Loyola Marymount University students can fuel their interests in the history, culture and practices of Asia and Asian institutions, businesses and experiences, in a new class, INBA 298 “Special Studies: International Business Studies.” Earlier this year, nineteen freshmen and sophomore students explored and experienced Asian societies as a means of expanding cultural awareness — particularly how Asian countries relate to and influence global markets.

In May, the Center for Asian Business offered an introductory course and study abroad program: on the history, culture, and politics of Eastern Asia — Japan, South Korea, and China — for first- and second-year business students, though it was open to all students. “Exploring Asian Culture” is a three-credit course that utilizes the worldwide network of Jesuit universities. The first week, 30 hours of classroom hours, was held at LMU, followed by a week at Sogang University, a sister Jesuit university in Seoul, South Korea, with lectures and site visits to cultural and historic sties. The third week, students went to the Jesuit Beijing Center in Beijing, which included more lectures and site visits.

“My impressions of Asia shifted significantly after experiencing the culture” said Patrick Hinds, a business student who just completed his freshman year.  “One thing I did not realize was the fact that South Korea and China had two very distinct cultures. I always had the preconception that all of the Asian countries were almost identical in culture.  I could not have been more wrong.”

The program acquaints students with Asian cultures as a basis for the communication and understanding so necessary in today’s global business world. In South Korea, students visit industrial sites, such as the world's largest shipyard, one of the world's largest iron and steel mills, plus a visit to the Peace Village separating North and South Korea, as the Korean peninsula is the only divided nation left in the world with thousands of armed forces on each side; there are 35,000 U.S. forces in South Korea. At the Beijing Center they received 12 hours of lectures, and visited the Great Wall of China, the Imperial Palace, the Summer Palace, the Jesuit Observatory of the 16th century and Ricci's tomb.

“I had barely any knowledge concerning Korea and China previous to this course, and visiting any Asian country was far from my mind,” said CBA freshman Kimberly Nicholson.  “Asia seemed so distant to my goals and aspirations, but the trip made globalization more real, rather than something I had only read about in textbooks.”

Currently, the class allows up to 20 students to enroll.  Housing, tours of cultural monuments and most meals are included in the tuition.  Students are responsible for air fare and other expenses.

For registration information on this enriching course, please contact Marki Hackett at mhackett@lmu.edu.