While China’s economic power and business potential are well recognized and understood, much less attention has been paid to its southern neighbor, Vietnam, a country with a population of more than 90 million, whose per capita GDP growth in the past 15 years has been among the fastest in the world. With more than 2,000 years of history, Vietnam has a rich and distinct culture, and is experiencing a rapidly changing economy and society.  In addition to providing great opportunities for cultural learning and experiences, the country also presents substantial business opportunities and challenges. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a general introduction to Vietnam’s rich history, economy, society, culture, and business environment. It will consist of a series of content-oriented sessions in New York during the B term of Fall 2017 followed by a week-long experiential visit in Vietnam from Saturday, January 6 through Saturday, January 13, 2018.  During this visit, we will travel to both Ho Chi Minh City in the South, and Hanoi in the North. Topics covered in the New York sessions include: (a) overview and history of Vietnam; (b) structure of its economy; (c) main industry sectors and businesses; (d) Vietnamese society and culture; and (e) business culture. In-country experiences include visits of both local and foreign companies, governmental organizations, agricultural operations, and other cultural and educational experiences. This course is recommended only for students who are comfortable with the challenges of travel and research/study in a developing country.

Global Immersion Program classes bridge classroom lessons and business practices in another country. These three credit classes meet for half a term in New York prior to a one week visit to the country of focus where students will meet with business executives and government officials while working on team projects. Upon return from the travel portion of the class, students may have one wrap up meeting at Columbia Business School.  The 2017-2018 Global Immersion Program fee for most classes is $1850 and provides students with double occupancy lodging, ground transportation and some meals; unless an increased fee is otherwise specified in the course description. It does not cover roundtrip international airfare. Attendance both in New York and in-country and regular participation are a crucial part of the learning experience and as such attendance is mandatory. Students who miss the first class meeting may be removed from the course.  No program fee refunds will be given after the add/drop period has closed. Please visit the Chazen Institute website to learn more about the Global Immersion Program, and visit the Global Immersion Policies page to review policies affecting these courses. 

Michel Tuan Pham

Kravis Professor of Business

Professor Pham’s business expertise covers the areas of marketing strategy and management, branding, customer and consumer psychology, trademark psychology, marketing communication, and executive decision making. His most recent research focuses on the role of feelings, emotions and motivation in consumers’ and managers’ judgments and decisions. His numerous publications are widely cited and have appeared in many leading scholarly journals including...

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