The Program
Program Description
Japan and Taiwan are two unique Asian countries with different business environments, cultures and attractions, and yet both countries are important partners of the U.S. in the world economy. This study abroad course provides American students (both graduate and undergraduate) with an opportunity to experience firsthand the business environment and culture of these two Pacific Basin giants in a safe, pleasant, friendly atmosphere, and affordable cost. The trip is timely appropriate as we observe the dynamics of globalization. In summary, this is ONE trip, TWO unique Asian cultures, with THREE meticulously-designed activities that can be an experience of life-time!
Course Features
Graduate or undergraduate students will gain an awareness of the business, economics and culture of both Japan and Taiwan. The students will experience first hand the business practices, economic systems, and management style of Japan and Taiwan. In addition, the objective of the course is to guide students to recognize the opportunities and challenges that these countries are facing, their positions within a global economic system, and to think critically about what these opportunities, challenges and positions mean for the United States. Students will have the opportunity to attend class and discuss these new ideas with professors and students from sister universities in Taiwan and the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU) in Hikone, Japan. The course and trip, furthermore, enhance student understanding of other cultures and appreciation for cultural diversity around the world. Venues include American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, Tokyo Stock Exchange, Panasonic Japan, and businesses in the cities of Hikone, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka in Japan, as well as Taipei and Hsinchu in Taiwan.
Program Date
2-4 pre-trip orientation and classes will be arranged in the weekend and/or evenings during the winter 2011 semester (Jan – Apr 2011.) The trip to Japan and Taiwan will convene on Thursday 4/28/2011 in Taipei, Taiwan and end on Sunday 5/15/2011 in Taipei. Find out more about activities in destination countries by going to the itinerary page.
The Japan / Taiwan Study Abroad Program is composed of three different types of activities in addition to pre-trip lectures/classes:
Upon successful completing of the trip (include any pre-trip lectures and activities) and fulfilling other course requirements (as described in the syllabus), students will receive 3 credits toward their degree program and certificates from host institutions and the School of Management. Students are able to register this course as (choose one):
BUS 480: International business study abroad(undergraduate business credit)
MGT 580: International business study abroad (graduate business credit)
INT 394: Special topics in study abroad (undergraduate international and global studies credit)
INT 594: Special topics in study abroad (graduate international and global studies credit)
* School of Management Graduate Committee had approved that MGT 580 can be counted as 3 credit toward students’ MBA-finance concentration requirement.
Read more about the eligibility and other program information at http://www.umflint.edu/ic/studyabroad/programs/2010_2011/japan_taiwan.htm
