Study Abroad Trips 2013
Japan & Taiwan: East Asian Cultures and International Business
Program Dates: May 11 - June 1, 2013
Course Description
This course provides students an opportunity to learn about business and the cultures of Japan and Taiwan in an intense and affordable study abroad course. The students will experience firsthand the economic system and business practices and opportunities, management styles in both countries. Students will have a chance to communicate and exchange ideas with Taiwanese and Japanese students and local/domestic economics and business professionals. The course and trip, furthermore, aims to enhance students’ understanding of other cultures and their appreciation of the cultural diversity of the world. The trip is timely and appropriate as we observe the dynamics of globalization.
About Japan
Japan with GDP of $4.4 trillion undoubtedly is one of most technologically advanced and powerful economies in the world. It is the third largest economy following the US and China. However, Japan’s industrial sector is greatly dependent on imported raw materials for manufacturing and industrial production. While agricultural production constitutes a small part of Japanese economy (about 1.4% of GDP); it is extremely developed with a high level of productivity and efficiency. The Japanese government very frequently intervenes in economic activities and carries out various social benefit projects to regulate and restructure the economy. This has resulted in the government debt to be about 196% of the country’s GDP in 2007.
Located in the Eastern Asia, east of Korean Peninsula and North Pacific Ocean; Japan covers an area of Area of 377,835 sq. km. with population of 127.3 million. Japanese GDP grew of 2.1% in 2007 and its per capital income was about $ 33,600.
Whatever image you have of Japan, it's probably accurate, because it's all there. But you may also have some misconceptions. For example, many people believe that Japan is one of the world's most expensive countries. In fact, it's cheaper to travel in Japan than in much of North America, Western Europe and parts of Oceania. Others think that Japan is impenetrable or even downright difficult. Actually, Japan is one of the easiest countries in which to travel. It is, simply put, a place that will remind you why you started travelling in the first place.
If traditional culture is your thing, you can spend weeks in cities such as Kyoto and Nara, gorging yourself on temples, shrines, kabuki, nō (stylized dance-drama), tea ceremonies and museums packed with treasures from Japan's rich artistic heritage. If modern culture and technology is your thing, Japan's cities are an absolute wonderland - an easy peek into the future of the human race, complete with trend-setting cafés and fabulous restaurants. Outside the cities, you'll find natural wonders the length and breadth of the archipelago. From the coral reefs of Okinawa to the ski-resort of Niseko, Japan has more than enough natural wonders to compete with its cultural treasures.
During the trip, students will have the chance to visit and experience a variety of unique sites and events. These include the May Grand Sumo Tournament, UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kamakura and Hiroshima, Nagoya University, Yamaha Musical Intrument and Mazda Automobile offices and factories, and more.
About Taiwan
There is no doubt that China is becoming a nation that can not be ignored in the global market. And understanding Chinese culture, history, and its business culture will be an increasingly important credential for any business professionals. If you want to understand China in a pleasant, relaxing and friendly atmosphere, Taiwan is the choice to make. Throughout the period after World War II, Taiwanese people had transformed the once agriculture-dominant island into one of East Asia’s economic “Tigers”. Some say that the best part of the Chinese culture is kept intact in Taiwan – with influences from the west – not only you can experience the friendly Taiwanese people, enjoy a variety of different flavor experiences from every part of China (and the world), you can also discover the secret that makes the island’s economy and society so vibrant and varying.
Ilha Formosa - Beautiful Island. This is what a group of Portuguese sailors, said to have been the first Westerners to lay eyes on the island, uttered upon seeing Taiwan for the first time. We imagine they must have been pretty enamored. With the lush mountains of Wulai, pulsating cities like Taipei, the stunning basalt cliffs of Penghu , excellent hiking in Taroko Gorge, not to mention some of the world’s best hot springs (we especially like the Taian Hot Springs), Taiwan cuts a figure as one of the most diverse destinations in Asia.
During their stay, students will visit the National Palace Museum, the Taipei Confucius Temple, KPMG Taipei, Tunghai University, and many other exciting cultural and educational locales and businesses.
The Coordinators for the trip are Dr. Jacob Peng and Dr. Gregory Laurence, Professors from the School of Management with extensive international experience, specifically in Japan and Taiwan. Dr. Peng can be contacted at jcpeng@umflint.edu, and Dr. Laurence can be reached at glaurenc@umflint.edu to discuss further details and share experiences from past trips.
UM-Flint Study Abroad Scholarship
Scholarships that help pay for the program fees are available. Depending on the number of applicants and available funds, students in the past received different levels of support for the program fee. For example, eligible students in the 2011 study abroad in Taiwan program had 50% of their program fee funded by scholarships. Students in 2012 programs let by UM-Flint faculty received 80% program fee support. For more information about UM-Flint Study Abroad Scholarship, contact the Office of Study Abroad or visit the Study Abroad Scholarship Information Page.
To apply for the program, fill out the application form and send or take it along with your payment for enrollment deposit ($300) to the Office of Study Abroad. For more information about program fees, payment dates, cancellation and refund deadlines and policies, visit the Office of Study Abroad Trip Details Page.
Please contact the School of Management at 810.762.3160 if you have any other questions.
Past Trips
Japan and Taiwan 2009
SOM takes on the world - 13 students travel to Japan/Taiwan and share all the details live!
Japan and Taiwan are two unique Asian countries with different business environments, cultures and attractions. Both countries have very strong economic and diplomatic relationship with the U.S. Japan ranks number 4 and Taiwan ranks number 10 trading partners with the U.S. according to the most recent data.
This study abroad course provided UM-Flint students (both graduate and undergraduate) with an opportunity to experience first-hand the business environment and culture of these two Pacific Basin giants in a safe, pleasant, and friendly atmosphere. Students gained knowledge and expanded their horizons as they observed the dynamics of globalization.
For the first time, the world was able to follow the students on their trip as they shared all the details about life and learning in Japan and Taiwan on Twitter, Facebook and student blogs.
Students from the School of Management recently returned from a trip to China (Beijing, Jinan, and Shanghai) where they had the opportunity to study and learn about the dynamics of a rising economic system as part of a three credit hour course.
During the trip, students met and exchanged ideas with Chinese faculty and business students at Peking University, Shandong Jianzhu University, and East China University of Science and Technology. In addition, students met with business professionals and toured plants at various Chinese companies, including Coca Cola and General Motors.
While there, students also met local people and learned about the rich culture and history of China with visits to landmarks such as The Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City, The Pearl Tower, and the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center.
MBA students had a trip to Bangalore, India where they observed with their own eyes the impact of globalizing markets and production as part of a three credit hour course.
During the trip, students visited and interacted with top management of several world-class companies such as Wipro, Infosys, AOL and Dell. They also had an opportunity to exchange ideas with professors and students from Alliance Business School in Bangalore, and experienced the amazing culture and history of India with visits to a few historic locations.
