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Thoughts, insights and reflections from three students who participated in the India Study Abroad Program in August 2007:

Yvette Badua Lessons Learned

“My visit to India made me look at globalization with much more insight. Not only from the business perspective but also from the perspective of the people and culture. India's strength was seen in its people and the determination to become a strong country. They have embraced globalization and outsourcing which is evident from their spill over to China for outsourcing. They have excelled in this area and will continue working toward being the up and coming country in the next 5 years.

This trip made me have a much broader perspective when dealing with the international aspects of any business. As a manager in a company, especially in this world of consolidation, having knowledge of other cultures and business ventures will always be an advantage in decision making and leading projects.”

Favorite Experience

“My favorite part of the trip was seeing capitalism in action in a simple neighborhood in India. There was a man who ironed clothes on one corner, another man walking a camel for tourists on another corner, and a man selling vegetables from his cart on another corner. It was understood that each of these businessmen sold only in their territories of the neighborhood.”

Wendy NelsonSightseeing Highlights

“In Bangalore we had a fabulous tour from, Arun, a profoundly knowledgeable tour guide. We had a morning tour, coffee, a spectacular lunch at a gorgeous hotel  overlooking the city, visited the legislative building with VIP treatment, shopped, and ended the great day with a special dinner for the staff at XIME.”

Lasting Impact

“When I read in my textbooks now about outsourcing and offshoring, I have a much better picture of the process and importance of it, rather than simply believing they are taking American jobs. In fact, my classmates are quite sick of me talking about India, because every time the topic heads towards globalization, outsourcing, or the growth of India, the professors ask me questions and I go on and on--I'm sure my class mates wish I would just shut up!

The trip most definitely met all my expectations and more. The learning experience was amazing, the sites spectacular, and the loving bond that all nine of us shared could not be broken by anyone.”

Markus Carter

Learning and Leisure Combined
“We met with companies that are global and are well underway with influencing the market.  We met with smaller companies that are innovating services and products.  At the same time, we were having lectures at XIME that helped educate us on the current issues, concerns, and challenges.

We saw the Taj Mahal, snake charmers, the klongs and floating markets of Thailand, beautiful architecture, a gigantic banyan tree, forts, palaces, white Bengal tigers, businesses from small to large, and we got to ride elephants and camels!”

Personal Impact

“The trip opened my eyes to globalization.  It helped me to understand that the market will open opportunities for those who have the entrepreneurial spirit.  Business will continually try to reduce costs and there is no safe harbor where one can rest on their laurels.  I actively engage in process improvement exercises; nonetheless, now there are more options for consideration to improve my department. 

As for career growth, I cannot just think locally.  I need to make sure that I keep up on my education and look for opportunities to reconsider my paradigm.  My company currently engages TATA from India.  Before the trip, I would have worked hard to find ways to keep my department from losing jobs.  Now, I see an evolution and possibilities to achieve efficiencies and cost reductions while looking to future for me and my staff as to how we can evolve as well.”

Cultural Challenges

“I have been in developing countries before, yet I was not quite prepared for my India experience.  I realized how much my lifestyle and culture is so different from India.  These differences ranged from conveniences to food.  While these differences were at times significant, you found yourself with wonderful people that are very worth knowing.”