Smith Experience Abroad: 2011-12

China Business Plan Competition

Fall term one-credit BUSI758C and Winter term two-credits BUSI (TBD)

Cities Beijing
Faculty Dr. Bob Baum and Asher Epstein
Dates Abroad Depart US on January 2, 2012 (Arrive in Beijing, China on January 3, 2012)
Depart Beijing, China January 10, 2012 (Arrive in US January 10, 2012)
Mandatory BUSI758C pre-departure meetings Thursday 9/15, Thursday 10/27, Thursday 11/10 and Thursday, 12/15 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in VMH 2505
How to Register Register on Testudo for fall BUSI758C section 0101 (full-time) or BA01 (part-time) at the same time as your other fall courses. You will automatically be registered for the associated two-credit course abroad.

Experience China, one of the world's fastest growing economies with fellow students, Smith School faculty and Dingman Center Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, and compete for $10,000 in cash prizes at the 7th Annual China Business Plan Competition.

2011 Dingman Center China
Business Plan Competition

Entrepreneurial Skills

  • Gain exposure to and interact with local early-stage firms and entrepreneurs
  • Develop a business idea that involves China and present it to expert judges for feedback

International Experiences

  • Compete against top Chinese MBA students in the 7th Annual China Business Plan Competition for a chance to win cash prizes
  • Learn about Chinese history and culture through sightseeing tours and company visits

Student Testimonials

“The Dingman Center organized an amazing trip for MBA students to learn about the depth, scope, and scale of China's economic development. The Center leveraged its incredible network/connections and arranged meetings with entrepreneurs, organized trips to explore China's history and witness the country's strengths and weaknesses.” - Pradeep Suthram, MBA ’12

“We were able to grasp what it’s like to do business in China. The competition was a great opportunity to create a business idea and share it with experienced entrepreneurs and investors for feedback. We got to practice our pitches in a competition setting and even win some money! It was great seeing the ideas coming from the Chinese students and being able to establish good contacts and friendships with students from Beida and UIBE in Beijing.” - Julie Mullins, MBA ’12

Note:
The program fee will be $2,000 and covers the hotel, ground transportation, sightseeing and most meals. There is an additional $250 study abroad fee which goes directly to the campus office to maintain the emergency plan.
There is a $500 penalty if you drop the course after October 31st.
Please do not purchase any airline tickets until enrollment for the class is confirmed through Blackboard, around September 15th. Students are advised by UMD Education Abroad to purchase refundable airline tickets.
Program fee is $3000 plus three credits tuition (total for BUSI788 and BUSI798), which includes shared hotel room, local transportation to company visits and required cultural activities, any tickets or fees for required cultural activities, 1-2 group meals, and professor and partner fees. There is an additional $250 study abroad fee which goes directly to the campus office to maintain the emergency plan.