During the winter break of the 2023-2024 academic year, the Economics Department of Shenzhen MSU-BIT University collaborated with the German International School of Management and Macquarie University in Australia to host the first "Global Business Study Program" in Germany and Australia. Nearly 60 students from the 2021 cohort, along with some from the 2022 cohort, participated in the two-week study tour, which was divided into two parts: theoretical courses and corporate practices. The event received significant attention from various parties, including members of the German Bundestag, the Chairman of the German-Chinese Parliamentary Committee, and the former German Minister of the Interior. After meeting with the delegation, they emphasized the importance of this study tour on social media. Through two weeks of study and practice, the students not only gained knowledge and broadened their horizons but also improved their cross-cultural communication skills, providing positive direction for their future studies and career planning.
Mr. Friedrich, Chairman of the German-Chinese Parliamentary Committee, delivered a report to the students
International Economics and Trade students took a group photo with professors after visiting Macquarie University in Australia
Study Tour 1: 2021 International Economics and Trade Students' Exchange Program to Germany
According to the academic training plan, the Economics Department organized a 15-day exchange program for 28 students at the German International School of Management. The study tour included course lectures, corporate visits, and cultural exchanges, focusing on comprehensive training in scientific education, innovative practice, and cultural enrichment. This program provided students with diverse and high-quality learning resources and platforms.
Theoretical classes were held primarily in Berlin, the capital of Germany. Professors Florian Böckling and others from the German International School of Management lectured on topics such as "Cultural and Economic Differences between China and Germany," "Opportunities and Challenges of German Economic Development," "Challenges of Dynamic Decision-Making in New Market Environments," and "Marketing Details of European Overseas Companies." Over five days, the professors provided a comprehensive, multi-dimensional analysis of Germany's economic challenges and perspectives in the current competitive environment. Students engaged in active discussions with the professors, drawing on their understanding of Chinese enterprises and international trade.
Following the courses, students visited the Technical University of Berlin, where Professor Meng Fanchen, the Chinese Director of the Economics Department at Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, introduced the history of the university, guiding students through its campus culture and rich research background. The tour offered students an international academic atmosphere, exposing them to different cultural perspectives and thinking styles, which inspired their innovation and critical thinking and broadened their academic horizons.
Corporate practice was also an essential part of this study tour. The delegation visited several internationally renowned companies, including Volkswagen Group, Airbus, and the Berlin Adlershof Technology Park. Students gained insights into the operational models, corporate cultures, technological innovations, and global market competition from various industries. They also interacted with employees to discuss topics of interest.
Notably, the study group attended a press conference by the German Federal Government, where students discussed German policies, culture, and development with representatives.
Led by Professor Meng Fanchen and Professor Kaiser Gunther, the group met with Hans Peter Friedrich, a current member of the German Bundestag and Chairman of the German-Chinese Parliamentary Committee. Friedrich, who served as the Federal Minister of the Interior from 2011 to 2013 and as Vice President of the German Bundestag from 2017 to 2021, emphasized the significance of the visit.
On February 4, all members of the delegation participated in the closing ceremony. Professor Koursovitis, Dean of the German International School of Management, and Liu Guosheng, President of the Sino-German Exchange Association, delivered speeches and awarded completion certificates to the students. The Sino-German Exchange Association also presented special contribution awards to six students for their outstanding performance during the program.
During the ceremony, the delegation also had a conversation with Peter Kreutzberger, the former Consul General of Germany in China.
Study Tour 2: 2021 International Economics and Trade Students' Exchange Program to Australia
To further expand the international vision of the university's students and improve their comprehensive qualities, the Economics Department organized an exchange study tour to Macquarie University in Australia. The delegation, consisting of 32 teachers and students, participated in a 15-day program that included language enhancement, course training, professional lectures, corporate visits, cultural experiences, and campus culture exchanges.
On January 22, the delegation began a four-day course at Macquarie University, covering international business, corporate management, and the digital economy. The students engaged in in-depth discussions with professors, gaining valuable theoretical knowledge in international economics and trade.
After the course, the delegation visited three companies to explore various corporate cultures and business models. Through the combination of theoretical teaching and corporate visits, students gained a deep understanding of the differences between Chinese and Australian enterprises, enriching their understanding of international business operations and broadening their professional perspectives.
Since its establishment, the Economics Department has adhered to the vision of "Integrating East and West, Moving Forward Together," aiming to cultivate economic management leaders with a strong sense of responsibility, serving economic openness and cooperation, promoting social innovation and sustainable development, and supporting the country's international cooperation and social progress. The International Economics and Trade program is committed to developing innovative leaders with solid professional competence, systematic analytical skills, cross-cultural abilities, and a strong sense of social responsibility, reflecting an international talent training system and a model for cultivating interdisciplinary innovative talents.
The "Global Business Study Program" is an important module in the international training plan for the International Economics and Trade major and a compulsory course for students in this field. The primary goal is to help students understand the global economic and market environment through overseas academic activities and corporate visits. By combining their knowledge and methods with real-world international economic challenges, students enhance their ability to apply theoretical analysis to practical problems. Additionally, by engaging in exchanges and discussions with overseas enterprises, university professors and students, and related research institutions, students strengthen their cross-cultural skills.
Impressions from the Germany Study Tour
Tao Wenjian: During the study tour in Germany, I attended courses led by local professors, discussing topics from German history to European integration and Sino-German relations in the new era. I also explored the global situation from a German perspective. In terms of culture, I experienced German life, visited historical buildings and museums, and felt the deep historical and cultural heritage. This valuable experience allowed me to understand economic, cultural, and political life in a cross-cultural context.
Yin Qiushuang: Through this study tour in Germany, we experienced the charm of German culture firsthand. The professors focused on cultivating our ability to think critically and discover problems, encouraging active participation in discussions. At the Airbus factory and Volkswagen City, we learned about factory operations and Germany's distinctive education system. In Potsdam and Dresden, we witnessed the fusion of Germany's long-standing cultural and artistic traditions with industrial technology. These two weeks of study and exchange deepened my understanding of my major and broadened my horizons.
Impressions from the Australia Study Tour
Gao Qingyi**: On the first day, we visited the Fujian General Chamber of Commerce and listened to Chairman Lin’s insights and life experiences. His advice on seizing every opportunity in life was truly inspiring. On the second day, we visited the headquarters of Fengyatang Group, Australia's largest cross-border e-commerce platform. This visit provided us with knowledge beyond what we learn in textbooks and pointed me in the right direction for my future development. On the last day, we toured Fuyao Glass's overseas branch, visiting warehouses and storage areas to learn about Australia's manufacturing industry. These three days of company visits and exchanges greatly enriched my personal development and career planning.
Chen Jieren: I am very grateful to the university for organizing this exchange study tour to Australia. We cherish this rare opportunity. The company visits, particularly to the headquarters of Fengyatang Group, left a lasting impression on me. During the Q&A session, front-line professionals answered our questions, and as students of international economics and trade, we gained knowledge that is not found in textbooks.
