By Travis Woyner
Living in a foreign culture on the opposite side of the world may sound like a daunting venture to some, may represent an amazing
opportunity to the daydreamers of the world, and the self-proclaimed realists may simply disregard it as being nothing but an idealistic
fairytale.
Global students Matt and Travis
Personally,I found the prospect both imposing and exciting on a variety of levels. I think it only natural to experience some sort of
trepidation and nervousness when considering the abandonment of all that is familiar (or so it seems in the beginning!) to live in one
of the most unique cultures on the planet.
However, any hesitance I felt was far outweighed by the visceral excitement of living and learning in a place so far away I thought I
would never see, let alone live. These were the feelings the inevitably landed me in my current location: Shanghai, China. The
country I have come to see, albeit in my brief stay in Shanghai thus far, is best represente by a series of juxtapositions.
The most prominent and probably most striking relationship in my opinion has to be that of the old and the new.Shanghai was often
described to me as the most progressive city in China and at other times “the most exciting city in the world,” due to its continual strides
into modernization, yet upon arrival it immediately becomes evident that there is a long road ahead of this great city before it truly arrives
as a world leader in development and modernity.
However, I quickly came to the realization that some of Shanghai’s charm may be lost with that rapid progress as traditional China can
be found throughout this city and in some aspects I hope the road forward stretches just a bit longer.
The Chinese people and the ever-growing foreign population present here in Shanghai comprise the next eye-opening association. Prior
to this, I have never felt what it was to be an outsider, a true minority lost in a new place. I will admit that I did suffer from this affliction here
in China, but it only lasted about fifteen minutes! The interaction between the Chinese and the foreign folk is frequent and relatively easy to
be involved in. The occasional game of charades is required to get a point across, but there is a certain freeing of the spirit as you let your
guard down to interact in the most basic ways that truly transcend traditional communication.
Beyond the every-day of excitement of simply existing in China, participating in the Global MBA program here allows for an immersion into
an international classroom environment, which looks at business from a brand new perspective. As a class, the Chinese students are
welcoming, open, and enthusiastic creating an interactive, exciting atmosphere. Every session grants me a deeper, more thorough
understanding of business operations through the eyes of successful Chinese businessmen and women.
Essentially I must say that I am extremely happy with my decision to follow through with the Global MBA program and I feel that it is
both a privilege and a pleasure to be here in Shanghai, China.