Three days after the first snowfall in Oxford, the students of the Master’s in International Finance (MIF) 2024 class, along with the short-term exchange students from Shenzhen, embarked on a corporate visit to Birmingham. This was a trip of learning and exploration where the students not only gained a deep understanding of local corporate culture but also experienced the rich history and culture of Birmingham.
Corporate Visit: Insights from Allsee Technologies Ltd.
On the morning of November 21, the coach arrived at Between Towns Court on time to pick up the first batch of students living off-campus. By 9:45 AM, they had all gathered on the coach, full of anticipation as we set off for Birmingham.
By noon, the students arrived at Allsee Technologies Ltd. Here, they not only toured the company's modern facilities but also engaged in an in-depth face-to-face conversation with the company's founder, Dr. Zhao Baoli. This visit provided students with a more intuitive understanding of the company's operational model and innovative ideas, offering valuable insights for our future careers.
Inside the Heart of the Enterprise
At Allsee Technologies Ltd. in Birmingham, PHBS-UK students were first taken to the company's exhibition hall, where the latest products and technological innovations were displayed. Marketing Director Thomas Fraser-Bacon elaborated on the product functions and market applications, giving the students a glimpse into the company's technical prowess and industry standing. With great enthusiasm, he introduced Allsee's newest offering, the Digital Canvass. Furthermore, Henry Qu, director of Software Development, and Joshua Lau, director of Business Development, provided comprehensive insights into the product's technical specifications and the company's future strategic directions.
Career Experience Sharing
During the Q&A session, students actively asked questions ranging from career development and industry trends to technological innovation and team management. The sincere answers and advice from the company's management were invaluable. These experience-sharing sessions not only provided guidance for students’ future careers but also inspired them to ponder different career paths.
A Dialogue with Management
Later, students had the privilege of engaging in face-to-face exchanges with Dr. Zhao and Thomas Fraser-Bacon and visiting the company's warehouse and office areas. These precious firsthand insights gave them a deeper understanding of the company's business philosophy and market competitiveness.
To express gratitude for Allsee's warm reception, the MIF 2024 students presented a gift with a distinctive Peking University flavor: a beautiful painting of the Peking University landscape. This painting not only carried their love for the Peking University campus but also represented their cherishment of this exchange experience.
Liu Shenhao, class monitor of the MIF 2024 class, presented a gift to Dr. Zhao Baoli
Han Bing, assistant director of PHBS-UK, presented a thank-you letter to Dr. Zhao Baoli
A Group Photo
Museum Tour: Echoes of History
At 2:30 PM, students arrived in central Birmingham and began their exploration of the city's culture. Some students chose to visit the Back to Backs Museum, while others headed to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. The art collections and historical exhibitions there provided them with a deeper understanding of the city's culture and art.
Back to Backs Museum: A Journey through Time
This is a well-preserved typical residential area of 19th-century Birmingham. Here, students felt like they had traveled back in time, experiencing the living environment and social conditions of that era firsthand. The museum's tour guides provided detailed explanations of the historical backgrounds of these buildings and the life stories of the residents. During the visit, they saw furniture, decorations, and daily necessities from that time, which made them feel the weight of history.
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery: The Fusion of Art and Culture
The other group of students visited the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which houses a collection of artworks ranging from ancient times to the modern era, including famous Pre-Raphaelite paintings and works by local artists. They wandered through the galleries, admiring the details of each painting and feeling the creative passion and spirit of the times of the artists.
The joy of Birmingham's Christmas Market: Festival Revelry
As night fell, students reached the climax of the trip: the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market. Each stall was filled with various handicrafts, decorations, and foods, and the colorful lights and decorations were dazzled inside the market. Every corner was full of surprises.
A lively Christmas market with colorful Christmas lights
Here, the students experienced the charm of traditional German Christmas culture, with cheerful Christmas songs playing in the background and the aroma of roasted chestnuts and hot mulled wine filling the air. They tasted various German snacks such as pretzels, bratwursts, and roasted almonds, along with Weissbier and hot Glühwein .
Caption: Enjoying delicious hot chocolate together
Riding the merry carousel together
The students happily toasted with their drinks
The Christmas decorations and diverse goods at the market created a strong festive atmosphere. The students gathered in small groups, either picking out their favorite Christmas gifts or sitting around a bonfire enjoying food. Everyone's face was radiant with happiness.
Night view of the Frankfurt Christmas Market
As night fell, students gathered at Great Charles Street Queensway, ready to return to Oxford. At 6:20 PM, the coach departed on time and they embarked on the return journey with hearts full of memories and satisfaction.
By Wang Luoya
Photograph: Meng Sichen, Hui Yuanchen, and Wang Qitong
Translated by Annie Jin
