The 2014 International Summer School hosted by School of Management Zhejiang University was held from June 14 to 28. Focusing on the theme of “Entrepreneurship in China,” this 2-week program was taught entirely in English and aimed at providing students with an insight of Chinese business and economic features through various activities such as lectures, campus tours, local company visits, and city explorations. This year it recruited 20 students from 7 partner universities. 12 students from the School also joined as volunteers and learning buddies.

Following the opening ceremony and a campus tour on the first day, students were divided into four groups and brought to the world heritage listed West Lake, beginning the project of looking for business opportunities in town. They walked around and chatted with shop owners along the way, hoping to get a basic idea of street business. They even learned how to bargain in a local way. During the “sharing session of city exploration,” the four groups discussed with their mentors about their own business plan. 

Campus Tour

Exploring Xiaohezhi Street

Meat with Mentors

From June 17 to 26, professors from the School of Management, the College of International Education, and Guanghua School of Law gave a series of lectures on topics such as doing business in China from cultural, economic and legal perspectives, entrepreneurship in China, the globalization of Chinese enterprises, and Chinese family business. Moreover, language and cultural sessions were provided throughout the program, including survival Chinese, Taiji, calligraphy, and visits to local museums. They also visited Zhejiang University National Science Park, Hangzhou Honyar Electrical which produces architecture electric connection, and Bu Er Si Shu, an extracurricular tutorials institution targeting at secondary students.

Prof. CHEN Ling Gave A Lecture

On the closing ceremony, participants were grouped into 4 teams and each presented a business project based on their entrepreneurial experience in China. The results, from an APP called “Tourister” to fitness club, illustrated their improved knowledge of both China and Chinese business.

Presentation of Business Projects