International Business Students Chill

Students in the International Business Management program (ITB) took a well-deserved break from their studies just before Christmas. After all the exams, projects and dropbox assignments were handed in and graded, ITB students could finally relax.

International Business Management students enjoy Canadian hospitality ...

The ITB class was invited for coffee and Christmas sweets at the home of Professor Murray Morgan, Coordinator of the ITB program. While some students had returned home to their families, many of the international students chose to stay in London over the holidays. A little Canadian hospitality seemed a perfect way to wrap up the semester.

It was a wonderful collection of students from all over the world - Brazil, India, Colombia, Belarus, Jordan, Mexico, Syria, England and China. Five of the students in the photo (Juan Carlos, Lizbeth, Karthik, Menat and Radwan) completed the ITB program in December so the group was in a particularly festive mood.

Students enjoyed a variety of Christmas treats (thanks to the amazing baking skill of Carol Morgan), coffee and green tea. In addition, several of the students brought items to share with their classmates including homemade hummus/homos, Indian dishes, cake, sweets from Syria and more. A few gifts weren't opened - several bottles of iconic PoP Shoppes soft drinks (Professor Morgan's first employer). Another international specialty beverage, six imported bottles of Tsingtao from China, were displayed prominently in the sunroom. This was a thoughtful follow-up to the International Market Entry assignment regarding beer brands in China.

The artwork in the photo also has an international connection. It was purchased from an amazing female artist, Chaibia, during a trip to Morocco in the early 1990s. With the possible exception of Menat's daughter and Paulo's young son, the group seems amazingly happy. As the photo was about to be taken, Professor Morgan shouted 'dropbox' and rather curiously, this word seemed to conjure up positive and even happy thoughts.

... and get a lesson in Canadian winters!
Desmond Soares learns the importance of gloves.

As this gathering was held just days after the college closure due to Snowmaggedon 2010, there was a unique opportunity for those international students from countries where large quantities of snow is not the norm. A few intrepid students (including Desmond Soares from India) took advantage of the conditions to operate a snowblower in the nearby laneway to create a lasting memory and a wonderful photo opportunity to share with their families in Mexico, India and China. The next lesson will cover the importance of safety equipment when operating machinery as well as how to stay warm in cold Canadian winters with boots, gloves, a scarf and a wool hat or toque. Chill!