JMS China trip expands global perspective for students

For students in San Diego State University’s School of Journalism and Media Studies, a recent trip to China offered far more than stamps in a passport. It provided a deeper understanding of global journalism, culture and connection.

Now in its second year, the JMS China program continues to evolve through careful refinement rather than major overhauls.

While the experience may appear seamless to students, Temple Northup, director of JMS, emphasized the complexity behind the scenes, particularly regarding international logistics.

“The biggest challenge is always getting the visas done for students,” he said. “It is never a simple process as there is a lot of paperwork that is required and so getting all the documents needed can take a lot of time.”

Despite challenges, Northup sees the program as essential to preparing future journalists.

“This trip is important because it allows students to see a part of the world that they probably haven't seen before,” he said. 

For many students, the impact of the trip extended far beyond academics. Roman Fong, a sophomore, described the experience as transformative.

“Going to China with JMS was a once in a lifetime opportunity that will always be a highlight of my time in college,” Fong said. “I strengthened friendships, experienced another culture and gained an international perspective of the field I want to commit myself to professionally.”

For Fong, the trip also carried personal meaning.

“Having Chinese ancestry myself, the trip was much deeper than just an educational experience,” he said. “To witness the culture that had shaped previous generations of my family was inspiring, and realizing how much history the country has given me a deeper appreciation for my own Chinese roots.”

Other students found the experience pushed them outside their comfort zones in unexpected ways. Jenna Ramirez shared a similar sense of growth, especially as someone new to international travel.

“My experience in China was so much fun. I honestly found it so life-changing,” she said. 

Although initially hesitant, Ramirez said the experience changed her perspective.

“I’ve always wanted to study abroad, but I’ve always been too scared,” Ramirez said. “This trip was the furthest I’ve ever been away from home and the longest I’ve ever been away from home.”

A major highlight for both students and faculty was the opportunity to connect with peers from around the world.

“One takeaway I always want students to walk away from an experience like this is a recognition that we as people are far more alike than we are different,” Northup said.

The program also required extensive preparation long before students boarded a plane. Months of work go into coordinating transportation to LAX, flights, visas and contingency plans, Northup said. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue expanding the experience.

“I will keep working to refine it to make it the best experience possible,” Northup said. “I want to make sure we visit more media companies next year… I think we might also go to Beijing for a few days so students can see there as it has some really important historical places including the Great Wall of China.”

For students like Fong and Ramirez, the trip was more than a week abroad. It was a defining moment in their college experience that reshaped how they see the world and their place in it.

“Go on the JMS trip, you will not regret it,” Ramirez said. “These opportunities are really once-in-a-lifetime […] it will definitely be one of the highlight moments of your college experience.”