Netherlands Asia Honours Summer School
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Chinese academic, business and culture....
In short, the programme included a 6-week stay in Chengdu, including a four-week Summerschool at Sichuan University, various company visits and a business week in Shanghai. Additionally, a consultancy assignment has been performed for the Rabobank about Ageing China. And of course: experiencing the overwhelming Chinese culture and traditions.
Academic
我是學生 四川大学 - or in English: I was a student at Sichuan University. During four weeks I have been introduced to the Chinese language and the Chinese history. Endless copying of Chinese characters, pronunciation classes - which more felt like singing classes - and critically listening to lectures on the role of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.
Attending master classes and performing a consultancy assignment focussing on the theme Ageing. Together with six other students I investigated the opportunities in the Chinese Silver Industry for Dutch market segments and provided advice on how to become a successful player. For this assignment various interviews were conducted with local companies, multinationals, the Dutch Embassy and Chinese professors. Moreover, my professional skills in consultancy were boosted in a workshops from McKinsey.
Business
Visiting the Dutch Embassy in Chongqing, multinationals like Akzonobel and Philips and start-ups like About Asia. It was inspiring to see the differences between the companies, their approach, corporate culture and the work.
I look back on a very inspiration interview with a Professor from Jiaotong university and advisor of the president on elderly care. With a cup of tea we discussed Dutch and Chinese approaches and challenges. Western ideologies can not be literally copied and require adaptations to the Chinese Culture. For example, a pilot project of 'Thuiszorg' was unsuccessful in China since people do not accept strangers in their home.
Culture
Square dancing, tai-chi, Sichuan peppercorns, marriage markets, Buddhism, Taoism and Mahjong. Lifestyles ranging from modern citizens in Shanghai to traditional citizens in Chengdu to local nomads in the Tibetan grasslands. What are their values, needs and provided facilities? How is China developing in technology, human rights and social structure? What role will they play in the world?
2020
veerle.v.engen@gmail.com