Top American food brands in China

In this article, we see that top food brands of America,Coca-cola and Yum! (Pizza Hut and KFC), and even real estate, are doing reallywell in China and some have considered that most of their success comes fromChina. But because they have success, doesn't mean that China’s economy wontslow down with potential of hurting itself. The real estate in China is expected to get worse but not asbad as America’s. But with China’s decreasing house market and causing effectsto its economy, we need to root for them because we might suffer a greatrecession if they go down. I think this way cool because it views China as moreof a friend which I think is important if things want to start working morepeaceful in the world.

http://money.cnn.com/2012/02/07/news/economy/thebuzz/index.htm

Brandon Wise

China's auto markets

Within this article, it talks about how China’s auto marketis in trouble of shrinking or altogether ending. Which if this happens, it willhurt American auto companies such as GM motors, Ford, etc. in China. Some evidence of this is that the firstmonth this year, car sales went down 23% in China, which has come at a shock.Plus it doesn't make it better when China is not willing to give thesecompanies permits for factories to be built. I really thought this wasinteresting because we have seen recently of how well China is doing with it’seconomy and that things would be picking up in China. It is really sad to seethese companies doing bad when they sell more in China than in America.

http://money.cnn.com/2012/02/23/autos/us_automakers_trouble_china.fortune/index.htm

Brandon Wise

Japan and the resiliance of the human spirit

The first country we will travel to is Japan. Last year we almost lost Japan altogether to the program because of the devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster. In the end we were permitted by the university to travel to western Honshu.

This photo was taken and appeared in the Wallstreet Journal less than a year ago and only one month following the disaster.

I like this photo because it is so typical of what you might see in Japan. The young girl, school uniform, almost always white socks, always a hat, always a backpack which is the same for all students of the same school. The mother in formal kimono style. While the formal attire is becoming less the norm you will always see the Japanese dressed and "pressed" when they go out even for a walk with their daughter.

I especially like this picture because we see the resilience of the human spirit. It is taken in Fukushima, the area hit hardest by the tsunami. One of the highest priorities of the Japanese authorities in Northern Honshu was to get their children back in school. They felt this was so vital for their young people who had lost home, family, friends, schools and classmates.

I love the Japanese culture and am very excited to share with you the wonders of this beautiful land and introduce you to a wonderful and gracious people.

- Troy Carpenter

Welcome!

Welcome everyone to our 2012 Asia Business Study Abroad blog. I am thrilled that you are excited to join us on this adventure of a lifetime!

We look forward to using this forum to discuss current events in Asia, international business and Asian culture in our preparation to travel and experience many of the countries in this great region of the world.

It is my faith, hope and prayer as we study, work, serve and travel together over next several weeks, each of us will be blessed with experiences that will expand our knowledge, increase our vision, and literally change our lives. Thank you for preparing yourselves for this high adventure.

Troy Carpenter
Director