ECU business students spend spring break studying in Peru and France
East Carolina University College of Business (COB) students spent spring break in Peru and France as part of two faculty-led immersive trips. Each trip is the highlight of a semester-long course where 30% of the grade is based on activities, assignments and citizenship behavior during the study abroad trip.
“Travel experiences are an extension of the classroom and help our students better understand all elements of the business world,” said COB Dean Mike Harris. “These trips provide valuable professional development opportunities that expand our students’ networks and enhance their overall educational experience.”
Adventures in Peru
A mix of 10 undergraduate and graduate students went to Peru with Drs. Leah Grubb and Tope Bello and focused on international business practices. The group began the trip on the wild side, venturing to Paracas to observe wildlife including sea lions and penguins. Later that day in Ica, students rode dune buggies through the desert and spent time at the Huacachina Oasis.
In Lima, the students met with U.S. Embassy representatives from the U.S. Commercial Service, who provided insight into Peru-U.S. relationships across the public and private sectors. A tour of the city followed the meeting.
The group spent time at Universidad Esan where students networked with Peruvian students and learned about regional development projects and campus resources. They also learned about Peru’s military history by visiting the Real Felipe fortress.
On their final day, students visited Maria Almenara, a local bakery and coffee shop. The owners shared their operational model, strategies for partnering with other coffee shops and their growth vision.
ECU business students met with representatives at the U.S. Embassy in Lima, Peru. (Contributed photo)
Jaliyah Armstrong, a graduate student pursuing her MBA, was one of the student attendees. Armstrong had gone on previous COB spring break trips to Chile and Italy.
“I have a deep appreciation for Latin American cultures and aspire to travel throughout South America,” she said. “When I saw the opportunity to visit Peru, it immediately aligned with my interests. Additionally, I am working on improving my Spanish, and this trip provided a great opportunity to immerse myself in the language.”
Armstrong said the dune buggy trip was an unexpected adventure that was one of the trip’s highlights. She was able to practice her Spanish and returned to the U.S. with added confidence.
“I realized that my Spanish skills were stronger than I had initially thought, which boosted my confidence in using the language in real-world settings,” she said. “This experience also strengthens my confidence in traveling internationally, which aligns with my long-term goal of working in a global business environment.”
Forming French Connections
The students who visited France spent time in two vastly different places: the historical architecture and vineyards of Tours along with the bright lights and modern feel of Paris.
While in Tours for two days, ECU students interacted with Université de Tours business students. They took a tour of the city, visited the Cathédrale St. Gatien and then went to a winery that offered insight into management and French wine production.
ECU business students visited the Cathédrale St. Gatien while in Tours, France. (Contributed photo)
Sarah Ayala, a graduate student in her final semester of an MBA, was drawn to the trip because of an interest in French culture that began at her high school French club. She said she enjoyed seeing Paris’ beauty as well as making personal connections in Tours.
“I really enjoyed socializing with the students from the University of Tours,” she said. “The trip reinforced the importance of cultural awareness that will be essential in my future career. Understanding different perspectives and adapting to new environments are critical skills in human resources.”
After arriving in Paris, they visited with fashion entrepreneurs, particularly those blending fashion and technology such as artificial intelligence. Students had leisure time to explore both cities on their own and visited landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
For Kate Upshaw, the trip was her third after previously studying in Prague, the Czech Republic, and the British Isles. Upshaw is in her final semester of pursuing her MBA with a health care management concentration and said she was drawn to the trip because of her interest in global business and health care, and her love for travel.
“The opportunity to visit a fashion tech startup and meet with CEOs in Paris made this experience especially unique,” she said. “This experience expanded my understanding of international business, innovation and leadership while allowing me to network with global professionals.”
Ayala noted a big difference in culture between France and the United States.
“I was surprised about how different the daily pace of life is in France,” she said. “We were able to meet the French students and compare cultures. One thing they mentioned is that the French take more time to enjoy meals and socialize. They take time to truly appreciate their surroundings.”