Overview
The 2020 University of Hawaii Asian Field Study (AFS) is designed for students interested in expanding their business careers into the dynamic Asia-Pacific region. It consists of preparatory classes and an onsite trip to Seoul, Taipei, Hanoi and Bangkok (subject to change). Students will enroll in the 6-credit full version (BUS 477 or BUS 677).
The course may count toward one or two of the following: International Business (IB) elective, IB major elective, entrepreneurship major elective, upper division elective, or management elective for BBA students, entrepreneurship certificate for graduate students, and PAMI international management certificate (consult with your academic advisor for applicability).
Below is a summary of the planned program offering. Note that the dates, focus, and content are subject to change.
Online Application
- The 2020 Application deadline: March 23, 2020
- Have your passport on hand when filling in the application. If you don't have a valid passport, apply for one immediately.
- Online application - due by March 23, 2020.
Geographic Focus
While the overall Asia-Pacific region will be covered, in 2020 emphasis will be given to Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, China and Japan
Tentative In-Class Schedule
All classes will be held face-to-face at Shidler.
| Session | Date | Day | Topic | Pre-Reading Assignment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 26 | Tues 6 - 9 pm |
1) Asian Corporate Analysis: An Equity Approach 2) Country Analysis Methods: Economy, trade policy, comparative advantage and sovereign risk 3) Japan Export Model |
Lecture Notes, case studies and pre-lecture material/readings |
| 2 & 3 | May 30 | Sat 9am - 4pm |
1) Asian Corporate, Marketing and Country Analysis Cases, 2) Guest Speakers covering Economies and Industries throughout Asia |
Case Study and Guest speaker pre-lecture material/readings |
| 4 | June 2 | Tues 6 - 9 pm |
1) Asian Foreign Exchange Markets and Risk Hedging and 2) Short student equity pitches | Lecture Notes, Due: Individual Corporate Equity Analysis and Pitch |
| 5 | June 9 | Tues 6 - 9 pm |
1) Identifying new venture businesses in Asia, 2) Asian business management case |
Lecture Notes and Case Study |
| 6 | June 16 | Tues 6 - 9 pm |
1) Asian Commercial real estate with case study 2) Pre-trip preparation and planning discussions |
Lecture Notes and Case Study |
| 7 | June 20 | Sat 9am - 4pm |
Student Group Country Analysis Presentations | Due: Group Country Presentation PowerPoint and Summary Write-up |
| 8 & 9 | June 23 | Tues 6 - 9pm |
1) Guest Speakers covering Economies and Industries throughout Asia, 2) Student presentations providing pre-trip information on companies and institutions to be visited, 3) Quiz | Due: Individual Write-up and short presentation covering site visit Industry and Company Guest speaker pre-lecture material/readings |
| 10 | July 22 | Wed 6 - 9 pm |
1) Class discussion on overall Trip Takeaways: countries, companies, industries, trends and opportunities | |
| 11 & 12 | July 25 | Sat 9am - 4pm |
1) Individual Student Research Project Presentations, 2) Quiz | Due: Individual Presentation PowerPoint and Summary Write-up |
Onsite Trip (tentative 2020 Schedule)
- Depart Honolulu – June 26 (Friday)
- Seoul – June 27 to July 2
- Taipei – July 3-7
- Hanoi – July 8-12
- Bangkok – July 13-17
- Return to Honolulu – July 17 (Friday)
Cost
The estimated program registration fee $5,800, which includes airfare originating from Honolulu (Neighbor island or other origin is extra); ground, lodging based on double occupancy and breakfast while onsite in Asia. Other meals and incidentals are excluded. Trip cost excludes tuition. Participating students must also register for courses through the UH Outreach College (BUS 477 or BUS 677 for the 6-credit version) and pay the applicable credit hours.
Scholarships
9-14 Scholarships covering between $1,500 and $5,000 have been generously donated from the following sources. Complete the applicable questions in the online application to be eligible for these scholarships.
- Freeman Foundation
- Ralph S. Inouye Co., Ltd.
- David T. Pietsch
- Ulrike and Toufiq Siddiqi
Program Objectives
The objective of the Asian Field Study program is to prepare students for business careers and the pursuit of venture opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. This is accomplished by studying key regional market trends, industries and corporations, improving language skills, learning management strategies and adapting to unique cultures and business practices.
The program exposes students to diverse and relevant Asian business environments, utilizing academic theory, financial analysis, case studies and business models as a framework for real-world experiences, consisting of site visits, Q&A sessions with business executives and direct in-country research. Diversity is emphasized by mixing economies at varying stages of development, as well as specific site visits from a variety of industries and firm types. Emphasis is given to industries with synergies to the Hawaii economy such as tourism, healthcare, real estate/construction, financial services, entertainment, transportation, and internet commerce.
Target Participants and Prerequisites
The size of the group has been targeted at 20-25 students. The 2020 AFS is expected to be comprised of EMBA, MBA, BBA, and non-business majors. Selection will be based on criteria contained in the application and meeting the following prerequisites:
- UHM BBA and MBA Students (priority given to those with 1st-year business core completed)
- UH System-wide undergraduate and graduate students from any discipline (priority is given to those with 1st-year major core completed)
- Overall 3.0 GPA, major 3.0 GPA
- Medical clearance to travel abroad
- Successful completion of the preparatory pre-trip course in order to participate in the onsite trip
Timeframes
- Application Due Date (March 23, 2020)
- Acceptance Notification (March 30, 2020)
- Payment Due and Passports Collected (by April 13, 2020)