The BIP course called Lessons at the Table- The Role of Food and Dining in Global Business n had been developed and was implemented by Seamk Senior Lecturer Kaija-Liisa Kivimäki with her team. The participating students and staff members came from various universities of applied sciences in Europe. Some students also originated from outside of Europe. In total approximately 40 students and around 10 teaching staff members participated in the program.
Day 1: Before and during the first day of the BIP course
Prior to the intensive week an online meeting with an introduction to the course was organized prior to the intensive week. In the online meeting the first course assignment was given to the students. The assignment needed to be ready on the first day of the intensive week. On the first day of the intensive week each group introduced something typical of the food culture in the country their university was from.
Day 2: Key concepts and detailed knowledge about the Chinese culture and customs
On the second day of the intensive week, the key concepts of the topic area studied were reviewed, and a lecture was given by Dr Matthias Koeppen from Technische Hochsule Deggendorf. Mr Koeppen had lived and worked for nearly 20 years in China and his lecture gave a strong understanding of many cultural aspects of the Chinese culture.
On the second day the blended teams of about five people from various universities were introduced to their main task, which would be presented on day four. Time was given for working on the tasks.
Day 3: A field trip to Vaasa
On day three the Seinäjoki BIP group travelled to Vaasa. VAMOK, the student organization, with the lead of Max Pada and Yakuub Farah, arranged activities for the students while the staff members took a walking tour around VAMK, the seashore and the town center. Dinner was arranged at Restaurant Strampen, where Andreas Sanden from AVINEA introduced the many points of dining like a pro.
Day 4: Outcomes of the group work are presented
The morning of the fourth day was used for finalizing the presentations. The afternoon presentations clearly demonstrated the students’ understanding of how cultural sensitivity and positive, well-polished behavior as well as clear and polite communication affect cooperation between the parties involved in business.
Day 5 and beyond
On day five it was time to reflect on what had been learned. Reflection continued also in a meeting held online a few weeks after the intensive week. It was important to review the main outcomes of the course as so much happens during the intensive week that even the main points can easily be forgotten. It is also nice to meet online those people who during the intensive week became familiar to you. Once you get to know someone face to face it is easier to continue cooperation online.
