Beijing and Shanghai, China

"Doing Business in China"
Faculty Leader: Peter Yu

Host Institution

The Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in Shanghai 

Academic Program

General Overview:
The China GBE program is designed to help students achieve the following objectives: to gain exposure to business practices in China; to better understand the interface of marketplace with local cultural/social conditions; and to help participants enjoy an international experience. 

The program includes six days in Beijing followed by four days in Shanghai and afull-day visit to Pudong. There are four components: (1) orientation sessions (one at Darden and one on-site) to learn more about the local history/culture and get prepared for the trip; (2) academic sessions taught by our host institution faculty; (3) visitations to select companies and government agencies to learn business practices and establish personal connections, including a field trip; (4) and cultural site-seeing and events to appreciate Chinese cultural traditions.

Readings will be assigned to provide background knowledge for this experiential learning process. The highlight of the program is for participants to select a given topic and conduct a field trip with peers in Shanghai. The final report is expected to include the field trip, reflective notes of the readings and personal analysis and observations.

Our host institution – Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB), funded by the Li Ka Shing Foundation, has built an excellent reputation in the field of MBA education, with permanent faculty members who previously taught at schools like Wharton, Columbia, Kellogg, and others. 

Dr. Peter Yu, a native of Shanghai, received education in China, Britain, and the United States.  He has traveled extensively with UVA faculty, students, and alumni to China and has conducted the Darden GBE China program since 2004.

Watch a video interview with a past participant of the China GBE here.

Helpful City/Country Links

US State Department, including Tips for Travelling Abroad and the Consular Information Sheet
CIA World Fact Book
People’s Daily Information Page: Shanghai
ChinaToday.com  
Shanghai Post