In May, The Beijing Center was honored to host ESAN University Peru MBA students for a four-day visit where they immerse themselves in Chinese culture, history, and business practices. The group of 22 students was led by Mr. David Barriga, President of AsiaB Consulting, with more than 25 years of experience in the Chinese Market.
What did we do? Here is the rundown.
Day 1: Focusing on China’s Economic Panorama
The first day kicked off with two insightful lectures. In the morning, Professor Frank Hawke delivered a thorough “Overview of the Chinese Economy.” His lecture provided a deep understanding of China’s economic rise, current situation, and future prospects from an expert’s perspective. He also discussed the significance of innovation and technical development for a country like China , equipping the students with a comprehensive understanding of one of the world’s largest economies.
Following this, Professor Narisa Dai presented a session on “Doing Business in China.” She covered various topics, including the education culture, China’s as the world’s biggest E-commerce market, public transportation infrastructure, cyber security and data privacy, intellectual rights, company formation , taxes and the legal framework across provinces, cultural barriers, and business competition. The lecture shared invaluable insights into Chinese business practices and the business environment.
In the afternoon, the students visited the Jingdong Headquarters. Accompanied by the company’s vice director, they learned about the history of Jingdong (JD.com), one of China’s largest e-commerce companies. This visit provided a hands-on understanding of Chinese business culture and the operational strategies of a major corporate player. Students experienced a first-hand view of Chinese working culture and amenities employees enjoy at such big companies, such as cafes, Jingdong stores, Hey Tea Go, etc., serving thousands of employees every day.
Day 2: Tai Chi at the Great Wall
The second day began with a unique cultural experience. Under the guidance of Professor Howard Hao, the students attended a Tai Chi class at the Great Wall of China. Visiting one of the world’s seven wonders is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! This session was more than just physical exercise; it was an immersion into the ancient art of finding inner peace and balance, set against the scene of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
After the Tai Chi class, students explored various sections of the Great Wall. They rode the cable cars up the mountains, marveling at the millenary history and beautiful landscapes. Later in the day, ESAN students visited the Silk Market, practicing their haggling skills with vendors who spoke multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Russian, etc.
Day 3: Cultural and Political Insights
Day three was packed with academic sessions in the morning. Professor David Moser’s “Overview of Chinese Culture” offered a broad perspective on China’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. This was followed by his lecture on “Chinese Politics and Government”, which provided students with a deeper understanding of the political structures and governance in China.
In the afternoon, the group visited the Forbidden City (故宫), exploring the magnificence and historical significance of the imperial palace. This visit allowed the students to connect their academic knowledge with real-world history and culture. Until 1912, it served as the Imperial Palace and was renowned as an example of Chinese architecture and design. Students were fascinated by the intricate architecture and the historical anecdotes about the emperors and their concubines. They also found many gardens along the way and spent some time admiring the beautiful architectural features.
Day 4: Investment, History, and Bilateral Dialogue
The final day began with an informative session by Professor Timothy Bian on “China’s Investment along the Belt and Road: Progress and Prospects.” This lecture highlighted China’s ambitious global development strategy and its implications for international trade and investment. Following this, Professor Brent Haas delivered an “ Overview of Chinese History,” tracing the nation’s journey through millennia. This lecture set the stage for the afternoon’s dialogue with Mr. Luis Cabello, the Counsellor at the Commercial Offices of Peru Abroad (Oficinas Comerciales del Perú en el Exterior, OCEX ).
He discussed the office’s role in China and how they can serve as a contact for Peruvian companies entering the Chinese market. This dialogue was particularly valuable for the MBA students, as Mr. Cabello has more than 10 years of experience in Asia and provided a comparative analysis of opportunities between Western and Asian countries regarding trade with Peru, focusing on products with potential in the Chinese market. In total , they discussed the particularities, opportunities, and challenges Peruvian products face in China, providing students with a practical understanding of international relations and trade.
A Master Tour Guide:
Throughout the trip, Ivan, our dedicated tour guide, made every moment count by sharing his extensive knowledge of Chinese culture. He provided detailed information about each location, company operations, and the history behind the Hutong structures, enriching the students’ experience with his passion and expertise for history and Chinese culture. Students were impressed!
Summary: Fostering Cultural Exchange and Understanding.
This journey was much more than an academic excursion; it was an experience that bridged cultures, expanded horizons, and fostered mutual understanding. The students from ESAN University Peru left Beijing with enriched knowledge, unforgettable memories, and a deeper appreciation of Chinese culture and business practices.
Stay tuned for more updates and stories from The Beijing Center as we continue building bridges worldwide through education and cultural exchanges!
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).
Athanasius Kircher was a renowned Jesuit scholar of the 17th century, he was called the “Renaissance man” and is often described as an enigmatic intellectual, due to his wide range of interests in subjects like linguistics, geology, music, etc. He is also credited as the founder of Egyptology, although later on, most of his translations needed to be corrected.
Although I have already spent a couple months in Beijing, I know there was still much more to see and explore, so I spent the National Day break trying see as many new places in the city as I could. National Day is celebrated on October 1 every year, and it is a celebration of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
September continued to be an exciting month, and on the same week of the Mid-Autumn Festival I got the chance to visit one of the most visited attractions in the world- the Forbidden City. I went on a Saturday with a group of students from The Beijing Center.