China - Spring 2011 Management

Asian Business Strategies Field Study MGT 347B, INB 670A, MGT 630
International Field Study to China - Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong
March 2011

The Management and International Business Field Study to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, traveled for the seventh consecutive year from March 10th - March 20th, 2011. Led by Dr. Alan Eisner and Dr. Eric Kessler, the course focused on understanding and managing in different cultures, doing business across cultures, and managing multi- national business affairs in the context of the USA and China. Students studied cases and heard from experts during and before the trip to China. The trip included visits to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, including more than ten company visits and several cultural sites such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

Nine Lubin students were each awarded $1,500 Figueroa Family Scholarships,
for a total of $13,500 in funds awarded for this field study.

“Visiting China would have never been possible without the Figueroa Scholarship, and this trip was one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had. I can still remember how nervous I was boarding the 17 hour plan ride not knowing one individual in the class and flying home 10 days later with over 20 newfound friendships. It is still surreal to me that I was able to walk the Great Wall and visit the Forbidden City - things you usually only see in textbooks. We also met with extremely intelligent business professionals from companies such as Mastercard, Hyundai and Callisto. I will carry the memories and relationships I built in China for the rest of my life.” - Caitlin Meuser, BBA '14 Tiananmen Square, Beijing “The trip I was able to attend this semester to visit the Chinese cities of Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong was an eye opener and incredibly enlightening experience for me and my peers. We visited a diverse selection of businesses located in each city that highlighted the unique experiences that one comes across in international business. I value my time spent there and hope to return again soon! Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to attend!” - Max Magill, BBA '13 “My trip to China was a life-changing experience, it opened my eyes to so many new aspects of culture and business. Meeting executives from local companies and large companies such as MasterCard was an honor. In addition to meeting important people I had the chance to climb the great wall and see other historical sights. This course was more than I ever expected. One of the first thoughts that came to mind as I landed in NYC was that I can’t wait to visit China again soon.” - Fernanda Mendieta, BBA '11 “For a student majoring in finance and international management, Pace University’s international business and management field study course to China has provided me a better understanding of how businesses operate abroad. The case studies allowed me to formulate valuable questions and connect with experts from the industry.” - Elaine Wu, BBA '12 Callisto Fashion House “I was so hesitant and nervous about leaving for China because I didn't know what to expect. But now I can say that I just experienced 10 of the best days of my life. I learned about how different the Chinese are from the Americans when it comes to their business practices and their traditions. But I also learned how similar they are to us. In Beijing when we visited the Great Wall, I was in complete awe at the magnificence that was before me. Climbing to the top of it was an experience I will never forget. The Forbidden City took me back to a time when the Emperor used to gather his country men around him for a great speech. In Shanghai I saw the amazing city skyline and its many bridges. Shanghai was so much like NYC because it is China's financial capital. In Hong Kong I learned how free they are compared to the rest of China. They don't have any censorship when it comes to internet sites and have very low corporate tax rates. However, I did discover how expensive Hong Kong is compared to the US after doing some shopping. I was happy to find that most of the people I came across in China spoke English which showed the importance of the English language as well as China's acknowledgment of the necessary skills to succeed in global business. On the morning of our flight back, I was torn between two feelings. I missed NYC so much and was happy to get back home but at the same time, I was really going to miss China and felt that there was so much more to discover. Visiting China was a life altering experience and I would love to go back one day.” - Sultana Aslamkhan, BBA '12 Forbidden City, Beijing		Forbidden City, Beijing “The China field study hosted by Dr. Eisner is the highlight of my graduate education. After spending countless hours discussing China in my other MBA classes it was refreshing to experience firsthand what is happening in the world’s second largest economy. From the Chinese offices of large multinational corporations, to small businesses, to large manufacturing plants, we had the opportunity to hear from senior executives the challenges and rewards of doing business in China. Additionally, we had the truly memorable experience of seeing firsthand the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have this experience as a part of my degree program; I will remember it for the rest of my life.” - Michael Brady, MBA '11 Hyundai, Beijing “I couldn't begin to describe the effect my trip to China has had on my perception of the world. Not only did I have the privilege to meet and talk to a wide variety of executives throughout multiple industries, but I also had the opportunity to see with my own eyes what most have only seen in pictures or on the television. The cultural sites we visited were the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. The history alone is fascinating but I must say Chinese industry and construction is almost equally impressive. Coming from New York City where big means 8 million inhabitants and traveling to Shanghai where around 20 million live and many more commute is amazing.” - Erik Bauer, BBA '13 Shanghai Hong Kong Trade Development Council “I never imagined that traveling to the other side of the world would be part of my curriculum at Pace University. When I found out about the management course that would be traveling to China I knew that it would only be possible with a Figueroa Travel Scholarship. In 10 days over spring break, I visited many cultural and historical sites including one of the seven wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China. Throughout the course we read several case studies. Comparing these studies to the business leaders that we met in China put into perspective how fortunate I was to be there. By being there in person I understood an aspect of business across cultures that cannot be fully conveyed through case studies, articles or the media alone.” - Avery Scully, BBA '13 Yanjing Brewery
Shanghai