DECA goes global in China

2012-07-22

Below are blogs from DECA members who are participating in the first-ever DECA Goes Global experience in China with People to People programs. If you're interested in joining us for the 2013 trip, visit http://www.decapeopletopeopletravels.com/ for more information.

Coca-Cola: A global brand

By Christine O’Neil

Globalizing your business is one way of staying competitive in today's economy. This year, DECA piloted a new program to allow members to become immersed in business on a global scale. As we started our journey through China with the People to People program, we began to get first-hand knowledge of why China is a growing superpower in today's economy. Our first stop was the Coca-Cola Manufacturing Plant in Shanghai.

With a small staff of only 1,000 people, this plant is a proven success at the production of Coca-Cola products. This particular plant has 16 production lines, each producing 200 to 600 bottles every minute. Allowing technology to take a pivotal role, products are screened to insure perfection with little human interaction. The staff is simply there to monitor the machines. We have advanced leaps and bounds from the first assembly designed by our own Henry Ford.

When we look into the future of production and business, keep in mind that our capacity is growing exponentially on a daily basis. It is only with measured care and determination that we can be guaranteed a balance between progression and a stronghold from our past.

A performance of culture

By Jordan Robinson

During our first full day in China, one of our stops on this adventure of a lifetime landed us in the Magnolia Theater and home of the best Chinese acrobatic group in China. We started our visit by watching some of the performers rehearse, and then we were taken aside for a private lesson led by some of the performers.

During this time, we were shown the group's most basic act, The Diabolo, also known as the Chinese Yo-Yo. After a brief demonstration, we were given the opportunity to try our own hand at The Diabolo, and for some us that meant honing in on an unknown talent. All of us tried and a few of us succeeded to master the basics. Two of us were able to show signs of skill in tossing the yo-yo in the air and catching it on the single string in which it spun.

Later in the evening, we all returned to the theater to view the actual show. It was an hour and a half of jaw dropping, heart stopping, mind-boggling acts packed full of excitement. It was unlike anything we had ever seen. When the show ended, it is safe to say that we were all amazed, and we could've easily stayed for more. Overall, it was an exceptional display of mental and physical control - a mastery of an art to say the least. It was a great show and great opportunity to experience a piece of Chinese culture.

A culture so different, yet similar

By Morgan Thompson

A DECA experience wouldn’t be complete without an opportunity to give back. Our visit at the Qixing Special Education School in Shanghai proved to be an incredible experience. From the moment we got off the bus and walked down the narrow hallway, we heard the children yelling for us and laughing in anticipation of our arrival. It wasn't long before they ran to us, grabbed our hands, and led us into their classroom. They began their performance they had prepared especially for us. They sang "We Will Rock You," and they even involved us in their dance. Next on the agenda was performing one of my personal favorites, the Macarena. It was amazing to witness the joy on these children's faces as they danced and sang their favorite songs. Soon after it was our turn to perform for them, and we of course went with the classic “Hokey Pokey!”

We had an opportunity to play games and dance with the children while we all sang to the songs of Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, and Beyonce that were playing over the speakers. It sounds funny, but being surrounded by a culture that is so different still felt like a small touch of home. It helped me realize how similar and connected we all really are. At the end of our time at the special education school, the students honored each of our People to People Ambassadors with a beautiful Chinese certificate of genuine appreciation for our time spent at the school. This entire experience has opened my eyes to the different lifestyles, cultures, and amazing people our world houses.

Rediscovering the Silk Road

By Victoria Caña

After immersing myself into the Chinese climate, I looked forward to venturing to another secret spot in Shanghai. Our bus took us to a local silk factory where the entrepreneurial spirit has been alive for centuries. As soon as we entered the factory, an employee began to explain the delicate process of spinning silk. It all starts with a small silkworm and mulberry leaves. Over a 24-day period, a silkworm grows into what ultimately becomes a silk cocoon. At this stage factory workers carefully remove 70% of the silkworms while maintaining 30% for reproduction of more silkworms. The ultimate result is very beautiful thin white strands of silk that are delicately pulled from the shell of the cocoon and woven into the many products we purchase in the marketplace.

