A group of Chinese MBA students have had the opportunity to experience a number of cultural delights as well as learning how UK businesses operate during a week-long visit to Warwick Business School.

As part of their Global Immersion Programme the 35 MBA students from Beijing’s Guanghua School of Management were given a series of lectures and taken to companies in and around the Warwickshire area with their trip culminating in group presentations at WBS London at The Shard.

Now in its third year, the week-long visit is designed to give the students an insight into the culture and business practices of the UK and Europe.

MBA Student Neil Chen said: “No doubt the Global Immersion Programme at WBS is the best programme I have ever joined, and I’m sure it will benefit me for my career and life.”

Fellow student Tracy Cheng added: “The arrangement put in place for our trip was very considerate in order to help us know the culture here and the difference between China and England in terms of business, as well as society in general.”

The Chinese students were given lectures on organisational behaviour, culture, and global business and the public realm before delivering a final presentation at WBS London.

MBA students acting as part of their creative workshop session
A fitting suitor: Guanghua MBA students acting out a scene from The Merchant of Venice as part of their creative workshop session

Away from the more conventional sessions, the students were also given a more hands on ‘active learning’ workshop by WBS Create to experience how students act out case studies and do role play at WBS.

A number of trips were also organised for the week-long programme, including visiting Bicester Village to see how its businesses and retail operate in the UK. The students also sampled some of the UK’s culture with a tour of The Bard’s home town of Stratford-upon-Avon and a chance to watch The Merchant of Venice at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre after dinner at its Rooftop restaurant plus a trip to Compton Verney, an art gallery based in a Georgian stately home spanning 120 acres.

More role play in the WBS Create session
Show me the money: More role-play in a WBS Create session, this time a big money deal

Ashley Roberts, Assistant Dean of WBS Create, said: “It was great to once again host the students from Guanghua School of Management. It is clear to see from all the positive feedback they found the trip beneficial and enjoyed the experience as much as we did.

“Creative and critical thinking is at the forefront of everything Warwick Business School does, and the students really emphasised how they got a flavour of the creativity involved in our sessions. On top of this, they have learned some valuable insights about the business environment and culture in the UK and Europe.

“Students noted that the lessons learned will inform their judgement in future business decision making and also in their lives more broadly.

“WBS and Guanghua School of Management share a vitally important relationship, one which is hugely beneficial for students at both institutions as they look to widen their understanding of the cultural differences and diversity involved in the global business world.

"This reciprocal arrangement has seen MBA students from both institutions visit the other as a key component of a course module related to international business and long may this continue.”