The Business Honors Program in Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics provides unique, cohort-based immersive experiences for high-achieving business Titans. Recently, the program’s director Atul Teckchandani and program counselor Samantha Lim led a group of business honors students on a two-week study tour through the Philippines and Thailand.
“The trip was linked with the students’ global business course requirement,” said Teckchandani, professor of management. “We discussed such topics as global competition, tariffs, currency fluctuations, and trade blocks and how they affect the abilities of companies to be successful. As such, an important goal of this trip was to allow the students to better understand what each destination offered and why companies set up offices and sell their products and services in markets beyond where they are based.”
In Manila, the students enjoyed a walking food tour through Chinatown, the oldest Chinese expatriate community in the world. In Bangkok, the floating markets and night markets were memorable experiences. They also visited the Grand Palace of Southeast Asia’s most notable monarchy and a coconut farm. The students took advantage of their free day to venture outside the city, visiting the beachfront town of Pattaya to relax and enjoy the water.
“This experience aligned with my academic and professional aspirations by providing firsthand insights into international economics and global business operations,” said Linette Medina, a CSUF student who is studying business analytics. “The trip allowed me to explore the economic landscapes of the Philippines and Thailand, deepening my understanding of how different markets function and adapt to global trends. Visiting various companies gave me the opportunity to observe international business practices, gaining valuable knowledge about how organizations operate across borders. These experiences have strengthened my analytical skills and broadened my global business perspective, both of which are essential as I pursue a career in business analytics.”
Through the Business Honors Program, students like Medina have opportunities to grow professionally, discover an interconnected global society and reach their fullest potential. For more on how to get involved in the program as a student or to give back as an alum, visit the Business Honors Program website. Read more articles in CSUF Business News.