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What started out as a program meant to mainly learn Chinese business practices ended as an eye-opening and unforgettable experience. Brandon T. Adcock, a senior marketing major, recently returned from China with broadened horizons and a more culturally accepting outlook. “It was just an experience of a lifetime that I feel so privileged to have done,” he said. Adcock was one of 12 Appalachian State students selected for the William R. Holland Fellows for Business Study in Asia through the Walker College of Business. This was a joint program with Fudan University in Shanghai, one of the most prestigious universities in China. “It’s one of those programs, outside of the College of Business, that isn’t known that much,” Adcock said. Dr. Unal Boya, chairperson of the department of marketing, led the trip, along with Dr. Susan E. Anderson, an associate professor of accounting and coordinator Dawn B. Sheppard. During the spring semester, the group of 12 students attended class together for credit every Wednesday. “We learned Chinese, studied business etiquette in China and learned Chinese history and cultural differences,” Adcock said. A group of 12 students from Fudan University came to Appalachian in the beginning of April for about two weeks. They sat in on classes, visited local attractions and got to know their ASU counterparts. Together, the groups worked on a project, the core of the program. The topic of financial services was selected as this year’s industry. It was then broken down into insurance, banking and investments. Four Appalachian and Fudan students were split into groups representing each of those areas. “Then we had to give a 20 minute presentation to 75 or 80 people while we were in Shanghai,” Adcock said. The panel included Appalachian and Fudan professors and Chinese and American business persons. “There is a lot of work that goes into this program,” Adcock said. Not all work The students didn’t spend all their time in China working on the project. They left May 10 and flew into Beijing, where they spent several days mostly sightseeing. They visited the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square in Beijing. From Beijing, they took an overnight train to Shanghai, where they stayed for nearly two weeks. During the first week and half, the students toured businesses, including BaoSteel, the Shanghai Stock Exchange and Shanghai GM, all while working on their project. Culture Shock Chinese mannerisms and ways of life are much different than American culture. The Holland Fellows students experienced this first hand. Adcock explained that the Chinese stare and point without thought and have different manners. “They don’t mean to be disrespectful,” Adcock said, adding that they became instant celebrities, having to pose for pictures with complete strangers. “Most of the people we ran into had never seen a white person before,” Adcock said. “Especially someone like me, who is 6’3”.” In China, the American personal space rule is non existent. Adcock said it is normal for people to bump into each other and speak to each other very closely. “But again, they’re a country of about 1.4 billion, so you have to get used to that,” he said. “It’s different, but you get used to it.” Adcock recalls a disclaimer in the back seat of a taxi that read, “No schizophrinics or drunkards without guardians.” Another said, “No psychos with out guardians.” A hotel pool sign read, “No drunkards allowed.” Despite the huge language barrier, Adcock learned a fair amount of Chinese through the program. He picked up about 40 phrases. Words have different tones and people can say one word four different ways. “Learning or trying to speak Chinese goes such a long way, they really respect it,” Adcock said. “They know how tough it is.” Reminiscing It wasn’t the Great Wall of China, the powerful history of Tiananmen Square or the Chinese mannerisms, but Adcock found seeing a world completely different than the American way most pleasing. “Obviously, there are universal similarities between people, but it is so different that it changes you and makes you appreciate what you have, all the luxuries you take for granted,” Adcock said. He explained the simple example of a car. To get anywhere in the United States, for the most part, you need one. When the Fudan students stayed here, Adcock took them out driving because none of them had ever sat behind the wheel before. “They’re all grad students, so we’re talking 22, 23-year-old people who have never driven a car before,” Adcock said. “You grow up a lot and realize there is a whole world out there that you just don’t even think about,” Adcock said. “You shouldn’t limit yourself.” And so he won’t. Adcock plans on searching for jobs in Hong Kong for post-graduation. “It is architecturally and city-wise, one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been,” Adcock said, setting the Hawaiian-like scene of stunning high rises and a mountain back drop emerging from the picturesque blue ocean. “Hong Kong is nothing like any preconceived notion I had,” Adcock said. From the program, Adcock became more business savvy, but the relationships he created are most valuable. “We had a diverse group of students,” Adcock said. “It was nice to travel with them and get to know them. “The experiences that we went through, we will never have anywhere else and we’ll always have that special bond.” The group of ASU students especially developed close relationships with the Fudan students. Adcock plans to meet up with his group partner George in the future. “It’s definitely like our shirts say, ‘friends forever,’” Adcock said. “Even if I don’t go back and work in China, I have made 23 new and incredible friends. These are friendships that will last forever.” Special to The Appalachian Thursday, 16 June 2005 by ALISON FOSBENNER Staff Write |
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