Since the beginning of the year, our entire MBA class has been looking forward to the field trips to Hong Kong and Dubai. Having heard rumors from previous classes that the field trips are not just a great opportunity to network with companies and potential employers, but really a chance to enjoy our classmates and spend time together outside of the classroom, we could not wait for the adventure. Both Hong Kong and Dubai lived up to our high expectations of what the field trips would entail!
When we arrived in Hong Kong, aside from being jet lagged, we were all surprised at how cold the temperatures were (given that we had all packed clothes for slightly warmer weather). Despite the dip in climate, we all made the most of our free time. Hong Kong was filled with countless dim sum dinners, visits to the local malls, boutique shopping, too much time at the spa, and traditional Cantonese meals. Several students also took the opportunity on our free days and afternoons to visit the Tian Tan Buddha, known more widely as the Big Buddah, at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island. Many more students also took time to visit The Peak (sometimes referred to as Victoria Peak), the highest mountain on the island.Dubai, on the other hand, was warm and sunny and the complete opposite of Paris (and Hong Kong) weather-wise! Our time there was filled with decadent breakfasts all week long (thanks to our five star hotel accommodations), visits to the local art galleries and exhibitions, discovering the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, dipping our toes in the nearby beaches, authentic Lebanese and Indian dinners, and visits to the local souks (markets). Some students also took the time to go on an authentic desert safari, which included a drive through the UAE sand dunes, a falcon show, camel rides, owl holding, an Arabic style dinner, henna tattoos, a belly dancing show, and star gazing. All in all, Dubai and Hong Kong were educational and amazing both inside and outside the classroom!
