Southeast Asia Study Abroad May 28 - June 23, 2013
A Message from the Office of the Dean
April 25, 2013
The Bauer College of Business believes that business is done in a global economy. We believe in teaching and learning best business practice whether in the U.S. or abroad. To this end, we offer courses where students can study about business practice in foreign countries. Some of these courses are offered as “Study Abroad” courses where students get to travel to a foreign country and get first-hand experience by visiting companies and talking to business leaders.
The typical process in coordinating these visits requires the college and the University of Houston Purchasing Office to handle different tasks in securing vendors (travel agents and travel experts) who help coordinate travel, boarding and lodging for our students in the foreign venue. Needless to say, we take the utmost care in ensuring that we follow due process in selecting vendors, through a competitive RFP process set by the University of Houston. Student safety and security is a primary concern, and we do not take this lightly. Once we work with the UH Purchasing Office to ensure compliance with the RFP process, we then obtain a reliable vendor, sign a contract with that vendor, and then inform students about the travel so they can purchase tickets for their trip.
For this particular trip, as of the date of the official closing of the bid, there was no official bid/vendor who would coordinate student travel and accommodation while they were visiting the country/ies. We are very sensitive to the concerns of our students. Dean Ramchand met Jonathan Garcia (SGA Class Senator) on April 22, and they had a very useful and friendly discussion of all the concerns. Dean Ramchand also met with all students impacted that afternoon. The college was able to work with the Purchasing Office to secure an approved vendor, and the trip will go on as scheduled.
Sincerely and with warm regards,
Latha Ramchand
Dean and Professor, Finance
C.T. Bauer College of Business
University of Houston
A Carnegie-designated Tier One research university
Join us in this distinctive program, as we travel to China, Hong Kong, and Vietnam.
This trip is designed to allow students to learn about economic, cultural, and political transformations in Southeast Asia. Students will see first-hand the different stage of development that characterizes the region.
The program is open to all University of Houston undergraduate students.
Top 10 Reasons:
- • Take credit courses outside of the conventional classroom.
- Fulfill up to two of your INTB courses, Area Studies in Asia, or other requirements.
- Participate in seminars led by seasoned scholars at City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology-Vietnam, and Harvard Vietnam Program.
- Facilitate academic discussion on global issues with college students in Southeast Asia, as well as managing an existing microfinance project in Malaysia and Vietnam.
- Interact with UH alumni who are now working in Southeast Asia as professors and global managers.
- Earn scholarship money specifically for your study abroad.
- Explore the Global Cities in Southeast Asia, including Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Ho Chi Minh City.
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City, Historic Centre of Macau, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and Ha Long Bay.
- Gained an ever-lasting experience through home stays in ethnic-minority villages and rural areas in which globalization has not reached.
- Acquire a first-hand understanding of the business, cultural, and political climates of three Southeast Asian countries.
What students have said about previous trips:
“Summer of 2011 I travelled to Southeast Asia, along with my fellow classmates, with the intent of experiencing different cultures and meet new people, but we were given the opportunity to do so much more. Through the Bauer Global Studies Microfinance Project, we are able to give others an opportunity to improve their economic condition and create a better life for themselves and their family. My personal goal to increase social awareness and give others the same opportunity I received, to be able to help others and not see distance as an obstacle.”
- Melissa L. Villegas, MIS Major (December 2012)
“After visiting Vietnam, I fell in love with the culture and the people. I really felt a need to get involved with the microfinance project so that when I am here in Houston I, along with my fellow classmates, can still be connected to Vietnam. How great is it to know that a small loan can make a huge difference? Instead of just charity, we are encouraging hard work and sustainable knowledge; this is an idea that is very appealing to me. One day I hope to go back to Vietnam and hopefully meet some of the people that the Bauer Microfinance Project has loaned to.”
- Shivanna Sharma, Management Major (May 2012)
Contact Us
Dr. Long S. Le
Faculty Coordinator
lle@bauer.uh.edu
Phone: (713) 743-1142
Tentative Itinerary
- China: Beijing, Shanghai, and Nanjing
- Hong Kong
- Macau
- Vietnam: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Da Lat, and Saigon
