Associate Director of Study Abroad Tim Dohmen said he hopes the addition of the new Mandarin Chinese course at St. Thomas this fall will inspire more students to consider studying abroad in China.

At a time when Dohmen said China is becoming a more significant player in the business world, he is glad to see St. Thomas students have the option to study the language on campus.

“If you look at what’s going on in the world and the fact that China is really becoming an increasing global force, it’s probably a good decision for our students to have the opportunity to learn Mandarin,” Dohmen said.

Despite strong business programs attracting a national audience to China, St. Thomas’ presence in study abroad programs has been decreasing over the past several years, Dohmen said. Only 30 St. Thomas students studied abroad in China during the 2012-2013 academic year compared to the 47 Tommies who studied there the year before.

Dohmen said it’s one of his and the department’s goals to send at least 10 students to China per semester, and that the Mandarin Chinese course should “definitely help us with this.”

Dohmen called St. Thomas’ study abroad patterns “euro-centric,” and that he hopes to inspire a broader spectrum of international education.

“It’d be great it we could develop a culture around some cool places students are wanting to go or are interested in, so that’s what we’re really excited about,” Dohmen said.

In addition, the modern and classical languages department continues to work with students who wish to advance past the basic language classes, helping them create academic programs that will eventually lead them to study abroad.

Don Miller, chair of the modern and classical languages department, said he understands convenience is an important factor for those taking any language courses, and he hopes the introduction of Mandarin courses at St. Thomas will raise students’ interest in the language.

“We’ve sent students to other ACTC campuses for the past several years, and we felt it was time for us to offer Chinese as an option here this fall,” Miller said.

Miller said the university works with students to offer opportunities to expand their cultural knowledge and language skills, something he hopes encourages students to study abroad.

Senior Angelina Vang is studying Mandarin Chinese through the ACTC program and highly encourages studying abroad in China.

“Experiencing another culture’s way of life opens your eyes and appreciate life so much more,” Vang said. “Not only will studying abroad broaden your perspective about the world, but you will also have time to self-develop.”

Nick Cocchiarella can be reached at cocc7813@stthomas.edu.