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The University of Oregon Chinese Flagship Program provides a sequence of language learning instruction designed to help students develop Superior-level proficiency. The Flagship Program emphasizes real-world linguistic and cultural skills so that graduates are prepared to use their Chinese language and culture skills in a professional environment.

This emphasis drew current Flagship student Erik Thorbeck, who will be a junior next academic year, to the program. "I knew that the only way Chinese could truly be advantageous to a professional career was if I was fluent in it," Erik says. In addition to his academic work in Chinese language and culture, Erik is double majoring in Chinese and Planning, Public Policy, and Management.

Erik recently received a Boren Scholarship to support his yearlong study abroad at Nanjing University next year. He will enroll in regular content courses, studying and learning alongside native-speaking peers.

"I'm looking forward to living on my own in a large Chinese metropolitan environment," says Erik. In addition to his academic coursework, Erik will also complete an internship with an organization located in China. "I'll have time to cultivate lasting friendships and really get to know Nanjing."

As a Boren Scholarship recipient, Erik will fulfill the service requirement for the scholarship upon graduating at the UO. He hopes to serve as a Foreign Service Officer for the State Department or work as an analyst for the Department of Defense. "I'm not exactly sure about a dream career, but I'd love to work somewhere where I can help grow the popularity of action sports like skateboarding, mountain biking, and skiing in China."

The Oregon Chinese Flagship Program is funded by The Language Flagship through the National Security Education Program.