After witnessing the production side of silk manufacturing, we were led into the product showroom where we could see the final result of these efforts. From silk scarves, to ties, to pajamas in every color and pattern, it was amazing to see how a process that has ancient origins is still thriving in today's global market.
After this experience, I now look at silk and see more than just a fabric. I see the dedication, sacrifice, and care that goes into each creation.

What's Your Perspective?

By Emily Socha

During national officer training before leaving for China, Mr. Tim Coffey, former national officer advisor, had the chance to explain what "taking a different perspective" meant. We all were sitting around the conference table when he asked us to stand on the chairs. Giggling a little, we climbed on the chairs and this is when Mr. Coffey made an important point. The lesson was the importance of seeing things from a different perspective. While we were only one foot off the floor, the message went a long way to help open our minds to different situations.

But, what if you were asked to step out onto a glass floor that stood over 1,400 feet above a city? Our People to People delegation did just that and what a different perspective we gained! On our last day in Shanghai we experienced a view of the city from the top of the Pearl TV Tower, which stands 1,411 feet above the city. Entering this major attraction felt much like a theme park attraction with its lines, maze of railings, and the large crowds that anxiously awaited the elevator ride to the top. Once we reached the top and stepped out onto the clear observation deck, we were treated to a view like no other. It took our breath away. We were looking straight down as well as straight out over the city. The view was of unique architecture, the twists and turns of the bustling streets, and an incredible skyline. This was certainly a unique perspective on an amazing city. There is nothing like Shanghai.

Standing so far above the city, I realized how important it is that we all look at situations with the bigger picture in mind. When everything is blended into one picture you get one beautiful finished product. In this case, you get a beautiful picture of all of Shanghai. Walking on a glass floor so far above the city was an experience our delegation will certainly not forget.

A Gateway to history

By Emily Socha and Christine O’Neil

Everyone in the People to People China delegation was in awe at the site of Panmen Gate in Suzhou, China. The moment we walked in we were surrounded by ancient history in this former temple where monks used to live. As we meandered through the paths, we discovered beautiful natural limestone sculptures, ponds and a waterfall.

As the locals set up shop at the entrance, we had an opportunity to practice our newly acquired bartering skills. Each turn on the path revealed yet another beautiful landscape including the largest of the gate bridges still standing in Suzhou. It was like something you would see in the movies. There were wooden and stone carved pathways, bamboo trees and ancient temples that overlooked ponds filled with water lilies. This was an incredible journey through a picturesque part of Suzhou and one that you could experience too.

"I am happy anywhere"

By Samantha Bifulco

Diversity allows us to explore and become well rounded, grasping that worldly sense of individualism. As I embarked on this journey with DECA and People to People in China, I realized that I was already surrounded by fortunate diversity, in that I was with nine others from all over the United States. Each of us has noticed the subtle differences we bring from our home states, like our accents, phrases and customs. We do our best to mimic each other so that we can start to become more than just a delegation. We are starting to feel more like a family.

I have been fortunate to travel to other countries, and each experience was unique. However, on this sixth day of travel in China, I can honestly say this has been by far the most diverse cultural challenge yet. In my travels, I have been amazed to see how certain customs can reflect through people differently. This time around certainly has made me notice how eager most people here are to acknowledge westerners, and they are very hospitable. Our tour guide Andy represents the attitude of Chinese people best. We frequently hear Andy say, “I am happy anywhere.” This is the humble tone of the people we have met here in China.

We have already traveled through four cities each having their own characteristics. As tourists we do our best to adapt to the environment as much as possible, trying to absorb everything and perhaps even integrate what is best about this culture into our own lifestyle. I feel as if DECA has provided us all with an amazing opportunity for cultural and entrepreneurial growth, and People to People has provided the setting to make it feel more like a great family vacation.

Communication as an art form

By Jordan Robinson

As we continued our journey through China, we further submersed ourselves in traditional Chinese culture and art. In a day centered on history and the arts, we found ourselves first visiting the tranquil Yipu Garden in Suzhou where we were given a private lesson in Chinese Calligraphy. While some might view it as merely an alternative means of communication, Chinese Calligraphy, when done in the traditional form, could easily be described as an art form. Every stroke is deliberate and created with purpose. We were guided through the basics of forming several characters in Chinese Calligraphy, and then we were given different characters to form on our own. Unlike English writing, where each letter is only a piece of the whole word, the characters in Chinese Calligraphy individually mean a specific word. During our lesson, we learned how to write and recognize the modern and traditional characters for dragon, love, rain and several others.

