Juliet Adam
Wharton ’28
Business Economics & Public Policy (BEPP) and Statistics
SA: Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Summer Term
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I signed up for a summer program just after finishing freshman year, which is already rare, but moreover, I went all the way to Asia, studying abroad in the Chinese University of Hong Kong for 5 weeks. I would encourage students of all grades to go abroad if they want, as most think they should wait until Junior year. This was the first time Penn offered this specific summer program in Hong Kong, so I had no one to reference in terms of classes or location preference, yet I went with my gut!
I am open to helping students find a program that is right for them no matter how foreign or ‘scary’ it might seem to them, because it was the opportunity of a lifetime! Moreover, I also travelled in mainland China, specifically Beijing and Shenzhen, so I’m also able to give advice on what its like being in mainland China, including its culture and budgeting amongst other factors.
My Experience Abroad
I am concentrating in Business Economics and Public Policy in Wharton with a keen interest in international business and the intersection of economics and politics. Signing up for the two classes I ended up taking, I had no idea that they would fit my interests so perfectly. My morning class, Global Enterprise Management, explored current economic and political affairs and how they are impacting major Global Companies while discussing how these companies can navigate these economic and political challenges. The cases we read and the discussions I engaged in made me feel like I was seriously consulting for one of these companies in real time, which is my current career goal. My afternoon class, Intro to International Business, manifested in me growing a deeper appreciation for the field of management as I realized the complexities that must be taken into account when a company operates in an international setting. The content and discussions I participated in pushed my resolve to want to work for a company that has an increasingly global presence.
Other Highlights
My first highlight would be the weekend trip that my school’s program took us on to see The Big Buddha and Lamma Island; Enjoying these sights with friends while getting information about the rich history and culture of Hong Kong from our tour guide was unforgettable. My second would be taking a spontaneous trip to Beijing with a friend on my last weekend after finishing exams; seeing the great wall and forbidden city in person after only seeing them in pictures and movies was insane- I could tell instantly why it took 2,500 years to build the great wall! Lastly, the friends I made throughout the program have to be my favorite experience. I can confidently say that the program brought people from all over the world, and navigating our cultural differences in real time everyday while making unforgettable memories has definitely grown a unique bond between us that will last a lifetime.
