March 2017 Editor's Note: This post was originally published in August 2016 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
************
“Joining the program broadens your global business vision - it will help us continue to work in an international society,” said Cagla Kardemir, an MBA candidate from Yeditepe University in Istanbul, Turkey. 2016 was the second year that the Swain Center at the Cameron School of Business, with the leadership of Dr. Cem Canel, has hosted a three-week program for students from Turkey.
While at UNCW, these 20 students, accompanied by their professor, Dr. Begum Otken, participated in two classes – Current Issues in Marketing Management and Entrepreneurship & Creativity – for which they earned credit hours towards their degree at their home university, as well as an International Management Certificate from UNCW. All MBA or EMBA candidates, the Yeditepe students came from all different backgrounds and specializations, from production management to sales.
During their stay, the group also visited GE and SAS for site tours and a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work for a large firm in the US. Students were unanimous in their feedback that these visits are essential to the experience, mainly due to the fact that many of them already work in multi-national companies. Touring the offices of different locations helps them communicate with their colleagues all over the world. They especially appreciated seeing the management styles of these firms in person, as well as the work-life balance of its employees.
Besides the benefits of practicing their English and experiencing American culture to aid them in their future global business practices, they also enjoyed the local sightseeing. The beaches of the Wilmington area were discovered, and many of them even went down to explore Orlando, FL for Fourth of July weekend.
The young professionals’ sunny demeanor, enthusiasm, and overall appreciation for the exchange program left a lasting impression on faculty and staff during their short visit to the Port City. And what were their impressions of Wilmington and the UNCW campus? “Very big and very green,” “It feels safe,” and, “The people are very kind.” Cameron School of Business plans to expand their offerings of exchange programs such as this one with other universities in Turkey and elsewhere over the next several years.
For information on Yeditepe University's 2017 Exchange Program, visit the Swain Center's website.
