Vicky Chen (pictured above, left) is currently completing her second year of a Bachelor of Commerce/Law at the University of New South Wales. In January this year Vicky travelled to America and participated on our Business in the USA program. Vicky tells us about her experience below.
*Why did you choose this AIM
Overseas course?
At nineteen years of age and as
a university student there were two things I wanted to do: study abroad and go
to the United States. Therefore when this opportunity to study, liaise with prominent
American businesses AND experience American culture during our Summer holiday
arose, I had to sign up.
One of the most appealing
features of the program is the opportunity to have a wide range of invaluable
experiences in a very short period of time. America has always been one of the
leading global economies and to be able to be taught by some of the leading
minds in the industry was an opportunity not to be missed. Also this was a
chance to get a taste of the different teaching styles before I dived headfirst into
a half-year exchange program beginning Semester 2 this year. I was definitely
attracted to the program by the prospects of watching college basketball, an
NBA game and ice hockey. These events make up the stereotypical American life
and I think I speak for most people when I say I wanted a legitimate excuse to
scream “Defence, Defence!” at the top of my lungs. Moreover I could not pass up
the opportunity to speak with managers and CEOs of major American businesses
because it is a great way to build an offshore business network.
*Tell me about a typical day at
Charlotte.
8:15AM
pickups! One of the first things you learn is that AIM Overseas’ programs are
not meant to be a stroll in the park. The price of being able to jump around
from place to place is a decent sleep in, so every morning most people will be
half awake on their way to the stop of the day. This may be a morning class or
an executive dialogue with a business manager. The hotel we stayed at was nice
enough to provide a complementary breakfast reception every morning, and this
gave us the opportunity to eat bagels to our hearts content and play around
with the DYI waffle machine.
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| The Crew |
In one day,
you will be at approximately three different places: the university campus for
class, a new business Uptown and a cultural event such as college basketball at
night. In between travels you can expect to be spending very little money on a
lot of food. Imagine paying $8.30 for an all you can eat lunch buffet! On the
rare occasion that you have some time at the hotel, it is always nice to hang
out with other people from the program. This includes hanging out in each
other’s room and playing indoor volley ball across the beds.
There is a
lot you can entertain yourself with outside of the program schedule including
catching a fifteen-minute taxi ride Uptown to experience the Charlotte
nightlife. This includes going to different clubs, restaurants and bars. One
great thing about the program is that the program assistants are UNCC students
so it is not at all unusual for them to take you to less known places (for
example a 24 hour patisserie and hookah bar) where you will have a blast.
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| Enjoying traditional Southern Cuisine at Merts Café |
*What was the highlight of the
program for you?
The sporting cultural activities:
college basketball, NBA and ice hockey were definitely the standout events. The
setting is almost exactly like that in the movies with cheerleaders, team
mascots and the notorious kiss cam! Having the opportunity to attend these
games meant we were able experience first hand the hype and competitive
atmosphere. This may sound a bit sadistic, but it was also very entertaining
watching ice hockey players collide every two seconds! One other thing you
cannot look past is the mechanical bull. Everyone jumps on feeling like they
are the kings and queens of the world; however when the bull rears its back end
it is almost impossible not to laugh and the riders’ expense.
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| The Kiss Cam |
*Do you have any funny travel
stories you’d like to share?
1. It would most definitely be unAustralian to not have
any Vegemite on Australia Day. Therefore on the day of Australia day in the
United States, one of the program participants coated his teeth and lips with
vegemite. If you do this, do not forget to brush your teeth straight afterwards!
2. Two other program assistants and myself had the
benefit of riding with the most amazing cab driver. Not only did he surf
millions of satellite radio stations to find one of our liking, he also played
the music louder so we could have a mini party before reaching the hotel. We
tipped him generously that night!
*Do you have some tips for someone
who's going on this course? (study advice? Tips about the best bars to go to?
Places to avoid? What to pack? etc.)
1. If you are going to a country with a time difference
of eight or more hours, I would highly recommend that you arrive at the
destination no less than one day before the program commences. This will ensure
you have enough time to recover from the jetlag and that you can stay awake
during the first couple of days. You do not want to fall asleep in front of
your new professors in your first class.
2. If you are going to America or any other country
where you expect to do a lot of shopping, pack VERY lightly! The shoes and
clothes you buy abroad are only cheap if you do not have to add the extra
shipping costs of airmailing your excess baggage back to Australia.
3. Vegemite is the cure for homesickness. Bring a tube
and buy cheese from the local supermarket to get that pure Australian
experience.
4. The US is very strict about imposing the drinking
age limitation (its 21 years in the US, not 18). Therefore if you are not 21 by
the time the program commences, research local “college bars”. These are bars
that allow under 21s to enter provided they are not to permitted to consume
alcohol. Also keep in mind some places such as bowling alleys and cinemas will
not allow you to enter after certain time if you are under 21.
5. Go to Yoforia! This is a frozen yoghurt franchise
that starts a party in your mouth each time you make a visit to the store.
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| Yum! Mozzarella and more mozzarella |
*How has this program impacted you
(personally and/or professionally)?
Participating in the “Doing
Business in the US” program has personally prepared me for my half year exchange
come July 2012 to the University of Connecticut. Initially I was home sick due
to being exposed to a new environment and culture. However after forming new
relationships and gaining a very basic understanding of the environment, I was
able to enjoy my time with equally clueless Australians!
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| Happy Australia Day! |
The program has boosted my
level of confidence for when liaising with prominent businessmen. I feel that I
understand what business employees and business Masters professors.
Professionally I have a much
deeper understanding of the interviewing process which is important when trying
to find a graduate position or at least a job in your area of study. I learnt greater business negotiation skills
and now I am warier of the way our global business operates and of the United
States prospective position in the economy. I hope to implement some of the
recommendations such as building a master career file.
*What would you say to somebody
who’s thinking of doing the program?
First of all, do it. An
opportunity that combines so many different experiences is difficult to find. It should not matter whether the course will
count as credit towards your degree or not. AIM Overseas programs provide
opportunities beyond normal regular exchange arrangement; for example paid for
and pre-organised sports!
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