Asia Sourcing & Entrepreneurship Experience

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.

Eunji Kim

This was an incredible trip, and I learned something that I would never have learned from school or a textbook.

Tzu Hsin Lin

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.

Terry Tsai

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.

Didier Pedron

Throughout the journey, I gained practical knowledge about various business practices, including quality control challenges, minimum order quantities, and the impact of ISO certification.

Manu Tefan

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.

Ralph Martinez

This experience has not only honed my skills but also fueled my drive to succeed in global trade.

Jade Faye Cortes

FAQ

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Who 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 can apply for the experience.
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What Are the Requirements?
Credits and Standing Verification: Students must have completed at least 60 credits and have a GPA of at least 2.8.
Course Verification: Students must be enrolled in or completed the following courses:
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 & agree to all instructions
Write a 250-350 word 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 lala2van@go.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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What 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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What 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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What is the cost?

Donors of the Willes Center and BYU-Hawaii make this trip possible for the students. Students that attend the trip are required to pay $200 before departing for the trip.
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What 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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What 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.