USD Business Students Experience the Global Economy First Hand in Hong Kong and Shenzhen China
Beacom launched the Global Immersion Program in 2018 as an opportunity to provide students with a transformational learning experience during their undergraduate and graduate studies. The trip is a major component of an international business course, and it gives students a first-hand look at global business concepts as they are being taught.
In 2019, the trip was enhanced with a visit to mainland China. The group spent three days in Shenzhen, which is known as the Silicon Valley of China.
“This was an eye-opening trip for me and undoubtedly one of the best educational experiences I’ve had throughout my college career,” said Taylor Schoenfelder, Beacom School of Business M.B.A. student. “Visiting Shenzhen showed me how vastly different and yet completely connected the U.S. and China are both culturally and economically.”
“This program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students. It offers them a chance to experience a part of the world that is vastly different than what they are used to,” said Venky Venkatachalam, dean of the Beacom School of Business. “Being able to study abroad and gain these first-hand experiences will have a lasting impact on our students personally and in their careers.”
Alumni engagement is also an essential part of the program. Two distinguished USD alumni were included in this year’s program. Ryan Taylor (’93), attorney at Cutler Law Firm in Sioux Falls joined the group for the 10-day trip. His participation in the business visits and debrief sessions added valuable insight to the discussions. John Kuhl (’97), who was in Hong Kong on a business trip, also joined the group for an evening to speak about his story of finding success and life balance in international business.
The program included a mixture of both cultural excursions and business visits.
In Hong Kong, students visited the following businesses.
- US Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau
- PRIZM Digital marketing, Hong Kong
- Morgan Philips Group
- Modern Terminals
- Edelman
In Shenzhen, China, students visited the following businesses.
- Miele manufacturing plant
- Halifax Fan
- Shenzhen Stock Exchange
- Bee+
