Q. Can you tell how this (swine flu) is affecting your trip?
A. A second University, we were scheduled to visit, cancelled since their classes were cancelled by the President of Mexico. But, otherwise our trip has not been affected. We are on schedule as if there is no swine flu problem. There have been no reported cases of influenza in the State of Guanajuato. However, there is a doctor available to take care of our needs should we require it.
Q. Are you monitoring the students daily and if so, how?
A. The students have been asked to let me know if and when someone starts to feel bad. They have been briefed on the flu, and the signs that might be experienced. Thus far, everyone is perfectly healthy!
Q. Has the swine flu placed a cloud over the trip?
A. The students are a little disappointed that everyone is making such a big deal out of the flu when the closest case is more than four hours away from where we are visiting. The students understand why the concern, but it is taking time and attention away from our visit. An interesting thing about this situation is the students are not thinking about the flu or getting the flu unless we receive an e-mail from campus. Some students are receiving e-mails from friends asking if they are sick yet. The question appears to irritate them since they want the focus on this internship.
Q. There have been reports that in addition to schools, restaurants are now being closed – have you seen that where you are?
A. We do not have additional schools, restaurants, etc. being closed. Business facilities are open as usual, and all restaurants remain open. We have been told not as many people are eating in restaurants since the outbreak. However, the restaurants are still very busy.
Q. What precautionary measures are you taking?
A. We are still washing our hands many times each day, and using the liquid sanitizer between washings.
I met Mrs. Fox today, and she did not shake my hand. She briefed me that the President of Mexico has asked all citizens to stop shaking hands and/or kissing on the cheek when they are greeting each other. She stated that she wanted to comply with his wishes. So, we did an oriental greeting!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Update on MOC Students in Mexico
MOUNT OLIVE - Five Mount Olive College students and Dr. David Hill, associate professor of the Robert L. Tillman School of Business, left Saturday for a seven-day trip to Leon, Mexico. The students are participating in an exclusive internship opportunity offered to the Tillman School of Business. The group was invited and is being hosted by former Mexican President the Honorable Vicente Fox.
On Monday, they visited the Universidad Iberoamericana. Since all classes were cancelled for public and private schools due to the swine flu, the campus was empty. The MOC group toured the campus with three students who were seniors majoring in International Business. They also visited, for more than an hour, with Former President Fox, where he talked about leadership.
Although the group is aware of all the news surrounding the Swine Flu, they feel they are taking the appropriate precautionary measures at this time, and plan to continue with their planned agenda. Today, the MOC group has a full day of more visits and conferences.
“The Mexican government is concerned about the swine flu, as was evident by them canceling schools and universities yesterday,” Dr. Hill said in an email. “There are no known cases of swine flu in this area. Our students are washing their hands constantly before meals and snacks and use sanitizer lotions several times each day. We are using caution and good judgment, and will continue to do so while in Mexico. We will monitor each student as we return to the U.S.”
According to Hill the students are talking with their parents nightly. MOC student Caimla Kurebayashi of Sao Paulo, Brazil wrote in an email, “We are enjoying this opportunity to its fullest. We have opened our minds after each workshop, and learned more about ourselves. This experience is unique and I consider myself extremely lucky for having the opportunity to be part of a diverse group, to learn from people with different perspectives.”
The MOC group is expected to return to the States on Saturday, May 2. Mount Olive College is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The College, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Goldsboro, Research Triangle Park and Washington. For more information, visit www.moc.edu.
On Monday, they visited the Universidad Iberoamericana. Since all classes were cancelled for public and private schools due to the swine flu, the campus was empty. The MOC group toured the campus with three students who were seniors majoring in International Business. They also visited, for more than an hour, with Former President Fox, where he talked about leadership.
Although the group is aware of all the news surrounding the Swine Flu, they feel they are taking the appropriate precautionary measures at this time, and plan to continue with their planned agenda. Today, the MOC group has a full day of more visits and conferences.
“The Mexican government is concerned about the swine flu, as was evident by them canceling schools and universities yesterday,” Dr. Hill said in an email. “There are no known cases of swine flu in this area. Our students are washing their hands constantly before meals and snacks and use sanitizer lotions several times each day. We are using caution and good judgment, and will continue to do so while in Mexico. We will monitor each student as we return to the U.S.”
According to Hill the students are talking with their parents nightly. MOC student Caimla Kurebayashi of Sao Paulo, Brazil wrote in an email, “We are enjoying this opportunity to its fullest. We have opened our minds after each workshop, and learned more about ourselves. This experience is unique and I consider myself extremely lucky for having the opportunity to be part of a diverse group, to learn from people with different perspectives.”
