Deyang 2006 | About

Since September 1994 the cities of Muncie, IN and Deyang, China have had a Sister-City relationship. According to the principles of the Sino-United States communiqué, this relationship is to promote understanding, friendship and mutually beneficial interaction for both cities. As an out growth of the founding of this relationship the Deyang Training Project was created.

City of Deyang – Situated 50 Kilometers from Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, Deyang is a key industrial city in Chengdu Plain, Sichuan Province, West China. It is a national pilot city for comprehensive structural reform and an important part of the Chengdu economic ring. Deyang itself governs Guanghan City, Shifang City, Mianzu City, Zhongjiang County, Luojiang County, and Jingyang District, with an area of 5,954 sq. kilometers and a population of 3.75 million. Belonging to a subtropical humid climate, Deyang has four seasons with an average temperature of 55F and annual rainfall of 89 centimeters. It boasts beautiful scenery featuring lush crops and evergreen mountains.

Deyang also boasts numerous places of historic interest and scenic spots including the Wall of Stone Carvings reputed as the Soul of the Orient and the Mount Yinghua.

The Deyang Project, which is sponsored by Ball State University, is designed as a leadership program for selected intermediate and senior level managerial personnel of Deyang Municipal City and CEOs of provincial private sector companies. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to United States public administration, business, government, culture, and society. The importance of globalization cannot be over emphasized. Therefore, the strengthening and further development of this Sister-City relationship is of utmost importance for both parties...

A critical part of this training program is the Internship Program. One may intellectually understand aspects of a culture by viewing media programs or reading textbooks, however, to fully appreciate the complexity of American society, one needs to personally experience it. Professional development and future linkages are two goals of this week long experience for both the participants and the organizations hosting our guests.

The third major component of this training program is the Host Family experience. Being able to personally experience the family life of a culture links the international guest to the new society in a manner which no other reading or discussion can. By all accounts from the last group of host families and participants, this was a very rewarding experience. Relationships have been established and friendships built which will last a life-time.