Asia Sourcing & Entrepreneurship Experience
Global Business Starts Here
The deadline for applications is January 15, 2025 at 5 pm.
Take your learning beyond the classroom with our Asia Sourcing & Entrepreneurship Experience. BYU–Hawaii students gain first-hand exposure to global sourcing, logistics, and entrepreneurship in Korea, China, and Vietnam. With a focus on Vietnam’s rapid growth and Korea’s cutting-edge technology, this program equips you with the skills to excel in global business. Open to students of all majors, this experience is designed to sharpen your entrepreneurial edge and prepare you for international careers.
This trip wasn't just about observing factories; it was a transformative experience that combined classroom learning with real-world exposure, networking, and cultural immersion.
This was an incredible trip, and I learned something that I would never have learned from school or a textbook.
Business is not like studying that you can do everything by yourself. You need others to help and work together… This trip offered the knowledge and network that I will sacrifice everything to join this trip again.
One of the most important learnings I acquired on this trip was no matter what business you want to start, it should always start with a customer.
Throughout the journey, I gained practical knowledge about various business practices, including quality control challenges, minimum order quantities, and the impact of ISO certification.
Global sourcing and logistics require networking. It would be hard to look for people on your own but asking people you know will get the job done more than 50% faster… Building and maintaining relationships are more essential than focusing on the profit you will earn in the business.
This experience has not only honed my skills but also fueled my drive to succeed in global trade.
Stories of Success
FAQ
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Toggle ItemWho Can Apply?
Any full-time student, regardless of major, who is interested in entrepreneurship, supply chain, sourcing, manufacturing, or logistics, and is willing to meet all program requirements and be accepted through the application process.
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Toggle ItemWhat Are the Requirements?
- Credits and Standing Verification: Confirm that you have completed at least 60 credits and have a GPA of at least 2.8.
- Course Verification: Ensure you are enrolled in or have completed
- BUSM 381 Global Logistics (prerequisites waived)
- ENTR 180 New Venture Finance
- ENTR 275 Leadership and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Application Submission: Complete and submit the application form for the Asia Sourcing & Entrepreneurship Experience.
- Read all instruction
- Write a 250-300 word scholarship essay
- Recommendation Letters: Request and submit two letters of recommendation from faculty or staff members on campus. These should be sent in PDF format to lila.magalei@byuh.edu
NOTE: Please include in the essay why you want to attend this experience, what this experience will do for you, how it benefits your future, why you need the scholarship, and any other reason that will help the committee understand why you should be chosen over another candidate.
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Toggle ItemWhat Are the Benefits?
- Cost Savings and Efficiency: Effective sourcing reduces manufacturing costs, optimizes supply chains, and increases profit margins.
- Access to a Diverse Range of Products: International sourcing allows access to unique and high-quality products, providing a competitive advantage in the market.
- Risk Mitigation: Spreading sourcing across multiple countries minimizes risks from supply chain disruptions, political instability, or natural disasters.
- Opportunities for Growth and Innovation: Understanding global markets and sourcing opens up new opportunities for business expansion and innovation, making it a valuable skill for thriving in the global economy.
- Cultural and Regulatory Understanding: Familiarity with cultural nuances, regulations, and supply chain management is complex but essential for successful international operations.
- Interview and Career Advantage: Knowledge of international trade and sourcing processes can be a significant asset during interviews and in career advancement.
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Toggle ItemWhat Are the Expected Outcomes?
- Understand the complete sourcing and manufacturing process: Learn how to contact manufacturers, screen them, and work with partner companies.
- Experience global shipping logistics: Get hands-on with packaging, shipping, and handling key paperwork like certificates of origin, bills of lading, and customs forms.
- Create a sourcing and logistics manual: Develop a guide that can be used for job interviews and future careers.
- Engage in over 130 hours of project work:
- 80 hours: During the 10-day trip, students will spend 8 hours a day learning and doing.
- 16 hours: Weekly 2-hour pre-trip meetings over 8 weeks.
- 35+ hours: Working on the sourcing manual before, during, and after the trip.
- Build real-world experience for resumes and careers!
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Toggle ItemHow Much Is the Cost?
Participation Fee Payment: Pay the $200 participation fee before departing for the trip.
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Toggle ItemWhat Are the Next Steps After Being Selected as a Finalist?
- Attendance at Pre-Trip Meetings: Attend mandatory team meetings held in the evenings 1-2 times per week for 8 weeks before the trip.
- Passport and Visa Preparation: Ensure your passport is ready and eligible to obtain visas for visiting China, Korea, and Vietnam, and returning to the US.
- Visit to Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ#9) in Honolulu: Participate in a visit to the FTZ#9 as part of the BUSM 381 class.
- Travel Approval from ISS Office: Obtain travel clearance from the ISS office on campus.
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Toggle ItemWhat Comes After the Trip?
- Sourcing Manual Preparation: Collaborate with your designated team members to create a sourcing manual detailing all logistics, sourcing, and manufacturing processes during the trip.
- Manual Submission and Program Evaluation: At the end of the trip, submit the completed sourcing manual and participate in an evaluation of the experience.