Jérémie Viel summed up his experience. "This trip was an astonishing discovery for most of us. We met high-level Turkish executives, as well as academics, journalists and NGO officials, to get a very broad and rich overview of Turkey. People were very welcoming everywhere, and we had a chance to visit many beautiful places of Istanbul. It was also a pleasant opportunity for us to spend some great time together out of the classrooms."

The journey began with the arrival at Istanbul airport and a transfer to Sabanci University which served as a base for the first couple of days of the visit. The first day consisted of a series of Political and finance related lectures, which were specifically conceived for the MBA students, held by leading professors in order to introduce the students to business culture and practices in Turkey. Here they were also able to meet and interact with their Turkish counterparts and add to their already expanding knowledge of the Turkish culture and business environment.

The following day allowed the students to experience Turkish business practices first hand.  A series of guided tours specially conducted for the students through a number of specifically selected prime enterprises in the Kentsa industrial park: BriSa, KordSa & BekSa . Each of these enterprises is already a leading light in their respective fields. BriSa for example is already the foremost tyre producer in Turkey and the 6th largest in Europe. This valuable experience was further enhanced with theCEO's holding meetings with the students and responding to their questions.

The highlight of the module was the visit to Sabanci Holdings where the MBA students were able to meet the CEO of the company, Ahmet Dorduncu, Director of Human Resources and key staff. Mr. Dorduncu shared his knowledge with the students, describing his experience of running a truly global company and explaining what such a position of responsibility actually entails.

On another occasion, the students were able to meet and discuss with a leading journalist, Hassam Cemal, and with the heads of two of the biggest Non-Governmental Organisations; Ibrahamich Betil  and Nafiz Can Paker. These meeting gave students an insight into just how powerful civil organisations can be in the fight for change in Turkey.

Cultural visits to the Blue Mosque, the Palaces of Topkapi and Dolmabahce and the famous Kapali Carsi Bazaar rounded off what was a highly successful and eventful trip that allowed students to expand both their cultural and economic knowledge of the country. "Going to Istanbul was unique experience in a unique country that spans over two continents, across many cultures and several religions." said Jean-Philippe Mazet. "It is a country that is deeply rooted in the richness of its past, whose pride, capacity to integrate and economical vitality are striking."

The next trip is planned for January and will take the students to India, concluding the Global Business Module of the Theseus-EDHEC MBA programme.