More than 30 of our MBA cohort recently participated in an enlightening International Business Study Trip (IBST) to Seoul, South Korea as one of Summer Term options. For me, this was one of the key highlights of my MBA days!!
The programme combined morning lectures on academic frameworks of international business with afternoon company visits to observe real-world applications. The trip also included several networking events, creating connections among our cohort and with local professionals.
On the first day, after the fantastic reception and dinner, an orientation session provided a comprehensive overview of South Korea. We learnt about the economic, geopolitical, historical and cultural aspects of the country, which became our foundations for the whole week.
We visited multiple advanced companies in Seoul. On our first visit to IBM Korea, we learnt about IBM’s localisation strategies and how they adapt global technologies to local markets. Understanding local ‘Confucius’ business culture, such as when drinking with elders, younger people turn their heads away from the elder while taking a sip, was important in doing business within South Korea.
Our visit to SK Telecom was also enlightening. We learnt about their remarkable transformation from a traditional telecom company to an AI-driven innovator. What struck me most in terms of international business was SK Telecom’s initiative in creating the Global Telco AI Alliance (GTA), a collaboration among five major telcos across the world. This alliance aims to develop telco-specific AI solutions, including a large language model tailored for telecom operations. It was interesting to know how they’re addressing industry-specific challenges through strategic partnerships and AI innovation across borders.
The innovation forum was a particular highlight of the study trip programme. Six foreign entrepreneurs in South Korea gave a speech and Q&A session, this provided insights into Korea’s start-up ecosystem. It was interesting to understand how foreign entrepreneurs are carving out a niche in a market dominated by ‘chaebols’ and locals. I was impressed by how these entrepreneurs overcome the unique obstacles they face as foreigners creating start-ups in South Korea, as well as their passion and determination.
We also had the opportunity to participate in a K-pop dance class for an hour, learning from a legendary choreographer, who was in charge of choreography for NewJeans! It was so fun and I did not expect that I could learn dancing on an MBA course. After the hustle and bustle, we had a presentation on the history and global impact of K-pop. I learnt how significant this industry is for the Korean economy and how K-pop has been strategically developed to capture the global market and acquire a dedicated fan base (fandom) through various Korean platforms.
On the last day, the presentation by Freedom Speakers International offered a rare opportunity to hear directly from a North Korean refugee about their escape journey. It was emotional, and reminded me of the complex socio-political landscape of the Korean peninsula, as a whole.
Beyond our formal IBST schedule, we immersed ourselves in South Korean culture. We savoured fantastic foods, explored lively bars, and wandered through bustling streets. Some of us even tried unique experiences like visiting a head spa and karaoke. Every night was full of fun! Definitely, one of the greatest moments in my MBA year – socialising with the nicest friends and making the friendship more solid!
I am especially grateful to Professors, Dr. Michael Kitson and Dr. Madeleine Rauch, the Cambridge MBA Programme Team, and International Study Programs for organising this exceptional learning and fun experience. And to my fellow Cambridge MBA students – thank you for making the trip fun and unforgettable!
For more about the Cambridge MBA programme and the International Business Study Trip, please visit our Curriculum pages here >