Business Professor Leads Spring Break Trip to China
March 15, 2012
Business Professor Liang Tang is travelling with seven students over spring break to the University of International Business & Economics (UIBE) in Beijing, China. During this trip, from March 8 to 18, students enrolled in the Business Administration (BA) 320 (undergraduate level) and BA 525 (graduate level) course titled “Chinese Business and Society” have the opportunity to study abroad while receiving three credits towards their degrees. They will attend lectures at the university, meet business executives and academic experts, and immerse themselves in the culture through their interactions with fellow UIBE students. Dr. Tang has taught the course abroad since 2009, but this is the first time the trip will be held over spring break.
Thinking Globally
As a richly diverse college with students from 25 states and 35 countries, our faculty and staff continue to cultivate global educational opportunities. Recently, in November 2011, President Carluccio signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Cooperation with Qiongzhou University in Sanya, China. Both Dr. Carluccio and Professor Tang have built strong partnerships with Qiongzhou University and the University of International Business and Economics. Through our significant ties with these universities, students can take advantage of new opportunities abroad that may lead to jobs, internships, or additional course offerings.
“This course offers a tremendous benefit to students as China has one of the fastest growing economies in the world,” said Professor Tang. “There are a lot of businesses interacting with China and it’s important for students to have a strong global perspective when choosing their future careers.”
Cultural Immersion
Upon arrival to the UIBE, Mount Ida students will be immersed in real life global business practices that will allow them to acquire marketable skills and expand their worldview. During the 11-day course, students will visit several well-known businesses, including Hyundai Corporation, Yanjing Beer Group Corporation and China Asset Management Fund Corporation. Additionally, Dr. Tang and his seven students will interact with UIBE student tour guides to learn more about the traditions in China. Through their travels to the Great Wall of China, Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City and Summer Palace, students will learn about the country’s vast history and cultural offerings.
“Three of our students who took the Chinese Business and Society course in 2009 decided to pursue graduate school in China,” stated Dr. Tang. “I’m thrilled that this course has opened the door for students looking to add a global dimension to their education.”
Limitless Learning
Following the trip to China, our students will return home with a strong global business perspective that will help them contribute responsibly in a changing world. They will complete their coursework, which includes journaling, reading, case studies, presentations, quizzes, and a final term paper. The 2012 students in BA 320 and BA 525 are: Thomtana Hatayodom, Senior, Business Administration; Andrew Kruse, Sophomore, Sports Management; Thomas Mullen, Senior, Management; Kazuya Obata, Freshman, Hospitality Management; Krit Prachuabmoh, Junior, Business Administration; Alan Sanchez, Sophomore, Business Administration; and Debra Salceldo, Master of Science in Management .
“My hope is that our students are going to meet global business leaders, educators, and find opportunities,” said Professor Tang. “There are no limitations to this travel experience and, I believe, the benefits will extend far beyond their college education.”