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January 9, 2008 Bryant students travel abroad as part of the Sophomore International ExperienceTrips to Latin America, China, and Europe help students learn how businesses operate globally.As part of the 2008 Sophomore International Experience, 132 Bryant students are traveling to China, Latin America, and Europe in three groups to immerse themselves in different cultures. January 18, 2008 Traveling Abroad: ChinaThe SIE China trip arrived in Beijing on January 7. The next day the group of 27 students visited the Lenovo/IBM plant. The group will also tour Tiananmen Square, go on a corporate visit to AIG, and enjoy a bike ride and cave exploration in Yangshuo. The group will return on January 19. Here is what the students had to say... Before coming to China, I was convinced that I wanted to live and work in the United States my whole life. But after being here in China for just two weeks I think I have changed my mind. Through my experiences here, I have learned how prosperous it can be to live in this country not only economically but spiritually. I have seen the wonderful history of Beijing, the picturesque landscape of Yangshuo, and the bustling workers of Shanghai and I’m extremely impressed. I have also found it interesting listening to the local people in China and I plan to use all of the information they shared with us to better myself in the business world. Traveling to China has shown me how great it can be to live and work in another country besides the U.S. Kevin Naeger’10 (South Easton, MA)
One afternoon in Beijing we went to the Business College of Beijing Union University and got to interact with the students. It was a great experience to learn about another country’s culture and people. The three Chinese students that my group was paired with were Skywalker, Pete, and Aaron. They had a lot to say about the Chinese culture, especially their lives as students. After talking with the Chinese students I feel lucky to be an American college student, they had to put in so much class time and studying that they almost had no social life at all. The Chinese students were so motivated and intelligent. I had a lot of fun at the University and learned more from the students then I could have ever dreamt of knowing.
On our second day in China we saw things that were very interesting, such as Lenovo and the Great Wall of China. Both places intrigued and interested me in different ways, but were equally satisfying. Lenovo showed me the corporate mindset of modern Chinese, while the Great Wall gave me insight into Chinese ancient culture. These two places represented opposite ends of the spectrum of Chinese culture, and I thoroughly enjoyed them both.
This trip has been a fantastic experience. We all have expanded our horizons and cleared out misconceptions we had before coming to China. Beijing was an incredible city with an extensive history that emphasizes the precision and delicacy of the Chinese culture. The places we visited in Beijing were all amazing but it felt as we didn’t had the time to really embrace Beijing as a city. Guilin was completely different. We felt one with the city. There was more time to experience the culture and meet the people of Guilin, especially with the bike ride and the hike. Shangai is an amazing city and we are glad that we are able to walk around the heart of the city because our hotel has an excellent location. We wish we have more time to enjoy China. Two weeks is not enough for traveling through China, but we all have loved the experience of this trip – it has definitely impacted us.
Gabriella Sein ’10 (San Juan, Puerto Rico) We just arrived in our third city of the trip, Shanghai. Looking back and comparing, it is apparent that this is different to the other two locations that we have toured. When we first arrived in Beijing, our first city in China, we were welcomed by all the locals as we exited the plane. The people kept taking pictures of our group, and bargainers kept following us around. In Guilin, this was also the case. Shanghai so far has been not the same. The streets of this city compare with New York City and there is a lot of diversity. We have met other students from a university in Indiana traveling through China at a bar and have met multiple American businessmen in the elevators of our hotel. Shanghai is much cleaner than Beijing, and there are a lot of really nice high rise buildings that are all new and have the latest architecture. In Guilin, the street the hotel was on was very clean, but the surrounding area was full of poverty and what would be considered a shack in America. It is very interesting to see the vast differences in living conditions between the different cities in China, and comparing them to the living conditions that we are use to in America.
Although there are many differences, there are also many similarities. When speaking with the students from a university in Beijing we found that both the American and Chinese students had much in common such as music and weekend activities. Both sets of students strive for success and a better life than what is offered. When it comes down to it, people from America and people from China have similar wants and needs. Each of us is simply human who shares family values and desire for success.