The MOC group is expected to return to the States on Saturday, May 2. Mount Olive College is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The College, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Goldsboro, Research Triangle Park and Washington. For more information, visit www.moc.edu.
Day 3 (April 29) - Ivette Clemente-Andoney
Ivette Clemente-Andoney
Wednesday, April 29
Wednesday, April 29
My name is Ivette Clemente-Andoney and I am one of five students in Mexico taking part in an internship Centro Fox. My team and I wanted to let everyone know we are all doing very well. Many people have expressed great concern about our being in Mexico, while the world is being threatened by a health epidemic that originated here. But, we want to assure everyone we are safe, strong and very healthy. We have been well taken care of during our stay here and our group has never felt in any danger of becoming ill. Please take the chance to look at our blog so you can see for yourself all the things we have had the opportunity to do since we got here on Sunday afternoon. We know we will continue to be safe and trust that God will continue to protect us during the rest of our stay here and deliver us back to our homes safely.
Day 3 (April 29) - Mishael Bautista
Mishael Bautista
Wednesday, April 29
Today we had a workshop session with Snr. Jorge Cabrera Bohoquez, professor in the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (U.N.A.M.). He is a psychology and science information professor in the University, Mexico’s largest University and Latin America’s best, prestigious, and biggest University. He also is the Director of the Institute of Analysis and Research in Centro Fox, and also a history fanatic.
Snr. Cabrera presented us today with a discussion and presentation about Mexico’s history and Bicentenario (Bicentenary) coming up next year in 2010, which celebrates Mexico’s 200th year of independence.
He talked about how Mexico in 1810 fought the Spanish and won their independence. The Bicentenary also celebrates not only Mexico’s independence, but other Latin American countries’ independence including Chile, Argentina, Venezuela, Peru, Columbia, and Ecuador. One of the major characters of the independence was Priest Dolores Hidalgo along with Josefina Ortiz Dominguez. Priest Hidalgo helped prisoners out of prison and also lead many generals in the path for independence. Snra. Ortiz was the wife of the Governor of Queretaro, who was on the Spanish side; she informed Hidalgo and the Mexicans about their plans. Snr. Cabrera said that legend tells that her husband found out about her intentions and locked her up, but that she one night managed to sneak out the window and run and tell Hidalgo their plans. If it were not for her, the Mexicans would never have defeated the Spanish. We also went to the city named after him, Dolores, in Guanajuato, and went to the actual house where he resided.
He also talked about the 100th year of Mexico. The Bicentenary also celebrates the 100th year of Mexico’s Revolution, celebrating Mexico coming out of dictatorship into a new era of democracy. After 30 years of Porfirio Diaz being a dictator, revolutionist like Emiliano Zapata and Fransisco Villa were main characters in the revolution to end the dictator’s era.
We also had a workshop with Professor and Economics Specialist of Centro Fox. His presentation was about Mexico’s economic standing point in the world and its growing economy. He was former President Fox’s campaign manager, and is still with Centro Fox. He explained and showed figures of how Mexico’s economy is doing. Mexico is number one in the economic standing point in Latin America, but now is in the race with Brazil. He mentioned that Brazil has now surpassed Mexico. In the state of Guanajuato, you will find much industry. Its main industries are automotive, clothes, agricultural, and chemical industry. His presentation was a bit more difficult to understand, since his English was a little hard to understand.
Wednesday, April 29
Today we had a workshop session with Snr. Jorge Cabrera Bohoquez, professor in the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (U.N.A.M.). He is a psychology and science information professor in the University, Mexico’s largest University and Latin America’s best, prestigious, and biggest University. He also is the Director of the Institute of Analysis and Research in Centro Fox, and also a history fanatic.
Snr. Cabrera presented us today with a discussion and presentation about Mexico’s history and Bicentenario (Bicentenary) coming up next year in 2010, which celebrates Mexico’s 200th year of independence.
He talked about how Mexico in 1810 fought the Spanish and won their independence. The Bicentenary also celebrates not only Mexico’s independence, but other Latin American countries’ independence including Chile, Argentina, Venezuela, Peru, Columbia, and Ecuador. One of the major characters of the independence was Priest Dolores Hidalgo along with Josefina Ortiz Dominguez. Priest Hidalgo helped prisoners out of prison and also lead many generals in the path for independence. Snra. Ortiz was the wife of the Governor of Queretaro, who was on the Spanish side; she informed Hidalgo and the Mexicans about their plans. Snr. Cabrera said that legend tells that her husband found out about her intentions and locked her up, but that she one night managed to sneak out the window and run and tell Hidalgo their plans. If it were not for her, the Mexicans would never have defeated the Spanish. We also went to the city named after him, Dolores, in Guanajuato, and went to the actual house where he resided.