After concluding our lesson, we then visited the Suzhou Lanli Garden Embroidery Research Institute, where we had the opportunity to see Suzhou's crowing glory in the world of cultural based art-silk embroidery. To begin our visit, we were first given a tour of the gallery where we saw embroidered renditions of the Mona Lisa, Lady Diana, and many others, all 100% formed through embroidered silk. This ancient art is still done today as it was centuries ago, every stitch done by hand and every pattern drawn by the very hands that would bring it to life – stitch-by-stitch. The most basic single-sided piece takes four months of daily work to completion and complex double-sided pieces take two or more years of daily work. Each yields a finished product that is truly unique and is of great value. We saw pieces that ranged in price anywhere from 240 Yuan to 2.8 million Yuan, which is the equivalent to $40-$500,000. This proves that there is still great value in tradition, effort, and patience. Both of our experiences overall helped to further our expedition through Chinese culture and history and allowed us all to see how active tradition was and still is in influencing our progressively modernized world.

DECA members are holding a piece of paper showing how DECA is written in Chinese.

Grand majesty in unexpected places

By Victoria Caña

The second we set foot in the Wuzhen Visitor Center and inhaled the thick, musty air, we knew we weren't in Shanghai anymore. Shanghai is a modern metropolis whose architecture represents how the east adopted western styles. Wuzhen on the other hand is a charming untouched village whose cultural roots are set deep within the ground and the water that runs through it. Wuzhen's beauty is almost unreal, especially at night. Our delegation was treated to a boat ride through Wuzhen's canals. We took lots of pictures, yet we realize they can never truly reflect this town's true beauty.

After the boat ride we had the opportunity to explore the nooks and crannies of the narrow walkways. At night, Wuzhen reminded me of an oriental dragon alley with ancient dark wooden buildings, narrow paths, cobbled floors and throngs of people each with their own story to tell. The walls gently whispered secrets of the town's earlier days as we passed each little shop. There is something magical about Wuzhen. Maybe it's the preserved antiquity of the architecture or the soft glow of the lanterns reflecting on the water. Whatever it was it captured our hearts.

More than just a meal

By Brett Isreal

Cuisine plays a huge role in the overall enjoyment of an international exchange. From Shanghai to Beijing, we have been treated to some of the best culinary creations that the far east has to offer. During breakfast, lunch and dinner, our palates have played host to dishes that blend exotic flavours with familiar classics. Our taste buds have been thoroughly tantalized, and more importantly our horizons have been broadened. Andy, aka the best delegation manager in the world, has worked tirelessly to ensure that every meal is prepared to the highest of standards. To him our comfort is his top priority, and he as gone the extra mile to create a dining experience that marries east and west. We have been able to witness (and taste) first hand how companies like McDonald's and Pizza Hut have been able to expand into the Chinese market, this being a priceless lesson in effective globalization. Along with our local guides, Andy has worked to create an experience that has enabled us to sample local cuisine, fully submitting ourselves in the culture. Special meal plans have also been arranged for those members in our delegation who have dietary restrictions, even if that includes a somewhat addictive craving for Starbucks.

Similar to life in North America, the dinner table has become the center for family bonding. As a delegation family, we have become closer with the savory flavours of the orient. Sharing in both stories and food, it became clear to us that while our culture might have their differences, the good old Lazy Susan has the powerful ability to break down barriers, allowing us to come together.

China is a culinary dream for those wishing to try something new. The succulent Peking duck and mouth-watering noodles have become new staple favorites for many delegates. While the more adventuresome members enjoyed the ancient Chinese delicacy of boiled chicken feet and the DQ Blizzard test applied to a gelatinous rhombus known in Chinese as sticky rice, there was always American classics for those with a more conservative appetite. This included having French fries available at every meal, including breakfast. To make our international adventure even more enjoyable, the hardworking folks at People to People have created an itinerary that included a number of buffet style meals. Having the buffet option enabled many of us to be more outgoing, and try more traditional dishes as we knew that our favorites were just a spoon’s reach away.