I learned a lot about the Great Wall of China. I didn’t know too much about it to begin with. Turns out it started out as many little walls and in 221 BC when the emperor conquered all of the kingdoms in China, he ordered for the great wall to be built in order for his terrain to be protected from the minorities/Mongolians from the North. The great wall has look-out towers every 100 yards, which were used to communicate when invaders were coming. It is about 4,000 miles long, which is longer than the furthest two locations in America from East to West – for example Boston to San Francisco. To climb up the Great Wall of China, and just look at it, and realize that it was man-made and has stood for over 2000 years, is indescribable. Jose Batista ’10 (Providence, RI) January 14, 2008 Traveling Abroad: EuropeThe SIE Europe trip arrived in London on January 6. During their first few days there, the 54 students toured Stonehenge and Bath and visited the Houses of Parliament. The students will also see the musical Wicked, The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, tour the Jaguar S assembly plant at Castle Bromwich, and visit the Lloyd’s of London Insurance Market. On January 12, the group will depart for Paris where they will go to the Louvre Museum, take a Seine River Dinner cruise, and visit IGS International, one of France’s most dynamic private universities. The group will return on January 17. Here is what the students had to say… This is my first real travel experience. Before coming here I had never been on a plane. I had never even been out of New England. The plane wasn’t nearly as bad as I feared it would be, although the landing of our plane was a little rough due to the wind in London. Even travel in the city is interesting. I have gotten very used to using the London Underground to get everywhere. We have seen so many things from medieval castles to modern day car plants. London and the surrounding area seem to be so full of history and modern life living together. For example, the London Tower is a huge, beautiful castle surrounded on all sides by modern city. It’s a mix that you just do not find in America. All of this has been such an overwhelming, challenging experience, but something that has definitely helped me learn more about myself. Rebecca Brown ’10 (West Springfield, MA) My London experience is something I will never forget. Although I have traveled on my own before, this experience has been the most eye opening. I am old enough to appreciate all the different cultures and customs and compare it with my own. The mannerism of the British is very polite and considerate. From what I noticed, so many people in London are very passionate about the history that their city holds. Megha Choolani ’11 (Portland, ME) London has surpassed any and every expectation I had coming into the trip. I’ve made so many new friends and have had so many great times in such a short timeframe. The city is wonderful and people are genuine and friendly. I’ve learned so much from visiting Parliament, Warwick Castle, the Jaguar plant, and other sites that are overwhelming. London is a beautiful city and this experience has been extremely rewarding both academically and as an overall experience that is once in a lifetime. The faculty and staff have put a lot of time and effort to make things run smoothly. We met so many great people and enjoyed every minute. Chris Kinney ’11 (Lakeville, MA)
My favorite experience from London was our visit to the Apollo Theatre to see Wicked. The play itself was the best play I have ever seen. I loved the actors and their singing. I thought the play was so captivating because it takes a classic movie we all know, the Wizard of Oz. The play is very well produced, and the way it connects the pieces of the movie and the outcome are all unbelievable. You will never think of Oz the same. Tom Delmar ’11 (Mansfield, MA) My time in London, although exhausting, was educational, fun and quite possibly the best five days of my life. Not a second was wasted while in London as I was able to see more of London than I have of my own country. I visited numerous historical landmarks during my time in London: The Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the Parliament building, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, and Warwick Castle the rural part. The places I visited and the people I met enabled me to learn more about the British government, culture, and history. I learned a lot of different life lessons about myself while in London, like how to avoid trouble and be smart while traveling in a foreign country, and how to budget my time and money. Warren Jones ’10 (Barnstable, MA) Overall, this trip has been one of the most wonderful experiences for me. The time spent in London was truly fantastic. I was able to see some beautiful architecture, landscapes, and converse with the English people throughout the city. I loved exploring all of London’s amazing sights, and discovering the areas of the city one doesn’t get from guide books or traveling programs on the television. One of the most remarkable things I saw was the painted hall on our visit to the National Maritime Museum. The building itself was incredibly impressive, the artwork on the inside were absolutely beautiful. I am so glad that I was able to see the museum and the surrounding area, and stand on the line that marks the division of the Eastern and Western hemispheres. This has been such a rewarding experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. Cailin Rocco ’10 (Sandisfield, MA)
