As part of their end of the year presentations for the New Mind Program, three groups of international students gave presentations discussing the bridge between education and cultural immersion.
NME runs international educational programs for study abroad students. The organization was founded to help students and educational institutions quickly adapt and respond to the global landscape of today’s modern world.
The three presentations were judged by a panel of four people on the basis of communication, teamwork and overall appearance.
The winners, Will Tsang an junior in biology; Vincent Jiang an International Exchange Program student who is planning to matriculate into the physics department; Kern Zheng an IEP student planning to matriculate into the computer science department; and Peter Li an IEP student planning to matriculate into the mathematics department, discussed Chinese business ethics and how to enjoy a good dinner with a potential business partner. Taking home top honors meant $1,000 in prize money.
Their presentation informed the viewers of nuances about Chinese culture which may not be apparent to the layman and how to apply those cultural aspects to form a lasting business relationship over dinner.
First and foremost Chinese culture is well known for its humility, and therefore it is of the utmost importance that guests are respectful and humble. When planning a banquet, the group noted three things that are important to accomplish : building a relationship, being efficient and effective at getting a contract, and good budgeting.
Unlike American business meetings, Chinese meetings are particularly informal and are typically conducted in restaurants or out on other social venues such as a sauna.
The point of these arrangements are to get to know the person you may be partnering with in business on a more personal level, and understand their character beyond formalities. That being said, presenters pointed out it is quite all right drink plenty of wine at dinner, as it is a customary Chinese practice.
“If you can walk out straight on your own, you did not drink enough,” said Tsang. Other minor social nuances may also be a quite difficult to pick up. When toasting a guest, it is best to place one’s cup below that of the person who is the host as a sign of respect. It is also customary for the host to pay the bill.
If these rules are upheld, after 10 to 15 outings, one will acquire a lifelong business partnership with a prominent Chinese firm. However it may be costly, the group estimated you should allocate between $2,315 and $3,040. The second place presentation featured information about the Structural Building Company, which is located locally in Chapel Hill and other places around the world.
The company aspires to “create relationships with businesses in China,” according to the groups members. These relationships are in the areas of pharmaceutical manufacturing and construction companies. The only way to establish these kinds of partnerships is through employees who understand Chinese cultural practices.
The topic of the third place presentation was building a study abroad program at Shijiazhuang University of Post and Telecommunications. It featured details about the living arrangements, curriculum, trips to exciting areas and recreational activities featured in the program.
Organizers were happy with the second year of the Capstone Project. Bryce Roberts, program director for the New Mind Education Program, said , “the students amaze me with their ingenuity, innovation and dedication…I am really impressed.”
According to Roberts, the project’s members aspire to cultivate global talent and transnational entrepreneurship to solve world problems such as poverty, global warming and weak educational standards.