Our experience was elevated by the out of this world architecture and breath taking features that could be found at each of our eateries. Grand gardens and century old buildings captivated our imaginations. The attention to detail in every way created an atmosphere that we will not soon forget.

Our culinary expedition culminated with the opportunity to study for a day at a working vocational school. Founded in 1980, the special academy has prepared countless Chinese students for the world of hospitality. The second we walked through the aging doors, we were greeted by an array of welcoming scents which signaled that we were in for a tasty lesson. We began our hands-on learning by receiving a teaching session by a traditional Chinese tea teacher. We watched while the members of the academy eloquently prepared our hot beverages. Their hands moved hypothetically as they poured our drinks, all of the while we were taking a step into tradition. Learning the background of four different types of tea, we learned the importance of the beverage in Chinese culture. After the sampling, we moved downstairs to prepare traditional Chinese dim sum. Creating the dumplings got a little messy but the finished product definitely passed the taste test. Lastly we learned how to create Chinese roses out of modeling fondant. This is an art of beauty that we still have to master. Personally this reaffirmed my commitment to DECA as opposed to the cooking club. We will need to continue working on this skill.

What stands out the most to me is how customer service still remains the center for successful business in the hospitality sector. This was another priceless DECA lesson taught to us through our international adventure with people to people.

More than meals, we have experienced the mastery of an art that transcended culture and culinary styles. East met west on the dinner plate.

Ping-Pong Goals

By Morgan Thompson

Did you know if you have a goal posted somewhere you can see it, you are ten times more likely to achieve it? When DECA's People to People Ambassadors visited a Ping-Pong School in Suzho, we saw first-hand this strategy in place. As we walked in to the building, we saw a huge Olympic and Chinese flag that took up the entire wall. It was the first thing we saw, and it made an impact.

A few minutes later we saw the kids who were a part of the Ping-Pong academy. We were absolutely blown away by their skill, agility and domination with their Ping-Pong paddle. Our tour guide, Andy, told us that nearly everyone in China plays Ping-Pong, but these kids were standouts. They attend the school and practice more than six hours a day, in hopes to become professionals and one day represent their country on the Olympic Team.

We even got our turn to take on these young champions, but sadly we really did not find all that much success, though we did learn a valuable lesson. Keep your goals in front of you, put in the work it takes to get there, and surround yourself with people who challenge you. I can only hope that one day I will see one of those kids on TV as I tune in for the Olympics and say, "Hey I remember when I was in China and that kid beat me at Ping-Pong!"

Beijing Adventures

By Samantha Bifulco

You can’t search for a path to happiness; you simply have to create one filled with it. The life you live or how you live is the fulfilled with the choices and memories you decide to make.

As this journey in China continues through Beijing, I must say it has been one amazing laugh after another, an amazing experience after another, an exquisite view after another. People to People provided us with an incredible tour guide, Andy, a current resident in Beijing who has been with us since day one! He has been with us through it all, teaching us, preparing us for everything and making us feel comfortable and open to new scenarios. We have developed this connection with him; quite the hilarious one I might add. "Who would have guessed that at one point it was popular to bring a date to McDonalds or ‘Kentucky Fried China’ as we Chinese call it," Andy says.

Our adventures in China have gotten us lost in the VIP section after passing through two security check points at the Beijing Stadium which held the 2008 Olympics. We’ve dined with the best at only the best places. We are all having the time of our lives. Our skin jumped from the cool vibrations of drums performed by the professionals at the Drum Tower near the Forbidden City. We had an adrenaline rush after climbing what seemed to be endless stairs to get up to the tower. We also attempted to bargain with local vendors. We definitely came prepared, being a member of DECA and all. We know how the marketing game works! Adventuring through the unknown has never been so promising. Enjoy the thrills and knowledge that only China can offer.

It Shouldn't Work...But it Does.

By Emily Socha

Cars, bikes, mopeds, rickshaws and buses. It shouldn't work, but it does.

