Students visit Beijing, Shanghai for immersive spring break course

Great photo w/class on The Great Wall @DruckerSchool @CGUnews from our successful “Doing Business in China” program! pic.twitter.com/co6W8PsE45

— Matt Pillar (柱卫义) (@firedragonllc) April 7, 2015

Seventeen Claremont Graduate University students traveled to China during spring break to experience culture and business and develop a greater understanding of the country’s place in the global landscape.

The 10-day trip was part of the Drucker School’s global business course “Doing Business in Asia: China.” The course engages students in an in-depth review of the current business environment, explores cultural sensitivities, and focuses on business strategies and tactics. It then challenges students to put theory into practice during the travel portion.

Students met with several business experts based in China, including Bill Bishop, China expert and CNN contributor. They also participated in company site visits to elite international and domestic Chinese firms. These included Baidu, a web services company; ChinaAccelerator, a start-up incubator; and JW Thompson, an internationally recognized marketing brand.

In line with the Drucker School’s mission to understand management as a human enterprise and a liberal art, an essential element of the course was also cultural context. Students experienced cultural landmarks such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

“It was the best decision that I’ve made in graduate school,” said Kevin Campbell, a student who took the course. “I think it will really benefit my career and me personally.”