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IB494A – Study abroad – Japan

From May 26 to June 5, 2025, a group of 23 ������ students led by Dr. Hieu Nguyen, Professor of Marketing, traveled to Japan as part of the International Business class IB494A – Study abroad Japan. This class was designed to promote students’ understanding of the complexities of doing business in an ever-changing global environment with traditional and cultural nuances that could make or break a business relationship. Before their trip to Japan, the class was held in the College of Business during the Spring 2025 semester, during which students learned about Japan and its various aspects, including history, culture, society, economy, politics, innovation, and technology. These discussions centered on videos screened in class, accompanied by personal reflections from Dr. Nguyen, who has visited Japan more than two dozen times.

The trip began in Tokyo, the megacity that is the capital of Japan, with more than 37 million residents. The class visited four companies: (business development consultancy), (public relations agency), (advertising agency), and (sake brewery). Through lively and interactive discussions, students learned about the challenges and opportunities of doing business in Japan from the perspectives of business executives who are foreign nationals or Japanese nationals with overseas upbringing and/or education. These presentations were inspirational for the students as they learned that it was possible to do business and succeed in Japan if one was willing to learn, adapt, persevere, while being humble and respectful of the Japanese culture and its rich traditions. 

In the second leg of the trip, the class traveled to the Kansai region and visited (Japan’s largest plum wine producer) and (sake brewery). Students further learned about the intricacies of doing business in Japan, which was explained in depth to them by Choya’s general manager and the owner of Daimon, a New York native who acquired the company on the verge of bankruptcy and brought it back to life. Students got to sample plum wine and toured the sake brewery steeped in history with expert guidance to sake sampling by an elder master brewer who acts as senior advisor to the owner of Daimon. 

Aside from these company visits, students got to experience the bustling cityscapes of Tokyo and Osaka as well as the Zen serenity of picturesque Kyoto. A trip to Japan would be incomplete without visits to endless restaurants serving mouth-watering Japanese food, megastores selling everything under the sun, karaoke parlors, and a tea ceremony. 

Reflecting on the trip, students expressed their deep appreciation for Japan, the Japanese people, and their way of life, the knowledge gained from the company visits, as well as the lifelong friendships that were formed and nurtured before and during the trip. International experiences like these are invaluable in the personal and professional growth of individuals who wish to excel in a fast-changing global business environment. 

Some student testimonies:

“This experience changed me in both subtle and profound ways. It challenged many of my assumptions about leadership, success, and culture. I now understand that true global competence is not just about knowing facts—it is about listening, seeing, and adapting with humility.”&�Բ�����; Edward L.

“This trip was not only educational but transformative. It was my first time traveling alone without my family, and it gave me confidence in my independence. Japan has sparked a deep love for travel in me, and I already know I will be returning to Tokyo again and again. The experience has also made me reflect on my life in the U.S. While I love California, hearing the stories of expatriates and immersing myself in Japanese culture has opened my mind to the possibility of living abroad in the future. I'm immensely grateful for the chance to visit such an incredible country with my classmates.”  John T.

“Overall, this program allowed me to witness the way business, culture, and tradition intersect in Japan. I gained a much deeper understanding of Japanese work culture, family roles, and societal structure. Whether it was through formal company visits or quiet observations in daily life, this experience has strengthened my appreciation for cross-cultural communication and opened my eyes to the complexities of operating in a global business environment.”  Irene E.

“This journey changed me in ways I didn't really see coming. It taught me how to slow down, live in the moment, and take pride in every detail of what I do. It reminded me, too, that success doesn't need to be loud and brash; sometimes it is quiet, consistent, and full of care. I'd like to carry that lesson with me—whether I am creating a brand, working with clients, or just trying to be a better person. 

In all, this trip was far more than sightseeing and company visits. It was learning new ideas, absorbing from eager individuals, and being amazed by the unexpected. Every company taught me something different, and every stop gave me a little more insight into not only the way Japan works—but the way I want to work in the future too.”  Elvis H.