McCombs Global Connections

Spring 2010 Destinations

China

What’s your favorite image of China? In our China study tour, we will show you ancient culture, modern progress, global impact, delicious food, the Great Wall, the Imperial Palace and much more. While there, we will visit Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou. McCombs students will have opportunities to work on consulting projects as well as visit companies and tour factories.

Faculty: Orlando Kelm
Student Leader: Steve Yang
Course Website: http://kelmglobal.wordpress.com/

India

India will be amongst the most anticipated Global trips this year. As a country that truly symbolizes diversity, India is a kaleidoscope of natural vistas, magnificent historical sites, colorful people and rich heritages. It is a country that has reinvented itself over the last two decades to become a leader in business, world trade and other global issues. As part of this trip you will get to learn from some of the people who are shaping this transformation, including charismatic policy makers in the government and leaders from the Indian business community. Students will also have an opportunity to work on exciting projects, with possible industries including manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and social services. Buckle up, and get ready to experience Incredible India!

Faculty: John Doggett
Student Leader: Siddhartha Narayanan
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Middle East (Turkey & the UAE)

The Middle East is the epitome of "captivating contrasts". This year's trip to the United Arab Emirates and Turkey will capture just that essence. It will provide students the opportunity to experience two vastly different economic, social and cultural environments in the Middle East. From man-made wonders and F1 racing circuits of the UAE to traditional mosques and markets in Istanbul, we will visit sites of cultural and business interest in both countries. This year's itinerary focuses on visiting local and multinational companies encompassing the real estate, retail, construction, aviation and consumer goods industries. And as always, this is sprinkled with a healthy dose of fun activities ranging from a desert safari in Dubai to the Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul!

Faculty: Doug Dierking
Student Leader: Vibhuti Nanda
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Russia

This class will focus on the rich and unusual business environment of Russia – its history, culture, economy and politics. Students who choose the Russia course will visit the political capital, Moscow, which boasts over 27 billionaires, as well as the cultural and historical capital, St. Petersburg. In the course students are expected to visit and work with natural resources firms, luxury goods firms, IT firms, and more, as we explore the Russian economy and deepen our international business exposure.

Faculty: Shuping Chen
Student Leader: Tate Forrester

South Africa

The South Africa study tour will focus on the challenging political, cultural, and economic backdrop to doing business in South Africa and on how these issues generalize to other developing economies in Africa and beyond. The trip will include visits to Cape Town and Johannesburg, the country’s two business centers. McCombs students will work on projects for US companies, international companies, and/or other organizations doing business or seeking to do business in South Africa. These projects and the site visits on the ground in South Africa will be in industries as diverse as finance, tourism, import-export, technology, for-profit social enterprise, and community development. Come explore South Africa, the business anchor for the rest of the African continent and one of the most vibrant emerging markets in the world.

Faculty: Ross Jennings
Student Leader: Kelly Scoggins

Southeast Asia (Vietnam & Thailand)

Southeast Asia is one of the most diverse regions in the world socially, culturally, economically and geographically. The program allows students to experience first-hand the vast changes that are occurring in the fast developing economies of Thailand and Vietnam. More specifically, the program focuses on large multinational companies and local enterprises that are driving growth in these booming economies. The students also get a chance to visit the amazing landscapes, the picturesque beaches and the hidden charms.

Faculty: Steve Courter
Student Leader: Gaurav Arora
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South America (Peru & Argentina – MAY)

The 2010 South America course will visit two of the most interesting and amazing countries in the region: Peru and Argentina. Students who choose this study tour will visit Buenos Aires, Lima and Cuzco; the trip will conclude with a visit to Cuzco's Sacred Valley, so that students who wish to may continue on after the study tour ends and visit the ruins of Machu Picchu. We will visit with a wide variety of Peruvian and Argentinean companies, including those involved in the growing microcredit industry in Latin America. We will examine the unique and changing social and political environment in which Latin American businesses operate, and will experience cultural activities such as a visit to an Estancia (country house), tango lessons in Argentina, and traditional Peruvian arts and dances. We also hope to attend a soccer match in Buenos Aires. This study tour runs from May 19-28, and is exclusively for first year MBA students.

Faculty: David Spence
Student Leader: Miguel Villanueva
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