Reflections on study at Peking University

My semester abroad studying in the Guanghua School of Management at Peking University has proven to be an integral step for both my educational and professional development for a future in international finance. Through this exchange program, I was able to take challenging courses including three MBA classes and an undergraduate class on international financial management. Our coursework was taught in English, and many of the students depended heavily on our assistance on class projects and presentations, which helped us form relationships with students from countries ranging from mainland China to Pakistan.

In addition to coursework, I also participated in two organizations: the Guanghua International Students' Association and the US-China Business Association. The friendships and connections I developed through these organizations helped me become better acquainted with Chinese language and culture, and will surely help carry forth my goal to one day work in China. As a student who has been actively involved in international organizations such as Model United Nations since high school, I never would have realized how much I still had to learn about China and the people, industries and culture that will carry this country through its globalization efforts over the next few decades.

I can confidently say that the Peking exchange program has both broadened my view on international business and the rising influence that China will play in the near future. For this, I am truly grateful to have spent this semester abroad, and would firmly recommend this program to anyone interested in enriching their exposure in the Far East.

Andrew J. Leciejewski, 6/22/07

As a student pursuing a career in finance, I found China's emerging market quite intriguing. Prior to studying at Peking University, I always entertained the possibility of a career in China, but this past semester at Peking has transformed this possibility into a certainty. In short, Peking University was truly an experience of a lifetime. Everything from the classroom, to the cultural experiences was enthralling.

At Peking, I was enrolled in all international MBA classes. This rigorous curriculum proved quite challenging, but through business-related essays, case analyses, and presentations, I made several positive strides in developing essential professional skills. Additionally, I toured the offices of Google and Lenova, which provided a more comprehensive professional development experience.

Out of the classroom, I allocated much of my time to practicing my Mandarin and immersing myself in the culture. I tried several different styles of Chinese food and also frequently sampled meat on a stick and various assortments of fruit sold by street vendors. Most of the time I tried to live, act, and eat like a local. With this said, after four months I can proudly say I perfected the use of chopsticks, which was once a task that seemed quite daunting.

In terms of tourist attractions, I made sure to visit all of the popular spots including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the celebrated Silk Street Market where I honed my bargaining skills. Furthermore, I traveled to southern China with some friends, visiting Guilin, Yangshou, Bei Hai, Haikou, and Sanya -- known as the Hawaii of China. This was all accomplished by overnight trains and buses, so I felt like a real traveler.

Culture, language, and attractions aside, I built many great friendships and have experiences that I will never forget. Spending a semester at Peking University was a tremendous opportunity, for which I am very grateful to have been selected. It encompassed everything a study abroad program should have, and more. For any student interested in business, I would strongly urge them to study at Peking University, as I am already trying to plan my next trip.

Christopher Kodatsky, 6/23/07

My experience in China has been a rewarding one. I was able to improve my Chinese language skills, but more importantly I experienced the culture first-hand. There is an abundant difference between reading about a culture and actually being involved in it.

Studying in a different school gave me a new and exciting outlook on other students from around the world. The experiences are exponentially better than just learning about it. Unforgettable unforgettable experiences include traveling around southern China on May Holiday and visiting the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and other amazing sites. I was able to meet people that I would have never had the chance to meet if I didn't spend a semester abroad. Through these new relationships, I have made friendships and business contacts. I will never forget my time in Beijing; it has been one of the best experiences of my life.

The trip did come with challenges though, one of which was participating in MBA courses, of which I took several at Peking University. The structure of the MBA course, mostly, was to read a case study and analyze it the next day in class with a presentation. I have had no previous experience in analyzing case studies, while all the other students had work experience and actually knew the business world. It was hard, but by the end of the semester, I and the other Miami students were the lead presenters in the class.

Matthew Sieber, 6/23/07

Content maintained by External Relations