Smith MBA Students Reflect on 2020 Winter-term Global Business Courses

MBA students Brandon Caracciolo, part-time MBA (Brazil program), Erin Edmunds, part-time MBA (China and Vietnam program), Tida Jarjou, full-time MBA (UAE program), Lynn Kostas, part-time MBA (Japan and Singapore program), and Dan Wurtzel, part-time MBA (South Africa program) write about their participation in the January 2020 winter term global business courses.

South Africa

Students made the long journey to South Africa and spent 10 days between Johannesburg and Cape Town. The group met with executives from established firms such as Anglo Gold Ashanti Mining Company, Maersk and Standard Bank, as well as smaller start-ups like 2U/ Get Smarter and Spark Health. Each company visit highlighted how South Africa has changed in the 25 years since the end of apartheid, and how the country’s unique socio-economic climate can play a role in business strategy. The highlights of the course were visits to non-profits Harambee and RLabs, who are actively working to create opportunities for South Africa’s under-employed young professionals. Students also made time to experience some of South Africa’s rich culture during visits to Robben Island, the Franschhoek wine region, and a hike up Table Mountain.

Brazil

4,500 miles away rests the financial center of Brazil, home to growth, innovation, and a budding fintech startup industry. Students from Maryland Smith had the opportunity to meet and work with many local startups. They learned how changes in the regulatory and financial landscape of Brazil have created opportunities for these startups to grow. Through this, the students gained an appreciation for the struggles and hidden benefits of working in a global economy and with a cross-national team. One student noted, “It was an awesome experience. I don’t think I really understood the challenges they [Brazilians] faced before the program. I really believe that the program helped me grow.” There is a deep benefit in seeing the world, experiencing a culture different than your own, and ingratiating yourself into a people.

China & Vietnam

In Shenzhen, the tech-hub of China, students met with several technology-focused companies including DJI, Huawei, and Makeblock. These companies focused on innovation and how rapidly changing technology means a never-ending cycle of research, ideation, and product development. Students were able to learn more about the city’s history and growth through several immersive cultural experiences. Students then traveled to Ho Chi Minh City, where the focus shifted to more manufacturing companies in this rapidly emerging business hub. Students learned about manufacturing operations, the increase in international companies setting up operations in Vietnam, and learned how companies can remain competitive to retain employees. At the conclusion of the program, students felt that they had learned a lot about global business operations and what should be considered before opening up operations abroad. One student noted: “This program has really opened my eyes to what it would be like to work abroad, it’s something I never thought I would get to experience”.

Japan & Singapore

Students on the Japan and Singapore program prepared to be immersed in different cultures by studying the different business expectations and customs. Starting in Japan students visited the US Chamber of Commerce Japan, Accenture Innovation Hub, and NTT Communications just to name a few. A few key takeaways in Tokyo were companies looking for digital transformation and Tokyo hearing that need in the market. Next, students visited Singapore, the 4th largest financial center in the world. Students were hosted by CapitaLand/Bridge+, Antler, and A*Star followed by The World Bank. One student commented, “The difference in these two economies is so surprising! Although we studied Japan and Singapore before arriving, experiencing a very old school Japan followed by new school Singapore was eye-opening.” Following the presentations, the students were able to conclude their journey by exploring Singapore’s various tourist sites including the Gardens by the Bay and Supertree Grove.

The United Arab Emirates

The UAE program spanned nine days, and included business and cultural visits, with fun free time activities mixed in between. This program exposed students to the economic, financial, social and cultural issues in the UAE, giving them the opportunity to understand its economies and societies and provide them with insight into how to do business in the country, the considerations and the opportunities. Participants met with companies both global and local in the UAE and learned about how those companies develop strategies within these different and complex business environments. Company visits encompassed the tourism, investment and development, energy, healthcare, and entertainment sectors. To name a few, some of the most poignant insights were gained from visits to Farrah Experiences and Expo 2020 Dubai on how the UAE plans to grow its tourism sector. Post-program, students were encouraged to leverage their on the ground insights in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to make more informed decisions on factors that impact global economies, via their consulting work and student projects.

Upon returning to the United States, students in each program completed projects that allowed them to reflect on their experiences and share their insights with classmates.

For more information about MBA global business courses, visit the Center for Global Business website.