The Business Honors Program at Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics provides unique, cohort-based immersive experiences for high-achieving Business Titans. Recently, the program’s director Atul Teckchandani and program counselor Samantha Lim led a group of Business Honors students on a two-week study tour through the Philippines and Thailand.

“The trip was linked with the students’ global business course requirement,” explains Teckchandani. “We discussed such topics as global competition, tariffs, currency fluctuations, and trade blocks and how they affect the abilities of companies to be successful. As such, an important goal of this trip was to allow the students to better understand what each destination offered and why companies set up offices and sell their products/services in markets beyond where they are based. The academic component of these trips is often overshadowed by the cultural immersion. Studying abroad is life changing. Seeing how people from another part of the world live is a great way to learn and grow. I always tell students to travel with curiosity. The way you are used to how something works in the U.S. will often not match how it works when you go elsewhere. Instead of getting frustrated, try to understand why things are the way they are. You’ll grow a great deal and bring a piece of that country’s culture back with you.”

In Manila, the students enjoyed a walking food tour through their Chinatown, the oldest Chinese expatriate community in the world. In Bangkok, the floating markets and night markets were memorable experiences. They also visited the Grand Palace of Southeast Asia’s most notable monarchy and a coconut farm. The students took advantage of their free day to venture outside the city, visiting the beachfront town of Pattaya to relax and enjoy the water.

“The highlight of my study abroad experience was immersing myself in the diverse cultures of the Philippines and Thailand. Over the course of two weeks, I had the invaluable opportunity to engage with local traditions, explore historical landmarks, and gain a deeper understanding of each country’s rich heritage. This experience broadened my global perspective and deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity,” says Linette Medina ’25, who is studying business analytics. “This experience aligned with my academic and professional aspirations by providing firsthand insights into international economics and global business operations. The trip allowed me to explore the economic landscapes of the Philippines and Thailand, deepening my understanding of how different markets function and adapt to global trends. Visiting various companies gave me the opportunity to observe international business practices, gaining valuable knowledge about how organizations operate across borders. These experiences have strengthened my analytical skills and broadened my global business perspective, both of which are essential as I pursue a career in business analytics.”

Through the Business Honors Program, students such as Medina, many of them the first in their families to graduate college, have opportunities to grow professionally, discover our interconnected global society, and reach their full world-changing potential. For more on how to get involved in the program as a student or to give back as an alumnus, alumna or member of the Orange County business community, visit the program’s website. Or read more of our articles on Business Honors.