Written by Tung Nguyen Viet Do (Jason)

On Tuesday evening, May 21st, our North American and European Markets class welcomed Professor Wil Martens as the guest lecturer for a three-hour session focused on Canada. Professor Wil began by introducing his personal background and Canada's geographical features. He then shared his experiences living in six different Asian countries, providing a unique perspective on being a resident abroad.

Professor Wil's lecture covered various aspects of Canada, including its historical, cultural, and political landscape. He highlighted Canada's multiculturalism, immigration, and migration patterns, offering insights into the nation's diverse society. He concluded the first half of the session by discussing his views on the "Disillusionment with the Canadian Dream," addressing issues related to the cost of living, including salary, taxes, rent, and housing. In the second part of his lecture, Professor Wil focused on Canada's governmental regulations and political issues, explaining how Canada fits into the broader context of the North American and European markets. He covered topics such as censorship and homelessness. He also detailed Canada's immigration point system, emphasizing its comprehensive, competitive, and strict eligibility criteria. Additionally, Professor Wil discussed Canada's marketing, localization (regionalization), and internationalization strategies, illustrating the country's business operations. He compared Western and Eastern Canada and described the differences in communication and personal space between Western and Eastern cultures worldwide.

Overall, Professor Wil Martens delivered an insightful and engaging lecture about his home country, capturing the students' attention with enthusiasm and numerous interactive questions.