Asian Business Class

[Matt G]

I was hoping some of you could provide a bit of feedback for me. This is an opportunity to study abroad over a 3 week period and get a grade. It is done under a "Selected Topic" study, so during the mid spring I will have to turn in a 25 page report on my observations.

The trip goes to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Singapore. All accomodations are first class and the trip is well scheduled with meetings and seminars with prominent asian companies.

This would be in fullfillment of a required elective for my MBA.

Regular class tuition applies ($1500 for a three credit hour course).

Additional fees are approximately $3500 for airfare, hotel, two meals a day, etc.

Would you folks go?

[Chuck(G)]

They say that travel is broadening, but...

A young friend of ours just graduated from the MBA honors program here at the university.

He's from SIngapore and says he wouldn't have considered going to school in his field anywhere but the USA.

[ThomasDodd]

He's from SIngapore and says he wouldn't have considered going to school in his field anywhere but the USA.

This isn't really going to school there. Think about it, 3 weeks "studying" in 4 cities. It a big seminar with asian copmanies. It could be a chance to learn about Asian culture. It could be a big waste of time and money.

Matt, know anyone who has taken the trip? Get their views on what really happens.

$3500 for 3 weeks is not bad. Hell, flying to one city and back would run close to that. I'm about to go to India, and the cheapest flights are $1600. But I wouldn'ty fly coach for 9 hours. Business class bumps the cost to $3800+.

If you get much free time, try to get to know the people in each city. Not the tourist shops, but the residents.

[Matt G]

I would love to get some input from students here, but the ones I might stumble across that previously had the opportunity, well, there trip was cancelled due to SARS fears.

Essentially you are right Thomas. I would be going to seminars and seeing how general business is approached and handled in another part of the globe. While I can read about it in books (far too many books!) it would seem interesting to get some hands on.

The $3500 is for coach, business class is almost double.

I think it is interesting, my wife hates the idea...

[Chuck(G)]

This isn't really going to school there. Think about it, 3 weeks "studying" in 4 cities. It a big seminar with asian copmanies. It could be a chance to learn about Asian culture. It could be a big waste of time and money.

Maybe we shoudn't quibble about terms, then.

It's basically a boondoggle, right? At 3 weeks in 4 ciities, you're not going to learn a whole lot about the local culture either, particularly if you're not familiar with the local language. If that's what you were after, you could do better by going over to the international students union and offer to take a few folks to dinner.

But if it's a cheap way to have some fun and you can afford it, by all means, go ahead--as long as domestic tranquility is being preserved.

[tubatooter1940]

If I had the money,I'd go.
Your friendly Fart Man