Tokyo study tour enables PolyU SPEED students to understand Japanese and international retail operations

In order to help students gain international learning experience and broaden their horizons, PolyU SPEED organises exchange visits and summer study tours in collaboration with overseas universities or tertiary institutions regularly.

A study tour to Tokyo, Japan was arranged by PolyU SPEED in collaboration with Meiji University and Nihon University between 16 and 22 July 2016. Over 20 PolyU SPEED students, together with 30 students from Japan and 15 students from the United States, attended a lecture on international marketing delivered by professors from Meiji University and Nihon University during the tour. PolyU SPEED students also formed groups with the Japanese students to conduct a field research on the retail industry of Japan. In addition, they were given valuable opportunities to visit some major business and media corporations in Japan, such as Bank of Japan and Asahi Shimbun. The Editorial Office of Asahi Shimbun even published a special edition of newspaper to report on the visit.

Most students found the study tour enjoyable and meaningful. “I am grateful for the School’s support in this tour, which has given me insights into the business operations in Japan. I also enjoyed the group learning activities with the students of Meiji University as we have developed an invaluable friendship!” Chan Yui-fung Rio, a year 1 student of BA (Hons) in Retail and Service Management said.

Rio’s classmate, Mak Ka-wan Fiona, also commented, “This trip was an eye-opening experience for me. For example, it was such a rare opportunity to have a look at the restricted areas of a major bank in Japan. The visit to Meiji University was great too! If not for this trip, I would never have a chance to learn together with Japanese students. I like our field research project with the students of Meiji University best. They were well prepared for our visit and the field research project. I would also like to thank them for their warm and thoughtful hospitality! They told us many interesting retail etiquettes in Japan and use the stores in Akihabara as examples to illustrate their points. These are very useful for my study!”

Asahi Shimbun published a special edition to report on the visit of PolyU SPEED students.