The University of Southern Indiana has established a partnership with Chengdu Sport University in Chengdu, Sichuan Province of China, for students studying sport economics and management at the School of Economics and Managements at the University. The partnership, which marks the first time USI has offered an international program in the area of sport management, introduces high-quality educational resources to undergraduate Chengdu students and aims to cultivate a strong international vision and competitiveness in the field of sport management.

Dr. Emilija Zlatkovska, Executive Director of USI’s International Programs, says 93 students are currently enrolled in the program. The partnership celebrated a formal kickoff meeting in April 2022 with leaders from both USI and Chengdu Sport University in attendance.

“This partnership is the first of its kind internationally for USI, and I can’t wait to see how it will develop and grow in the future,” Zlatkovska says. “I always say when we can’t have many students travel to all the different countries in the world, we can bring a little bit of the world to USI and Evansville. Hosting our future Chinese students here will certainly reinforce the University's mission of global impact and visibility, and it will help diversify our campus. We are excited to welcome Chengdu students to USI.”

USI and Chengdu Sport University have jointly aligned curriculum to meet both institutions’ academic standards. The USI Sport Management Program is also accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA).

“All courses are designed to meet standards set forth by COSMA and provide students with a clear and successful path to degree completion. Instruction will focus on theory and applied knowledge,” says Dr. Renee Frimming, Chair and Professor of Kinesiology and Sport. “As a department, we are proud to have a program that appeals to international students, and we are excited to collaborate with an innovative and internationally recognized institution.”

Utilizing a 3+1 Campus Model, the partnership allows Chengdu students to complete their first three years of study at Chengdu Sport University and their fourth year at USI. Prior to coming to USI, Chengdu students will be required to complete an additional 100 hours of English training to facilitate cultural adaptation when they arrive at USI. All courses at USI will be taught in English. At the conclusion of their fourth year, Chengdu students will receive undergraduate degrees from both USI and Chengdu Sport University.

In addition to the 3+1 Campus Model, arrangements are being finalized to implement a 2+2 Campus Model where Chengdu students will complete their first two years of study at Chengdu Sport University and their final two years at USI.

Founded in 1942, Chengdu Sport University (CDSU) is the sports college with the longest history in China. CDSU has become a nationally renowned and distinctive sports college, taking the opportunity of the construction of a national central city in Chengdu to contribute to the building of a famous international competition city, a regional sports industry hub and a world-class sports rehabilitation center.