Written by Julie Burdan
It’s almost been a week since we got back. While the jet lag is fading, the reality of what we accomplished is setting in. The GM 694 Global Practicum in Beijing was an amazing experience. In just three weeks, we made new friends at CUC, explored a new city, learned about Chinese culture, people and marketing communication practices and visited companies such as BOSCH, Publicis Beijing, Huayi Brothers and many more.
I can go on and on about what I’ve learned from the experience, but isn’t that what the final paper is for? Not to mention, each of us had a unique experience in Beijing. I can, however, share my favorite moment or two from the trip. One of the most memorable things I did was riding a toboggan down the mountain from the Great Wall of China. I highly recommend it, no matter how afraid the sign (Tobogganing is a simple, but dangerous sport) might make you. Another moment was listening to Raine Chow, GM of Publicis Beijing, speaking candidly about the reality of Chinese target audiences and the future of the market. Everything about this conversation made me happy to be part of the post 80′s.
What stood out the most during our trip to Beijing was the hospitality with which the Communication University of China students and faculty greeted Emerson College. They were so kind, accommodating, helpful and friendly. With their knowledge and expertise, they helped take our trip to a more personal level. Without our CUC friends, this trip would not have been what it was.
So with that said, thank you to everyone at CUC for welcoming Emerson College with open arms to Beijing. We appreciate all that you’ve done for us, from the welcoming ceremony to the seminars to showing us around and to haggling for us at the markets. All of us have learned so much from you. We all feel that we have truly made friends for life and can’t wait to reciprocate the hospitality.
And to future classes of GMCA, if you are lucky enough to have this opportunity in the coming years, I hope you seize it. GM 694 cannot be missed.
