BYU Students Share Experiences From Exchange Program Jeffrey Harmon studied at the Fundação Getulio Vargas in Brazil.
BYU students have had the opportunity to learn and study around the world this past year. Here's a look at what three of them have been doing.
Mark Bendall
Location: Xi'an International Studies University, China
Major: Business Management, Finance emphasis
Age: 23
Hometown: Potomac, Maryland
What have you learned from your exchange?
This program has been the highlight of my college experience. My education at Brigham Young University has been top-notch, but I feel that in today's global marketplace, a business education may not be fully complete without an experience studying or working abroad.
Are the costs manageable?
Managing my finances in China has not been a problem. I received a $2,000 scholarship from the Whitmore Global Management Center, and living in China is relatively inexpensive compared to living in the United States.
What skills have you gained?
Learning to communicate more effectively in Chinese has opened a world of opportunity for me. And the international business skills I've gained are invaluable to my future career in global management. Not to mention the countless life lessons I've learned outside of the classroom.
What advice do you have for future exchange students?
Just do it. This may be your only opportunity as an undergraduate student to study business, language, and culture at a great foreign university. Take advantage of the opportunity while you have it.
Jeffrey Harmon
Location: Fundação Getulio Vargas, Brazil
Major: Business Management, Marketing emphasis
Age: 26
Hometown: Central Point, Oregon
What have you learned from your exchange?
Studying in Brazil completely changed the way I look at the world; I never appreciated all the international business opportunities available in emerging markets. But working with professors at FGV allowed me to understand what's available and how I can get involved in international business.
Were the costs manageable?
The exchange rate recently moved in our favor, but the Whitmore Global Management Center gave me tuition scholarship for winter and fall semesters. I lived with a family and paid about $330 a month for a private room, three meals a day, internet access, cleaning, laundry, a pool, and a gym.
What skills have you gained?
Studying at FGV opens doors to jobs in Brazil. I also developed friendships with students from Columbia, Israel, Peru, Korea, Italy, Denmark, France, Germany, England, Canada, Morocco, and Spain. This network of students is a great asset for establishing a career in international business.
What advice do you have for future exchange students?
Do it! Take this chance to learn the language and study abroad; you won't regret it. The Brazilian culture is amazing, and the people are great. You'll have the chance to study in one of Latin America's finest universities. Take advantage of this opportunity.
Michele O'Neil
Location: Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Mexico
Major: Business Management, Marketing emphasis
Age: 20
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
What have you learned from your exchange?
Leaving the Provo, Utah, bubble has given me a chance to broaden my perspectives about the world. TEC has so many students from all over the world with very different opinions and backgrounds. As we discussed business principles in class, I realized there are so many ways to approach a challenge, and we can learn a lot from each other.
Were the costs manageable?
The Whitmore Global Management Center gave me a scholarship that helped a lot with the program costs, but living in Mexico was relatively cheap. You can live with international students in the dorms or find people and live off-campus.
What skills have you gained?
This program gave me an opportunity to develop my Spanish, but it wasn?t overwhelming because most of the students at TEC speak English. This school is a great place for beginners. The diversity on campus helped me learn to develop business relationships with people from around the world.
What advice do you have for future exchange students?
Be open-minded and expect a very different experience than you would find in Utah. Realize that people are different-learn to listen to what they say.
Jeffrey Harmon studied at the Fundação Getulio Vargas in Brazil.