China Summer 2018
Global Explorations in Chinese Business and Culture
Tentative Dates: May 19 - June 15, 2019
Application Deadline: December 1, 2018
MGT 3954 - Global Explorations in Chinese Business and Culture
Three credit hours
- Dr. Jennifer Clevenger
- 1046 Pamplin Hall
- 540-231-6602
- jcleveng@vt.edu
- Linda Tanko
- 1046 Pamplin Hall
- 540-231-3562
- ltanko@vt.edu
Global Explorations in Chinese Business and Culture is an experiential study abroad program in traveling throughout China. The program will visit various areas of China: Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Additionally, there will be several visits to nearby towns and islands such as Lantau Island, Kowloon, and Macau. The program will begin in Beijing, which is the city with the most eastern Asian feel and will have the most cultural adjustment. Some businesses that we will visit include TusPark, Amazon, and Lenovo.
The program will continue to Shanghai by airplane. Shanghai is also considered a SAR (special administrative region), and is the largest city in China, as well as the most influential economic, finance, and trade center in East China. This modern city intertwines eastern and western cultures. Shanghai business visits will include a Disney Resort case study, Volkswagen, GE, and Accenture.
Hong Kong is an economic free trade zone with its own political and monetary system. Hong Kong has two official languages, Cantonese and English. Business visits will include a Hong Kong Stock Exchange, a top finance firm, a global luxury firm, and International Financial Center’s (IFC) Monetary Authority.
Throughout the entire program, we will be meeting with local universities. We will participate in case studies and workshops discussing various aspects of doing business in China. We will meet with Pamplin alumni both formally and informally. We will gain cultural competency through visits to history and art museums, as well as various dining customs experiences.
Additionally, four students will be able to remain in China for an internship at the conclusion of the program. Students will be chosen on a competitive basis, and at additional (minimal) costs.
STUDENT HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION
Students will stay in a hotel in the city center of each of our destinations: Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. We will travel as a group by plane to and from the United States. Our group travels in country will be by train and airplane between cities. We will use local transportation within cities and between islands (buses, trains, boats, and ferries.
You will receive 3 credits – either:
- MGT 3954
- MGT 5954
MGT 3954 Undergraduates will receive credit for MGT 3954, and graduate students for MGT 5954 Study Abroad. This course can also be substituted for the Area 3 and/or Area 7 requirement. These credits count as elective credits and help to complete the requirements of Pamplin’s International Business Minor.
Students must write a group paper on an assigned Chinese company, as well as read a book about the area and do a short book report, prior to the program. Case studies/alumni workshop reports, a detailed journal and completing observations on cultural differences between China and the US is also required during the program. Participation in all activities of the program is required.
**If you wish to take a total of six credits - see Dr. Clevenger about an independent study
Program fees are $7,650. A non-refundable deposit of $1,000, payable online, is due after acceptance into the program, with the balance of program fees due by a date to be determined.
Application Deadline: February 1st
| Cost | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Program Fee | $7,650 | $7,650 |
| Tuition & Fees - est. | $1206 | $3000 |
| Meals not provided | $450 | $450 |
| Lodging | Included | Included |
| Required Group Travel | Included | Included |
| Airfare | Included | Included |
| Passport | $135 | $135 |
| Visa | $140 | $140 |
| Personal & Other Expenses | $600 | $600 |
| Total Estimated Expenses: | $10,181 | $11,975 |
Note
Virginia Tech reserves the right to make cancellations, date and cost adjustments, and other necessary changes in the program. Prices may change due to global economic conditions.
Financial Aid
Your financial aid eligibility might apply to this program. You must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the University Financial Aid Office. In addition, you must submit the study abroad cost documentation form to the study abroad office at the International Affairs building, 526 Prices Fork Road, room 131. The form can be found on the Education Abroad Financial Aid page.
Space is limited for this program. There are up to 20 seats available for the program. The application deadline is December 1st.
Go to the VT Education Abroad site and complete the application process. Click the “Apply Now” button and follow the instructions.
ELIGIBILITY
- Freshmen through Seniors, and Graduate Students
- Minimum GPA: 2.3 (We will use mid-term grades for freshmen to determine eligibility).
- Non-business students and graduate students are also welcome to participate, and will receive 3 credits.
- Priority is given to business students.
Tentative Schedule:
1 day traveling to Beijing
9 days in Beijing
10 days in Shanghai
6 days in Hong Kong (side trips to Macau and Lamma Island)
1 day travelling to US
SAMPLING OF LIKELY BUSINESS VISITS (subject to change):
Beijing: TusPark, Amazon, Meituan, Xiaomi
Shanghai: GE, Volkswagen, Shanghai Disney
Hong Kong: Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Monetary Authority
SAMPLING OF LIKELY CULTURAL VISITS (subject to change):
Beijing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Pandas, Great Wall
Shanghai: Yu Gardens, Shanghai Disney, Jade Buddha Temple, World Financial Center
Hong Kong: Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Tian Tan Buddha Statue
Each student must have a valid passport from their home country. You can apply for a passport in Squires Student Center.
You should insure that you have the proper vaccinations for this program. This can be done through the University’s recommended travel clinic (Intravene), a county health department, or your family physician. Your family physician usually does not have the more specialized vaccines and should refer you to the county health department. You can see a list of recommended vaccinations and other health information at the CDC travel website.
These sites have additional information:
- Passports
- Visas
- General Information from the U.S. State Department
- International Travel from the U.S. State Department
- Students Abroad – U.S. State Department
- Customs Information
- Medical Information
- CDC Medical Information
- CIA Factbook (A great place for information on the countries we visit.)
- State Department Travel Alerts & Warnings
Packing list coming soon.
The brochure is available below.