He also talked about the 100th year of Mexico. The Bicentenary also celebrates the 100th year of Mexico’s Revolution, celebrating Mexico coming out of dictatorship into a new era of democracy. After 30 years of Porfirio Diaz being a dictator, revolutionist like Emiliano Zapata and Fransisco Villa were main characters in the revolution to end the dictator’s era.
We also had a workshop with Professor and Economics Specialist of Centro Fox. His presentation was about Mexico’s economic standing point in the world and its growing economy. He was former President Fox’s campaign manager, and is still with Centro Fox. He explained and showed figures of how Mexico’s economy is doing. Mexico is number one in the economic standing point in Latin America, but now is in the race with Brazil. He mentioned that Brazil has now surpassed Mexico. In the state of Guanajuato, you will find much industry. Its main industries are automotive, clothes, agricultural, and chemical industry. His presentation was a bit more difficult to understand, since his English was a little hard to understand.
Day 3 (April 29) - Felix Reimundo blog
Felix Reimundo
Wednesday, April 29
Hello this is Felix Reimundo. I’m here to let everyone know about our Body Guard Osvaldo Solano. We couldn’t have asked for a better gentleman to show us around these great cities. Osvaldo was a police officer for two years before his efforts and hard work was recognized by Former President Vicente Fox’s Security staff. For two years he worked security for a woman director that was part of Fox’s cabinet. After Fox’s presidency was over, Osvaldo was asked to stay on with the director, doing the same security. Once Centro Fox was opened he was asked again to stay and be security/chauffer/and tour guide all in one. He knows every city especially Leon like the back of his hand. He is quite an impressive individual and has taken us to restaurants that we have enjoyed. Also, he has established a very trustworthy relationship with all of us, which gives us a sense of security and safety wherever we go with him. We like to treat him as if he were part of the group, but the customs here are little different. For example, the first night we sat down for dinner he walked away, because here in Mexico the body guards usually don’t eat with the group. We immediately asked him to please sit and eat with us; even though his first reaction was a little hesitant we reassured him that we wanted him there to eat.
Wednesday, April 29
Hello this is Felix Reimundo. I’m here to let everyone know about our Body Guard Osvaldo Solano. We couldn’t have asked for a better gentleman to show us around these great cities. Osvaldo was a police officer for two years before his efforts and hard work was recognized by Former President Vicente Fox’s Security staff. For two years he worked security for a woman director that was part of Fox’s cabinet. After Fox’s presidency was over, Osvaldo was asked to stay on with the director, doing the same security. Once Centro Fox was opened he was asked again to stay and be security/chauffer/and tour guide all in one. He knows every city especially Leon like the back of his hand. He is quite an impressive individual and has taken us to restaurants that we have enjoyed. Also, he has established a very trustworthy relationship with all of us, which gives us a sense of security and safety wherever we go with him. We like to treat him as if he were part of the group, but the customs here are little different. For example, the first night we sat down for dinner he walked away, because here in Mexico the body guards usually don’t eat with the group. We immediately asked him to please sit and eat with us; even though his first reaction was a little hesitant we reassured him that we wanted him there to eat.He also has established a friendship with us. I don’t know how we got into the conversation of volleyball, but I was telling him that I play for MOC, and he told me that he also plays. I asked him if he was going to play sometime this week and he said that he would play on Friday. This is pretty exciting because it would be my first exposure to international volleyball before my trip to Italy in the summer to run a camp there.
Pictured are the six of us. Osvaldo Solano is the gentlemen to the extreme left in front of the Cathedral in San Miguel.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Day 2 (April 28) in Mexico
San Cristobal, Mexico
Tuesday, April 28
My name is Ivette Clemente- Andoney. I am one of the five students participating in the internship with ex-president Vicente Fox taking place in Mexico from April 26 to May 2.
Today, we started out the day with breakfast at Rancho Fox. We ate in a part of the ranch that looks like a small hacienda (the area was previously used to house ex-president Fox’s bodyguards). After breakfast, we toured Dolores Hidalgo and San Miguel de Allende.
