糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Business Students Explore Global Supply Chains and Culture in Argentina
Ten 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina, this May, gaining firsthand experience in global supply chain management.
Led by Professors Joe Felan and Otmar Varela from the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business, the May 15鈥�24 study abroad program gave students the opportunity to explore international business practices while immersed in Argentinian culture. The trip included visits to banks and businesses, assignments analyzing global logistics, and cultural experiences that deepened their understanding of international markets.
鈥淭his class helps students understand the connection between a company鈥檚 supply chain strategy and its overall business strategy,鈥� said Varela, professor of management. 鈥淪tudents learn how to evaluate and coordinate the movement of goods and services across international borders to gain a competitive advantage.鈥�
Students on the trip included Tanisha Brown, Alberta Harper, Logan Hice, An Le, John Leonard, Karen Martinez Ibarra, Jamilyia Phillips, Nathaniel Todd, Paris Webb, and Nadia Young.
In addition to studying the economic climate and supply chain logistics of Argentina, students experienced everything from ranch excursions and tango shows to local cuisine and a professional soccer match. Each student completed daily journals, a case study or white paper, and a virtual presentation to reflect on their experience.
鈥淭he biggest takeaway from this trip is the people,鈥� said Felan, associate professor of management. 鈥淎rgentinians are incredibly friendly and passionate. Our students saw that passion not only in our business visits, but also at the f煤tbol match and tango performance.鈥�
For senior Nadia Young, a business management major from Little Rock, the trip offered fresh inspiration for her future career in cosmetic product development.
鈥淭his trip gave me a deeper appreciation for global markets and how trends can vary by culture,鈥� Young said. “Observing how people in Argentina approach self-expression and style have inspired me to think more inclusively and creatively about future products I鈥檇 like to develop.鈥�
An Le, a senior studying management and marketing from Benton, found particular value in learning how Argentinian managers navigate challenges like high inflation and government instability.
鈥淭his study abroad trip has helped me explore a different culture and way of life,鈥� Le said. 鈥淎s someone who wants to work in international business one day, this helps me learn how people outside the U.S. conduct business and the way they communicate.鈥�
Paris Webb, a junior from Mayflower, appreciated the opportunity to connect with fellow students and discover cultural differences through daily experiences.
鈥淓ven when I didn鈥檛 speak Spanish, people were nice and helpful,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 met some amazing people and made some great connections. We made even better memories.鈥�
The group also bonded over food, especially Argentina鈥檚 beloved empanadas, and learned about local customs such as drinking mate, eating dinner at midnight, and sharing soda from glass bottles poured into personal cups.
鈥淏efore this trip, I didn鈥檛 realize how deep Argentina鈥檚 passion for soccer goes,鈥� said Alberta Harper of Sheridan. 鈥淲e even had our own friendly match with our classmates and professors, and I really enjoyed playing.鈥�
Like many of her peers, Harper walked away with a deeper understanding of the challenges Argentinians face daily.
鈥淭hey deal with uncertainty we in the U.S. take for granted,鈥� Harper said. 鈥淭hey take their work seriously and have great pride in their life and work.
For Varela and Felan, the most rewarding part was seeing students grow through cultural exposure and curiosity.
鈥淢y favorite part is when students tell me they completely enjoyed the experience and hope to visit other countries in the future,鈥� Felan said. 鈥淒r. Varela and I hope we can open students up to the wonderful educational growth that comes from visiting other countries and cultures.鈥