![\"\"](\"https:\/\/biznews.fiu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/tn_SummerPalace-Group.jpg\" "\\"tn_SummerPalace")
<\/a>Rich itinerary creates rich experiences in Beijing and Shanghai.<\/em><\/p>\n As part of the business-focused agenda, students visited manufacturing and service-based companies as well as advertising and public relations agencies. The impressive list included Burson-Marsteller, Coca-Cola, Mercedes Benz, PR Newswire, Stanley Black & Decker, US Commercial Services, VanceInfo, Young & Rubicam and Wal-Mart.<\/p>\n \u201cThe visits to Burson-Marsteller and Young & Rubicam were trip highlights,\u201d said participating student Tyrone Grant. \u201cPeople talked about their own experiences in China and how they were able to bring their knowledge to the companies.\u201d<\/p>\n Cultural outings included the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace, Yu Garden, Zhujiajiao Water Town, a cooking class and, of course, the Great Wall.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Great Wall is something you cannot explain in words,\u201d Grant said. \u201cYou have to see it in person.\u201d<\/p>\n Marketing study abroad program gains momentum.<\/em><\/p>\n The program included three weeks of study and coursework before the students departed plus a week after their return.<\/p>\n Beristain notes the program is designed to offer students the opportunity to learn experientially how U.S. companies conduct business in foreign environments from a marketing perspective on three levels: academic, cultural and business.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the brainchild of Walfried Lassar, chair of the Marketing Department,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019ve given it my own personality and style, while following his strategic vision.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/a>