Voices from Abroad

Global Exchange Program in China

by Richard Liao
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A semester exchange in CEIBS (China Europe International Business School) provides the best opportunity to assess how Chinese key decision-makers think and do things in the world of business.
MBA student Richard Liao blogs about studying abroad at the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS).
I am thrilled to be an ambassador for the Stern MBA and to have an opportunity to experience the fastest growing nation. While China has been a hot topic of conversation in the global community, I really want to get some hands-on experiences, a realistic interpretation of this rising phenomenon. A semester exchange in CEIBS (China Europe International Business School) provides the best opportunity to assess how Chinese key decision-makers think and do things in the world of business.
 
Richard Liao blogs while studying abroad in China at CEIBS

Close to 85 students came from all over the world – United States, Spain, London, Brazil, Japan and Canada – to study at CEIBS this semester. It is truly a global community.
 
Richard Liao blogs while studying abroad in China at CEIBS
Richard Liao blogs while studying abroad in China at CEIBS 3

On our first weekend, the school organized a trip to Nanxun, a small district in Zhejiang province, which is in close proximity to Shanghai. It is one of the most well-preserved old towns with rich cultural heritage.
 
Richard Liao blogs while studying abroad in China at CEIBS 4
Richard Liao blogs while studying abroad in China at CEIBS 5

The waterway intersects the town, and streets and houses are built alongside it. Boats are used as a primary source of transportation. The famous garden – little lotus garden – was part of the rich ancient house properties during the ancient China era. The town, due to its importance in commercial activities, is also known as “the land of fish and rice.”
 
Richard Liao blogs while studying abroad in China at CEIBS 6

Across from the Bund is the famous Pudong district called “Lu Jia Zui” – the first financial trading district established by the government in 1990. It is also the home of many foreign banks and insurance companies, and of course, a famous tourist site, where the view is spectacular both day and night.
 
Richard Liao blogs while studying abroad in China at CEIBS 7

During the national holiday, my friend and I travelled to Thailand and met one of the most famous local Thai boxers in the Lumpinee boxing stadium, where only the top competitors of Muay Thai compete. You do not want to go into the ring with this guy. Watching ultimate martial arts performance was a thrill.
 
Richard Liao blogs while studying abroad in China at CEIBS 8

At elephant village, I had an opportunity to feed a baby elephant. He can only eat peeled, yellow bananas whereas the adults can consume the whole rack of bananas. I was very careful to make sure the baby elephant could have a proper meal, even when fed by an inexperienced tourist like me.
 
Richard Liao blogs while studying abroad in China at CEIBS 9

The “walking street” in Pattaya City, is known for its combination of bars, seafood restaurants and local clubs. The neon lights turned darkness into a romantic, exotic setting where tourists and locals all mingle together. You can see why people from all different parts of the world come to Pattaya City, known as “Oriental Hawaii.”
 
Richard Liao blogs while studying abroad in China at CEIBS 10

There are so many things you can do here at Pattaya – water sports, relax on the beach, sight-seeing, etc. Tonight, we decided to do go-karting…
 
Richard Liao blogs while studying abroad in China at CEIBS 11

The view of the beach is just amazing. Pattaya City is located 154 km southeast of the capital city Bangkok, and the urban area is approximately 20 square km. However, it attracts more than 100 million people each year, which translates into an income of over $70 Billion Baht (roughly $2.3Billion USD) annually. Indeed, the natural scenery and pleasant weather have contributed to its success.
 
Richard Liao blogs while studying abroad in China at CEIBS 12
 
I'm thrilled about this adventure into Southeast Asian culture. Stern's MBA program provides this amazing opportunity for me to discover more about Asia, and it is definitely one of the most important highlights in my two years at Stern.