ABERDEEN – Opting to spend his winter break “Down Under,” Benjamin Edwards, 18, of Aberdeen Township, participated in Western New England University’s J-Term program.
The J-Term program “is an opportunity for business students to study international business in the Asia Pacific region, in Sydney, Australia, for two weeks, while at the same time experiencing new and exciting cultural adventures,” said Curt Hamakawa, professor of sports management and director of the Business Study Abroad program.
The three-credit course consisted of 45 contact hours including faculty-led seminars, guest lectures from business executives, site visits, case studies and group projects, according to a statement from the university.
With 10 business students participating in the program this year, Hamakawa said, “Most students departed on Dec. 28 … so they could experience the New Year celebrations that are renowned the world over. All of the students [returned] on Jan. 13 in time to begin classes at Western New England University on Jan. 14.”
Edwards said, “I decided to sign up for the J-Term program because I had never been to Australia and because the program sounded like a great way to meet new people and to feel what it’s like to live on a continent where things are much different than the United States.”
Edwards said he is looking to major in sports management and plans to find a job in coaching, preferably a soccer team, once he graduates.
Western New England University is a private university in Springfield, Mass.
Edwards said he visited the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Darling Harbour and the Walkabout Wildlife Park during his stay in Australia.
“I learned how large the Asian market is and how it is supposed to grow tremendously within the next few years,” Edwards said. “I also learned about different aspects that could affect a business and how a business could overcome (challenges) to better themselves as a company.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It helped me to better understand how other people live and not to just think about the United States, but to broaden my horizons and travel to countries I normally wouldn’t,” he said. “The memories I made (in Australia) will stay with me for the rest of my life.”