The Beijing Center (TBC) is always pleased to welcome our friends from Escuela de Administración en Negocios para Graduados – Perú (School in Business Administration for Graduates – ESAN). Every semester, we are honored to receive visits from MBA students and graduates from all over Peru. On this trip, ESAN students started their first day bright and early, arriving promptly at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) where they attended lectures about Chinese history, business opportunities, economics, and investment along the Belt and Road.
We tailored the lectures to provide a broad view of business culture in China. The ESAN students were committed to asking the tough questions and diving deep into Chinese culture, always thirsty to learn. Some were particularly surprised at how omnipresent technology is in everyday life in China, a stark contrast to their home country.
However, their journey took an unexpected turn when they were granted an exclusive visit to JingDong Logistics Park, one of China’s largest e-commerce companies. Here, they gained unique insights into the technology used to handle millions of packages daily. As a major e-commerce platform in China that sells billions of products annually, they witnessed firsthand how Jingdong manages product demands and fulfills deliveries across vast and diverse territories within China.
The students were also invited to partake in a discussion at the Promperu Office with trade and tourism counselor Mr. Luis Miguel Cabello Arroyo, where they discussed several topics about trade between Peru and China. With 35 years of experience and an extraordinary sense of humor, he provided insights into the trade between Peru and China, answering questions posed by the students. Mr. Cabello also stated that in China, there is opportunity for all kinds of businesses, big and small. If you are a small entrepreneur, don’t be afraid to enter China- there is room for everyone. He discussed the communication channels in Peru and China, explaining how many social media platforms have been replaced by WeChat alone, how electronic payment methods are broadly used and preferred over cash, and how these facts shape the way of doing business in China. Some students were amazed at the speed of WeChat Pay, joking they were ready to move to China just for the tech! Mr. Cabello also talked about the trade balance between China and Peru, stating that Peru has a trade surplus.
We couldn’t let them leave without taking them to Beijing’s greatest cultural landmarks, so we visited Ti’anmen Square. Seeing the towering Monument to the People’s Heroes and strolling the Ti’ananmen concourse left everyone with a deep appreciation for the site that has so much historical significance in China. Later they toured the Forbidden City, and upon entering, they were drawn to people dressed in ancient costumes for photos. Besides the architecture and costumed visitors, they were captivated by the many events that occurred within the Forbidden City and the palaces’ many functions. While exploring, they learned about Chinese history and philosophy and their continued relevance in today’s culture, promoting a deep sense of respect for the rich history and culture of China.
Art often bridges the past and present, connecting us to centuries-old traditions while sparking deeply personal creativity. My recent experience in a Chinese Arts and Culture class beautifully encapsulated this idea.
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a volunteering activity that left a deep impression on me. It was a day dedicated to cultural exchange, creativity, and a wonderful reminder of the vibrancy of tradition — both Chinese and beyond.
The past few weekends have been some of the most exciting of the entire semester, full of trips to the zoo, mountain hikes, ancient parks, and more! Our first trip out of many was a visit to the Beijing Zoo. I had mentioned earlier in the semester that I wanted to see some pandas, since I was in China after all, and our TBC friend Andy made it happen.
Last year, The Beijing Center (TBC) celebrated its 25th anniversary with a dinner that was not just about marking a milestone but about embodying the Jesuit tradition of service and community impact.