sprawling global city in China, with iconic skylines and a major port on the Pearl River to a mid-size, Midwestern city in the United States, surrounding by fertile fields and the Missouri River, these students are beginning a journey of discovery.

In 2017, University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and Guangzhou College of Commerce (GCC) developed a dual degree program where the students at GCC spend the first two years of the program at GCC completing core courses before coming to UNO to complete their degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. This summer sees the launch of that program with up to 50 students arriving at UNO by Fall 2019.

The first group of GCC students arrived on June 29, 2019 and are strengthening their English language skills through summer courses in the Intensive English Language Program at UNO (ILUNO).

“We are grateful for the partnership between UNO and Guangzhou College of Commerce as many people have diligently worked to provide faculty, staff, and students the opportunity to successfully engage in the teaching and learning process which is a unique, transformational lifetime experience,” shared Jeffrey Couch, Director of English Language and International Professional Development Programs.

The outgoing students from GCC are staying in Scott Village. They are used to the heat and humidity so they don’t hesitate to start a game of basketball with other students, even in this sizzling summer sun. They are excited for new experiences; many want to travel the natural landscapes of Nebraska, see the snow that winter will bring, and, of course, hit Disneyworld! The students have already experienced their first 4th of July, a trip to the Henry Doorly Zoo, and are looking forward to the International Programs Summer Picnic at Mahoney State Park on July 13.

International Programs and the University of Nebraska at Omaha welcomes the students from GCC. To meet them, feel free to go to Conversation and Culture Hour August 27 in Milo Bail Student Center Room 306 from 12:00-1:00 pm. You can enjoy a slice of pizza and welcome these Chinese students, along with our other international students, to our campus community.

Follow UNO International Students on Facebook and Instagram!