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Managing a short international study trip: the case of China

Fengli Mu (Business School, China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing, China)
James Hatch (Ivey Business School, Western University, London, Canada)

International Journal of Educational Management

ISSN: 0951-354X

Article publication date: 20 September 2019

Issue publication date: 15 January 2020

207

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the major planning and implementation practices that should be followed in a short term international study trip (IST). The focus throughout is on how to utilize experiential learning to establish cultural competence.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper shows how to plan and manage an international MBA study trip to China using a specific case to illustrate the methods employed.

Findings

The use of a highly structured approach to an experiential learning exercise combined with a focus on key elements of cultural competencies creates a positive environment and leads to significant focused learning.

Originality/value

This paper fills three key gaps in the literature. First it uniquely focuses on the implementation of a conceptual framework that incorporates the types of cultural competency related learning that are to take place. Second, it illustrates how to design and implement an IST highlighting two key aspects of experiential learning: providing challenging experiences and encouraging reflection. Third, it focuses on a trip to China which, although one of the most popular destinations for business students, is lightly reviewed in the literature. This study fills a significant gap in the literature dealing with the management of short term study trips.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance of Songdai Zhu in an early version of this paper.

Citation

Mu, F. and Hatch, J. (2020), "Managing a short international study trip: the case of China", International Journal of Educational Management, Vol. 34 No. 2, pp. 386-396. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-06-2019-0204

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

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