Dolores Hidalgo is considered, by the Mexican people, as the crib of the nation’s independence. The town is located to the north of the state of Guanajuato. While at Dolores Hidalgo we visited the town square, the Cathedral and the house where father Dolores Hidalgo lived, which has been converted to a museum. Dolores Hidalgo was a catholic priest who is considered the Mexican Independence.
Our second stop was the city of San Miguel de Allende. This city is located in the state of Guanajuato and it is about two hours away from the city of Leon. This city is a tourist place known for its beautiful colonial architecture. In San Miguel de Allende, we visited a beautiful church called Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, we enjoyed a very nice lunch and just walked around enjoying the beauty of the place.
We headed back to San Cristobal at about 4:30 PM and arrived about 6:30 PM. Once we got to our rooms, we spent a couple of hours putting together information about the trip to share with MOC students and faculty members. Doing so is a nice way to let everyone know how well we are all doing and how much we are learning. So far, the trip has been wonderful. I am very happy to have been given the opportunity to be part of this internship.
Tuesday, April 28
My name is Ivette Clemente- Andoney. I am one of the five students participating in the internship with ex-president Vicente Fox taking place in Mexico from April 26 to May 2.
Today, we started out the day with breakfast at Rancho Fox. We ate in a part of the ranch that looks like a small hacienda (the area was previously used to house ex-president Fox’s bodyguards). After breakfast, we toured Dolores Hidalgo and San Miguel de Allende.
Dolores Hidalgo is considered, by the Mexican people, as the crib of the nation’s independence. The town is located to the north of the state of Guanajuato. While at Dolores Hidalgo we visited the town square, the Cathedral and the house where father Dolores Hidalgo lived, which has been converted to a museum. Dolores Hidalgo was a catholic priest who is considered the Mexican Independence.
Our second stop was the city of San Miguel de Allende. This city is located in the state of Guanajuato and it is about two hours away from the city of Leon. This city is a tourist place known for its beautiful colonial architecture. In San Miguel de Allende, we visited a beautiful church called Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, we enjoyed a very nice lunch and just walked around enjoying the beauty of the place.
We headed back to San Cristobal at about 4:30 PM and arrived about 6:30 PM. Once we got to our rooms, we spent a couple of hours putting together information about the trip to share with MOC students and faculty members. Doing so is a nice way to let everyone know how well we are all doing and how much we are learning. So far, the trip has been wonderful. I am very happy to have been given the opportunity to be part of this internship.
Day 1 (April 27) In Mexico
Blog Post by Camila Kurebayashi
Monday, April 27
HOLA, COMO ESTAN? MUCHO GUSTO!!! These were the first words that we heard when we arrived at the airport in Leon,Guanajuato. As soon as we landed, a representative of the Centro Fox was waiting for us. We were taken to our accommodations in the village of Sao Cristoban, which is five minutes from the Centro Fox. Centro Fox is where we have all of our workshops and meetings. At the end of the day, we went on a tour in Leon. The city is amazing! It has three Catholics churches within ten meters from each other. All of the architecture has historical significance. It was incredible to see the crowds in the street on a Sunday evening going to church, listening to a band and enjoying family time in the park.
Today, we had a typical Mexican breakfast at President Fox’s ranch. We ate a lot of fruits, fresh bread, natural juices and of course quesadillas. Then, we headed to the Centro Fox to meet Former President Vicente Fox and take a tour in his Centro. He was wearing jeans and a blue checkered long sleeved shirt. His strong voice and posture at first intimidated us. However, after he smiled and our conversation started, we concluded we were fortunate to hear from this incredible leader. During our hour-long meeting with Former President Fox, he talked about leadership and democracy. It was impressive to learn how he has succeeded in life, and we were all astonished with his ideas and experiences. My favorite part of his speech was when he said, “We are all born leaders, however we must learn to know ourselves and our objectives in order to improve our leadership skills.”
When the topic about dictators in Latin America came up, Former President Fox clearly stated the importance of democracy and its role to change and inspire individuals. He also emphasized the mission of his Centro, which was created to spread education and information to all the population, including those that do not have access to it. It was a pleasure to meet Mr. Fox. He inspired us to look inside ourselves and think about things we can do to make a difference and be a better person. After the meeting, we went on a tour in the Centro Fox and I was amazed by the infra- structure of the complex. The Centro, formerly a horse stable, has been transformed to a highly technological facility. Its purpose today is to generate new thoughts and talents that will impact the local community. The Center has a huge library, a museum, exposition space for events and a technology center. Additionally, it has a replica of the United Nations that is used to simulate meetings. After our workshops in the Centro Fox, it was time to go to the Universidad Iberoamericana. However, due to the swine flu, the Mexican President declared a state of alert and cancelled classes all over the state. Therefore, the university was opened just for us. We had the chance to interact with three interesting Mexican students that were international business majors. At the end of the tour they gave us tips on how to interact when doing business with Mexicans. They pointed out interesting facts, such as the cordiality that the Mexicans expect when firming a contract, and the importance of writing down all the information related to the business.