Are you curious as to what I mean by that? In China, we had the pleasure of experiencing many different forms of transportation. We traveled by boat through the beautiful water town of Wuzhen. We traveled on the Mag-Lev high-speed bullet train from Souzhou to Beijing at speeds upwards of 200 miles per hour. We've also had the pleasure of taking rickshaw rides through the old town of Huton built right next to the Forbidden City. These forms of transportation have truly helped us see and explore China in many unique ways. However, the automobile transportation has been one of the most exciting ways we got around town.

Yellow lines in the center of the rode traditionally mean "do not cross," right? And have you ever heard of "right of way?” Well in China, we learned very quickly that those yellow lines are merely a suggestion to drivers and that "right of way" belongs to whichever bus, car or bicycle can get there first. It may seem dangerous, but we didn't see any accidents while we were here! The drivers are experienced and they will get you to where you need to go - no matter what.

Transportation in China is an experience of its own, and you really have to see it to believe it! Who knew you could drive down the wrong side of the road while passing a police car and have no one notice other than the drivers coming at you honking their horns? Get ready to hang on to your seat!

Olympic Venue – Where Dreams Come True

By Morgan Thompson

The first stop after our high-speed bullet train ride into Beijing was the Bird's Nest where the 2008 Olympics were held. The structure could be seen from far away, but as we approached it, we realized how big it truly was. Security was pretty tight to get into the facility, but we had our guide, Andy. When you're in Andy's group you get VIP access! A common phrase for each security check was, "No one gets in here - unless you're on Andy's bus!" As we stepped out of the bus and into the stadium, we were awestruck. We were walking where hundreds of athletes achieved their dream of Olympic competition, and for some, Olympic gold. After exploring the field we learned more about what the Olympics meant to Beijing and China. We even had the opportunity to dine at the exclusive restaurant that overlooks the track and field area. One could only imagine the celebrities and athletes that dined there as well. This was the perfect site to visit to help us get excited about this summer's Olympic games in London. We now have a better appreciation for the time, teamwork and dedication it takes to create such an amazing venue.

A Cloisonne Culture

By Maisa Cook

On our final day of our China experience, we were treated to something that is part of Chinese heritage and has been for over 1,000 years. Even the glue recipe they use is that old! Our delegation received a personal tour of the Cloisonne crafting center located in the Beijing Industrial Art Factory. In the United States, we call this type of product “enamel ware.” While some may consider the handcrafted goods a common knick-knack, Cloisonne represents the beauty of hard work. It displays the resourcefulness and skill of the women that spend pain-staking hours and days on each piece to make the craft come to life. From shaping copper into the shapes of traditional Chinese patters which include dragons, flowers and birds, to gluing the copper with a 1,000-year-old glue recipe, to applying enamel in a sand form by eye dropper in numerous layers, Cloisonne crafting takes great patience.

The process to create this work of art consists of four parts: copper shaping, enameling, firing and polishing (then more enameling, more firing, and more polishing - six layers for a basic pattern). Nimble fingers work to bend and twist the copper into 3D copies of a 2D image with the assistance of only a pair of tweezers. Eye-dropper by eye-dropper, the enamel, which is colored stone powder, is carefully placed into each copper shape. Then the piece is placed into the red-hot kiln for firing. The piece is then polished with different types of stones to make the item glimmer in the light with rich color. This process is repeated six times before the piece is finished and ready for sale. As a delegation, we had the chance to try our own hand at producing a Cloisonne piece. Something that looked so easy when the artists were doing it, we found quite challenging. It was hard to stay in the lines. We had a competition among our delegation for the best final product. The winner received a pair of Cloisonne Chopsticks. We now have a better appreciation of the 1,000-year-old art that is still popular today in both China and in the United States.

A Mascot for Chinese Culture

Christine O'Neil

From the textbook in world history to Kung Fu Panda to Panda Express in the food court, the lovable Panda has become a mascot for the people of China. Visiting the Beijing Zoo served as an opportunity to see this infamous character up close. With a VIP behind-the-scenes tour from the Panda trainer, we admired Goo-Goo's elegant saunter and knack for eating everything in sight. As the crowd gathered at the gate of the habitat, it was evident he was admired by all who visited, but especially the Chinese people. With only 1,000 Pandas left in the world, the Beijing Zoo is working hard to save this unique animal. We can only hope that in 20 years when DECA is still sending delegations to China, that the Panda is thriving, and this visit is still on the itinerary as one of our favorites. Please help to do what you can to save the Giant Panda.

