Students in TCU’s Neeley School of Business are about to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to China to immerse themselves in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Twenty-one students in the Master of Accounting (MAc) program are participating in a study abroad trip to China from Dec. 29 to Jan. 11.
Dr. Mary Stanford and Dr. In Mu Haw will be the staff members accompanying the students on the trip.
Stanford said there have been MAc trips to Europe for over a decade, but this is the first year that the program is going to China. Another MAC trip will return to Europe this school year as well.
“We surveyed the incoming students and many wanted to explore China,” said Stanford. “Some have already traveled to Europe. Others were motivated by finding out more about a powerful trading partner and economic competitor.”
The group will first go to Shanghai, where they will be touring the city and viewing local attractions, such as Shanghai Tower and the Shanghai French Concession. Students will then travel to Xi’an to see the Xi’an City Wall and Terracotta Army. Finally, students will wrap up the trip in Beijing, visiting Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and tour the Great Wall.
Students will also be doing four company visits throughout the trip, Stanford said. These stops include NBA Shanghai, General Motors, Walmart and Dell. Students will be participating in cultural awareness activities during these visits to highlight differences in business practices in China compared to the U.S.
“The MAc study abroad class is designed to increase students’ global acumen and appreciation for how culture affects beliefs, communication, decision making and ethics,” said Stanford.
MAc students have learned about economic growth in China and are interested to see business in China for themselves, said Maddy Lewing, a student who is going on the trip.
“I hope to learn a lot about the culture and business environment in China,” said Lewing. “I’m also excited to see new things and experience a new culture. I have never traveled to Asia before, so I have a lot to learn.”
Lewing also said she is excited to go on the trip because she will never have another opportunity like this to travel to China.
Nick Magusiak is another student in the MAc program who is going on the trip. He said he is most looking forward to experiencing a new environment with his friends.
“We’ve learned a lot about China throughout our business classes in the past,” said Magusiak. “I can’t wait to see certain aspects of their businesses in person.”
After the trip, the students will take an eight-week course based on what they learned while abroad. The trip and the class will earn each student three credit hours towards their master’s degree.
