Cristian Rodriguez Gervais ’23 grew up in a bilingual home where he learned to appreciate language and other cultural differences early on in his childhood. When it came time to apply for college, the South Kingstown, RI, native decided to attend URI for its strong supply chain management major and highly regarded Chinese Flagship Program. “I knew URI had a prestigious Chinese Program and wanted to take on this challenge,” he says of his decision to double major. “I also knew that a business degree paired with a Chinese degree would make me stand out in the job market. As time went on I fell in love with learning the language and wanting to improve my vocabulary and tones to better communicate with others.” Gervais says he also realized quickly that the Chinese Flagship Program would provide him with an array of incredible opportunities and hands-on experiences.
Apart from his numerous on-campus activities, such as serving as a URI Tour Guide, URI 101 Mentor, and Director of New Member Education and Academic Affairs, Gervais has also had the opportunity to complete interactive projects that combined coursework from both of his majors. “A great opportunity I had was to do a fully immersed Chinese project where I researched the United States’ reliance on China and the effects of Covid-19 on the global supply chain,” he says. “It was an amazing experience to combine both of my majors for an assignment.” In addition to providing Gervais and other Flagship students with the opportunity to work on interactive projects like this one, the Flagship program has also provided them with study abroad opportunities. As part of the program, Gervais will travel to Taiwan later this fall to complete his capstone year, an excellent opportunity to thoroughly immerse himself in Chinese culture and put everything he’s learned in the Flagship program into action. “The first semester I will be a full-time student, the second I will have a full-time internship,” he explains. “Following my study abroad experience I hope to work for a company’s supply chain department and put my learned languages to use.”
As he prepares for his journey to Taiwan, Gervais offers this piece of advice to students interested in the Flagship program or other language majors: “It is never too late to start one’s language journey,” he says. “I truly believe that learning one or multiple languages is one of the most important skills that someone can acquire. Not only does it help you communicate with so many people, but it gives you a deeper understanding of other cultures and makes you a more globally sound individual.” He also encourages individuals who are both starting and concluding their college careers to get and remain involved. “Find a cause, hobby, or group that brings you joy and pursue it,” he says. “It is an amazing way to build your network as well as find personal growth. It can be intimidating at times to get out of your comfort zone, but once you do the opportunities that will come your way are endless.”
Learn more about our Chinese Flagship Program here.
-By Briana Ciceron, philosophy major