The SIE Europe has so far been nothing but wonderful. We have had a chance to see so many great things and experience so much already and we are only half way through the trip. My favorite visit so far has been our trip to the Parliament. The building itself is breathtaking, and one of my favorites in the city. It stands next to Big Ben and nearby to the London Eye, creating one of the most astonishing views I have ever seen. Our tour of the Parliament made me feel privileged. It is a massive and beautiful place where true history takes place. Jenna Poulin ’10 (Methuen, MA) My favorite organized tour was the Parliament building. It was an absolutely beautiful palace turned into a legislative building. We learned about Queen Victoria, and how she was only 4’ 11” – she always had a foot stool at her chair! We also learned about the House of Lords, the House of the Commons and their Monarchy. There was an extravagant amount of gold in the Queen’s quarters and in the Lords’ Chamber. The Commons Chamber did not have any gold because they represent the common people. After the Parliament visit, my friends and I went into Westminster Abbey across the street. It was a beautiful church that had extravagant and beautiful tombs of past monarchs, Sirs, and Dames. Another favorite stop was going to the King’s Cross and taking pictures of platform 9 ¾ from the Harry Potter’s series. They had half of a cart sticking out from the wall as if it was going through! Kelsey Roy ’10 (Merrimack, NH) The past week in London was an amazing experience. It is very easy to see why people fall in love with this city; London offers so many things to explore and learn about. Some special experiences come to mind as I think about the week. The trip to Lloyd’s of London was a wonderful time. It was so fascinating learning about the Lloyd’s investors. This includes members, syndicates as underwriters, and brokers who all work together. The most unusual policy was taken out on a pink waterskiing elephant! Michelle Thompson ’10 (Norwood , MA)
The most memorable experience during the trip to London was attending Lloyd’s of London. The building itself is remarkable, with the outer structures’ strange style and the glass interior. Also, the business was filled with history, including a dining hall that dates back to the company’s founding. I was overly impressed with how Lloyd’s of London was so modern and contemporary, yet historic. Christopher Auger ’10 (Essex Junction, VT) The Jaguar plant was interesting for me to see because I have grown up around cars and it was nice to see how they are made. When we first entered the factory, I was afraid to walk by the riveting machines because the sparks flew from them. Our tour guide said they wouldn’t hurt us. I was surprised at the number of people working at the plant because I did not realize it took that many buildings and people. Katelyn Allen ’11 (Londonderry, NH) The trips I have enjoyed the most were to Warwick Castle and the Marketing speaker, Dawn Kelly ’93, a fellow Bryant alumna. It was nice to see the countryside in Warwick. I really enjoyed Kelly’s talk because I’m a marketing major and it’s always nice to hear from successful Bryant alumni in our field. It also really opened my eyes to working internationally. I’d already planned on doing a semester abroad, but now I’m considering going abroad permanently. Nicole Breslin ’10 (Latham, NY) Over the past few days, many fun and comical stories have come to me. One particularly funny story took place during some free time that a group of us spent in Trafalgar Square. In the center of the square is the Nelson Column with four huge brass lions. Four of us decided to climb the lion to get pictures. Dan Holland ’10 (Tewksbury, MA) wasn’t quite high enough. He collided with the lion behind and was thrown back. The combination of the look on his face, the sound of him hitting the bronze and the laughs of local teens from adjacent lion were priceless. In the end, we all got up and down safely, and got some quality pictures! Garrett Staples ’10 (South Portland, ME) January 9, 2008 Traveling Abroad: Latin AmericaA group of 51 students in the SIE Latin American trip arrived in Panama on January 2. They had the chance to enjoy a train ride along the historic Panama Canal, take part in corporate visits to various companies, and explore Panama City. On January 6, the group flew to Quito, Ecuador. After a day touring the city and visiting the Panecillo, a lookout point over the city, the group departed for the Galapagos. Over the next few days, the group will visit the surrounding islands before returning to Quito to take part in corporate visits and explore the city. They will come back to Bryant on January 14.
So far, here is what the students thought of the experience… “Shortly after arriving to the Galapagos Islands, some of us ventured around the town and found a spot to swim that was surrounded by sea lions lounging in the sun on the rocks. It was amazing!” Megan Hardey ´10, Hingham MA “Life outside of Smithfield is great! I would have never known the wonders of the world without this experience. Traveling is vital for an A+ education.” Chris Walker ´08, Brooklyn NY This trip is an experience of a lifetime. I have wanted to visit the Galapagos Islands since I was 10. Nothing can replace the experiences this entire trip has provided. The people, places, and education is simply irreplaceable.” Brittany Petrino ´10, Litchfield NH
Unbelievable experience, each place is unforgettable, and the beauty of the Galapagos cannot be put into words. Kyle Riordan, ´10 (Luneburg, MA) “After about seven days, it is amazing what we have seen and accomplished. Granted, the pace and the schedule can be tiring and exhausting. However, over the last few days, it is interesting to observe the entire group interact, learn, and help each other as a team. As a faculty member, it is especially interesting to notice the various environments that students learn and gather information. It has also been a great opportunity for the faculty and staff chaperones to develop a closer relationship with the students. It has been fulfilling to see the same development with students as well. Kenneth J. Sousa, associate professor of CIS The SIE Europe trip arrived in London on January 6. During their first few days there, the 54 students toured Stonehenge and Bath and visited the Houses of Parliament. The students will also see the musical Wicked, The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, tour the Jaguar S assembly plant at Castle Bromwich, and visit the Lloyd’s of London Insurance Market. On January 12, the group will depart for Paris where they will go to the Louvre Museum, take a Seine River Dinner cruise, and visit IGS International, one of France’s most dynamic private universities. The group will return on January 18. To learn more, visit the Sophomore International Experience.
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