It seems that I’ve been in Mexico for weeks already. First, because people received us with opened arms and it feels that we known them for a long time. Second, we have enjoyed this opportunity to its fullest. We have opened our minds after each workshop, and learned more about ourselves. This experience is unique and I consider myself extremely lucky for having the opportunity to be part of a diverse group, to learn from people with different perspectives and expertise like Mr. Fox.
Monday, April 27
HOLA, COMO ESTAN? MUCHO GUSTO!!! These were the first words that we heard when we arrived at the airport in Leon,Guanajuato. As soon as we landed, a representative of the Centro Fox was waiting for us. We were taken to our accommodations in the village of Sao Cristoban, which is five minutes from the Centro Fox. Centro Fox is where we have all of our workshops and meetings. At the end of the day, we went on a tour in Leon. The city is amazing! It has three Catholics churches within ten meters from each other. All of the architecture has historical significance. It was incredible to see the crowds in the street on a Sunday evening going to church, listening to a band and enjoying family time in the park.
Today, we had a typical Mexican breakfast at President Fox’s ranch. We ate a lot of fruits, fresh bread, natural juices and of course quesadillas. Then, we headed to the Centro Fox to meet Former President Vicente Fox and take a tour in his Centro. He was wearing jeans and a blue checkered long sleeved shirt. His strong voice and posture at first intimidated us. However, after he smiled and our conversation started, we concluded we were fortunate to hear from this incredible leader. During our hour-long meeting with Former President Fox, he talked about leadership and democracy. It was impressive to learn how he has succeeded in life, and we were all astonished with his ideas and experiences. My favorite part of his speech was when he said, “We are all born leaders, however we must learn to know ourselves and our objectives in order to improve our leadership skills.”
When the topic about dictators in Latin America came up, Former President Fox clearly stated the importance of democracy and its role to change and inspire individuals. He also emphasized the mission of his Centro, which was created to spread education and information to all the population, including those that do not have access to it. It was a pleasure to meet Mr. Fox. He inspired us to look inside ourselves and think about things we can do to make a difference and be a better person. After the meeting, we went on a tour in the Centro Fox and I was amazed by the infra- structure of the complex. The Centro, formerly a horse stable, has been transformed to a highly technological facility. Its purpose today is to generate new thoughts and talents that will impact the local community. The Center has a huge library, a museum, exposition space for events and a technology center. Additionally, it has a replica of the United Nations that is used to simulate meetings. After our workshops in the Centro Fox, it was time to go to the Universidad Iberoamericana. However, due to the swine flu, the Mexican President declared a state of alert and cancelled classes all over the state. Therefore, the university was opened just for us. We had the chance to interact with three interesting Mexican students that were international business majors. At the end of the tour they gave us tips on how to interact when doing business with Mexicans. They pointed out interesting facts, such as the cordiality that the Mexicans expect when firming a contract, and the importance of writing down all the information related to the business.
It seems that I’ve been in Mexico for weeks already. First, because people received us with opened arms and it feels that we known them for a long time. Second, we have enjoyed this opportunity to its fullest. We have opened our minds after each workshop, and learned more about ourselves. This experience is unique and I consider myself extremely lucky for having the opportunity to be part of a diverse group, to learn from people with different perspectives and expertise like Mr. Fox.
Mount Olive College Tillman School of Business Students in Mexico
Helping to bring the business school to the world, and the world to the business school, five Mount Olive College Tillman School of Business students are participating in an internship invited and hosted by former Mexican President the Honorable Mr. Vicente Fox. The seven day trip includes five days of unique business experiential and classroom learning opportunities at various sites prominently including Centro Fox, the Presidential Institute and Library. They will visit Universidad Iberoamericana, where they will have the opportunity to interact with local business students. The students were nominated through their departments and schools. Representing the Robert L. Tillman School of Business are: Felix Reimundo of Miami Florida, Mishael Bautista of Mount Olive, Camila Kurebayashi of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Michael Ratley of Fayetteville and Ivette Clemente-Andoney from RTP. All of the students are sophomores and juniors and have achieved academic excellence.
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