In the summer of 2017, the Student Career Center organized a special research project on social organizations and public management in the United States. This project aimed to cultivate innovative consciousness and improve the students’ communication skills, and develop an international perspective.
On August 10th , the research project begun. At the orientation part, the project coordinator Mandy systematically introduced basic information about the currency, diet and host families to the students, so that the students can better carry out the follow-up research work. On the 11 day, the project team began its first workshop and on-site visit. Ms. Linda, the founder of a famous NPO institution, presented a wonderful speech, and the students meet with the excellent volunteers. On August 12th , the research group rode to the victor Valley Rescue Mission, to do a on-site research on NPO organization volunteer work. After nearly three hours of participatory observation and experiential work, students learnt more about the American NPO organization and the volunteer system.
On August 14th, the research group went to University of California ,Los Angeles to do an investigation on the institutions of higher education in the United states. Although the American staff prepared a research interview outline for the research group, the members wanted to asked more questions that weren't listed and they are eager to learn more. The team went to UCLA Alumni Association, Career Center to do the interviews, although they came across doubts and refuses, they pushed themselves to try harder. The interview last for two hours, the members collected a lot of valuable data.
When the research of the second week came, the investigation of medical institutions started. It is regarded as one of the difficult part in the research project. The students had to switch over the medical service system in both China and the United States as well as overcome the challenges of medical terminology. Although the expression of language still need to be improved, but with the help of body language and the detailed explanation of the staff of St. Mary 's Medical Center, the investigation focused on the questions about the employment of doctors, salary management, volunteer recruitment and the training process of personnel system, and were allowed to visit Emergency Department, Operation Room, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the hospital.
Educational institutions, public safety agencies and nursing institutions are also the highlights of the investigation. With the arrangements of Mandy, the group visited community colleges, fire department and police department; the nursing homes and did interviews as planed. It is noteworthy that in most of the agencies the group explanation work was done by volunteers, members are amazed by the American volunteer work system.
The three-week research project was drawing to a close. In the final display part, the research group of 12 was divided into four groups, and presentation focused on family structure, medical and health care, education system and volunteer system four topics. The students gave full play to their skills and conducted a wonderful Chinese and American cross-cultural comparative classroom demonstration. That night, students said goodbye to the host families and sang Creating Glory in the farewell party, to send their best wishes to SUFE’s 100th anniversary
A research project on Social Organization and Public Management came to an end. The research group will further summarize the findings and records, and develop them into research reports, and strive to participate in a wider range of innovative practices.
