May 04, 2004 — How do you communicate many of the complexities of International Business to MBA students? You can choose the traditional style, in-classroom with textbooks, or you can give them an unforgettable intensive international experience-one that brings to life the dimensions of international enterprise, and the nuances of operating in a foreign market. With these goals in mind, the Global Business Program (GBP) at the David Eccles School of Business (DESB) has organized the GBP International Business Trip to Bangkok, Thailand May 9-18.

The trip’s itinerary involves business, cultural, and social events. Business visits are scheduled with Thai Oil, the Port of Laem Chabang, Chulalongkorn University (one of Asia’s premier MBA programs), GE Medical Systems and Bumrungrad Hospital (Asia’s “Mayo Clinic”). Students will also be given guided tours of the Royal Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew, Bang pa-In Royal Summer Palace, and Ayutthaya Historical Park.

This is a unique experience for students interested in international business. The trip will provide an opportunity for the twenty-seven participants to be involved in an international business experience, including pre-trip details, company and industry research, jet-lag, business etiquette in a foreign culture, communication challenges, and more. In preparation for the trip, this spring semester students researched the economic and business climate of Thailand, and focused on industries important to Thailand’s global commerce.

Through this activity, the Global Business Program hopes to enhance the overall understanding students have about international business, and at the same time, to open students’ minds to the myriad cultures throughout the world and how they impact business.

Past trips organized by the GBP have included diverse destinations such as Dublin, Ireland, Mexico City, Mexico and Amsterdam, The Netherlands. DESB undergraduates, MBA students, and alumni will all participate in this year’s trip.