McCombs TODAY

Texas Executive Education hosted a group of Chinese Executive MBA students from Renmin University Sept. 7-11 for “Leading in a Global Environment,” a program created specifically for them in partnership with Renmin.

The students were presidents, chairmen, managers and senior officials of Chinese companies representing industries including furniture construction, technology and advertising.

“We really value this new partnership with Renmin University in China,” said Chantal Delys, assistant dean of executive education. “These international programs create bridges between countries and cultures. We stop seeing each other as competitors and instead, we create relationships where we become global suppliers and customers, and trade partners.”

During their stay, the students attended a Round Rock Express baseball game (photo, above) and a Texas-style barbecue in the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center, and went on various trips around Austin to enhance their classroom instruction.

A translator facilitated communication with faculty, and Chinese-speaking McCombs MBA students stepped in for all other events, making it possible for cultural-appreciation to go both ways.

“We wanted to give them a rich educational experience with learning opportunities not only in the classroom, but also in company visits, conversations with corporate speakers and cultural activities,” said Delys.