Conquering the Great Wall of China

By Victoria Cana

It was our last day in China. After seeing everything from the Forbidden City to the Summer Palace in Beijing, I didn't think another attraction could impress me. Then we traveled to one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the Great Wall of China. This ancient attraction is the ultimate in protective architectural structures. The wall seemed to stretch as far as the eye could see. The throngs of eager tourists flooded the parking lot just to have the chance to climb the wall. Each step was rigorous as the wall is a very steep climb to each of its towers. Each tower looks down at the world as it connects and protects like the longest arms in the world reaching across China. As I peered out one of the many side holes in the tower walls, I had the urge to scream "I'm in China!!" We were happy to know that it was an easy downhill climb on the way back. It was an amazing attraction, and I know we saved the best for last.

The Art of Kung Fu

By Jordan Robinson

As our time in China came to an end, our final stop was at the Beijing Studio Martial Arts School. This is where we truly witnessed an act of a different kind. We were treated to a top-notch performance put on by the school's best students and teachers. The performance was not only a display of control of the mind and body, but the energy around each person. The visit started with a show that included some very colorful and active dragons and concluded with time for our delegation to get trained in some Kung Fu basics. While we were not nearly as skilled as the students, we did make for good entertainment for the instructors and other students. We did everything from back flips to punching to cartwheels. We were amazed at the talent of these students who stay at this school year-round to learn what is necessary to become masters in Kung Fu. We found it to be a very graceful and powerful form of martial arts. This was the perfect end to our visit to China.

Experience DECA Outside the Diamond: An Advisor’s Perspective

By Sandra Tucker

As a DECA advisor, how many hours have you spent making hotel, airline and dining arrangements for your members for a variety of DECA conferences so that your members have a safe and valuable DECA experience as they travel? Imagine DECA travel in which all arrangements, activity planning and lodging, as well as meal reservations, are done for you. The hours that go into the planning of each detailed aspect of a DECA trip for our members can be overwhelming, yet my recent trip to China was effortless. That was thanks to People to People!

As an assistant leader/chaperone on the recent DECA Goes Global to China trip, I was finally able to experience the kind of DECA travel that I had only dreamed about as an advisor. Our People to People representative, Kylee, made sure that our delegation had everything we needed for an exciting trip to China. I was provided a polo shirt, a cell phone for international calls and email related to our trip, luggage tags, all the details necessary to obtain a visa and a plethora of information on Chinese culture. We were given a detailed itinerary and all flight information well in advance of our trip. For this DECA advisor, it couldn’t have been simpler. To use the phrase I quoted frequently in my classroom, it was “easy peezy lemon squeezy!”

As an advisor, this trip to China was an opportunity to travel outside of the traditional DECA diamond and experience something totally different. I was able to network with another experienced DECA advisor and other students from across the U.S. and Canada who were part of our delegation, as well as discuss global business practices with business professionals from China. I was exposed to marketing concepts that would broaden my perspective on the global marketplace, a valuable tool when teaching global economics in the classroom.

Our delegation visited historical sites and a variety of educational institutions that helped us develop a better understanding of why China is such a powerful force in our world’s economy. Chinese people are passionate about educating their children and are models of strong work ethics. These are aspects we witnessed over and over as we visited factories, businesses and schools. The cultural beauty that exists at each of the historical sites helped us understand the foundation of Chinese culture and how it fits easily into their modern practices. I could have never imagined the value such a trip held to a DECA advisor. By taking the daily worry of travel planning out of the picture, I could enjoy each moment of the journey as it was meant to be experienced and broaden my knowledge of Asian culture and global economies, concepts that you cannot experience with a textbook. As a DECA advisor, this trip was incredibly fun! I can only imagine the lasting impact it had on the members who were part of our delegation.

My best advisor advice is this: If you want to bring a unique global perspective to your classroom, step outside of your DECA diamond and sign up today to be a part of the most unique global experience DECA offers. The partnership with People to People is the answer to stress-free DECA travel. All the hard work is already done for you, so what are you waiting for? Register today!