"China is the world's largest start-up and turnaround. "
- James McGregor, author of "One Billion Customers"

"There are two India's in this country, one India is straining at the leash eager to spring forth and live up to all the adjectives the world has been recently showering upon us; the other India is the leash "
- Amitabh Bachchan, Bollywood celebrity and Entrepreneur

This study tour is organized and led by the Cal Poly Orfalea College of Business and offered through the Cal Poly Continuing Education Office. Participants travel to the People's Republic of China and/or India, to study the economies and some of the business practices of these two countries. The two and a-half week course ( tour) includes mandatory pre-departure and on-the-road meetings, readings, case studies and discussions. Participants study American, Asian and/or Indian business practices while visiting large cities. The tour is conducted in English and no prior international business or travel experience is required.

Students pursuing the MBA - Accelerated Option (Track One) or the accelerated Masters in Industrial and Technical Studies program must participate in this course (study tour) to successfully complete all degree requirements on schedule. This course (study tour) is specifically designed for those two accelerated programs and is a required course. Students following Track Two, the EMP or other Dual Degree program, or the non-accelerated Masters in Industrial and Technical Studies program (MS I & TS) are also eligible to include this course (study tour) in their program of study as an elective course; however, their enrollment in the course and trip is contingent and on an "if/as space is available" basis.

This study tour is intended to be a life-changing business and personal experience for participants. From the first cup of Oolong tea in the morning to the last bite of Peking Duck or Indian curry at night, participants will witness economic development and business practices in China and/or India first hand. Planned program activities include:

• Meeting with business and government officials
• Touring factories, multinational firms, port facilities and small family firms
• Interviewing managers and government officials
• Practicing negotiation skills
• Meeting with local students
• Experiencing local customs and business practices
• Exploring potential business opportunities
• Attending cultural events

By participating in this study tour participants will be able to better understand:

• The global environment that organizations operate in.
• Markets, consumers, and the global value and supply chain.
• The role of governmental policies and their influence on business because of their more significant roles in Asian economies.
• The various ways that Western and Asian companies operate in China and/or India.
• Differences between Asian and Western management styles and philosophies.
• Asian business practices.
• How China and/or India can be a part of their career and business portfolios.
• Some of the key differences between Asian and Western social and business cultures.

This two-and-a-half week tour is tentatively scheduled for mid-June through early July.

The cost for the June 2009 study tour is currently estimated at $5,400 and includes a round trip coach ticket, travel insurance, hotel accommodations, all scheduled meals, all scheduled transportation, tuition for the course, and cultural event admissions. Travel visa, incidentals, books, and domestic transportation to and from Los Angeles (or San Francisco) are not included in this price. This estimate is based upon our ability to arrange airfare at or below $2,000.

This study tour, scheduled outside the regular academic quarter, is offered through Cal Poly Continuing Education and is subject to a different fee schedule and registration method. Note that because this is a special session courses, it is unlikely that Cal Poly Financial Aid will cover the cost of the course and trip. Interested students should contact Cal Poly Financial Aid office for a final determination.