Classes & UESTC

My two classes this term are Operations Management and Managerial Economics. Webster has a partnership with the University of Economics, Science, and Technology and our classes are located on its campus. The name of the university makes me laugh because it’s so behind in terms of technology (comparing it to universities in the US)—there is no internet in the classroom (wired or wireless), there are no computer or printing labs, and the school runs on old versions of Microsoft office. The Webster office also has a rampant computer virus problem. If we want something printed, we have to either send it to the Webster secretary or save it to a flash drive to hook up to the secretary’s computer. Because her computer has the virus, her internet sometimes doesn’t work for days and if you put your flash drive in her computer you will transmit the virus to your computer (as my roommate Megan learned the hard way). Another funny thing about the Webster office—there are always random people sleeping either at their desks or on the couches in the office. The employees work seven days per week, so I guess napping here and there isn’t taboo. You can also smoke ANYWHERE in this country, including offices. The halls sometimes reek of cigarettes.

My operations management teacher is a Chinese woman who got her PhD in Canada and for the past few years has been teaching in the States. The class is ok—she doesn’t really teach us anything outside what the text book has to offer, so in my opinion it should be an online class. She’s also not used to a group of opinionated, loud students who are comfortable with each other and not afraid to speak up in class. I think at times she’s overwhelmed by the group.

My economics class is fabulous. The teacher is an American from Waynesville, MO who comes to China for two months every year to teach for Webster. My worst grades in undergrad were in econ, and I realize now it’s because I was in huge lecture halls and my teacher’s weren’t the greatest. My professor here explains things clearly and in depth, and we discuss the economic impact of current world events (such as the Chinese/US exchange rate and Obama’s health care reform). It is interesting and I’m learning a lot. My hatred for econ has decreased by at least half.

Pictures: UESTC's campus; Molly giving a presentation in OPS.