Toby Watanabe came to Washington State University to study apparel design, hoping to eventually pursue a career in the outdoor apparel industry. A recent study tour of Chinese manufacturing facilities and university was an unexpected bonus to his college experience.
“The department here is great, but I didn’t think I would have an opportunity like this,” said Watanabe, who came to WSU from Oahu, Hawaii. “Seeing firsthand how the concepts we learn in class are actually put into practice was really eye-opening.”
Watanabe and 11 classmates in WSU’s Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles (AMDT) spent 10 days visiting China in December on a study tour largely funded by the Chinese government. The students applied for the trip last summer and were chosen based on academic merit and past interest in domestic study tours.
The chair of Nanchang University’s apparel department was a recent visiting scholar at WSU, leading to the partnership that resulted in this extraordinary experience.
“This kind of international education is needed for students in today’s world,” said Ting Chi, WSU professor and AMDT chair who went on the trip. “The U.S. and China are highly connected economically, especially when it comes to the clothing we wear here. This tour gives the students something to talk about with future potential employers, making them stand out in their job searches.”
Remy Cummings, a senior apparel merchandising major who will graduate in May, said she plans to do just that when she interviews for jobs in her field.
“Being able to speak from experience about being there and seeing how the production process works, and how it increased my understanding of the fashion industry, will be very helpful,” said Cummings, who is from Seattle. “It was surreal to see just how many clothing items are made and the detailed process that goes into how they are produced.”
Beyond seeing the production process, the students enjoyed meeting and getting to know their Chinese counterparts at the university. The group’s itinerary included multiple lectures, meals, and cultural experiences including visits to the Great Wall of China and the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. They also spent downtime with their hosts.
“The cross-cultural communication is something that I will take away from this trip,” said Watanabe, who also graduates in May. “They taught us simple phrases, showed us their city, and even took us to their favorite restaurants. They took us under their wing and showed us their culture. If it weren’t for them, the experience wouldn’t have been as enjoyable.”
Cummings echoed Watanabe’s thoughts on the importance of interpersonal interactions.
“Hanging out with other students, seeing the many similarities to being a college student here, that was eye-opening,” she said. “It also opened my eyes to a bigger perspective on the world and especially clothing manufacturing.”
Chi said he’s heard a few tour participants express interest in pursuing a master’s degree in China.
“China is one of the largest textile suppliers, and it’s the world’s the second largest economy,” he said. “It’s important for our students to understand other economic, cultural, and political perspectives.”
The tour was a big deal in Nanchang, which is the capital of Jiangxi province and has a metro population of over 6 million people. A provincial TV news station even featured a story about the WSU student visitors.
“We’re very grateful for the warm welcome we received,” Chi said. “We hope to continue our partnership, perhaps hosting students from Nanchang University or offering similar trips for our students in the future.”
