International Experience

We are pleased to introduce an exciting new learning opportunity for our MBA students! In today’s economy, we believe that our MBA students must have a clear understanding of the global business environment in order to be successful global business leaders. While global content is currently integrated throughout our MBA program’s curriculum, to further enhance your learning experience, we now require that all of our MBA students participate in an international experience (trip) in the spring semester of the first year, and have added a new Global Business Strategy course in the fall of the second year. (Due to possible Visa issues for international students on an F-1 Visa, this trip will not be mandatory; rather, course credit may be earned via other options. If possible, we do highly recommend this additional international experience!)

Our trips focus on the complexities, risks and strategies of global business through an in-country experience. The international experience consists of a trip from 8 to 10 days to regions such as Latin America, Asia or Europe. Given the size of the MBA Program, more than one trip will likely be offered in any given year, either over spring break or after the end of spring semester. The purpose of the trip is to familiarize our students with the complexities of doing business internationally through experiential learning. Our focus is to help you learn how cultural, administrative, infrastructure and economic differences among countries influence doing business globally.

During the trip, our MBA students will evaluate a specific business issue and will meet with educators, government officials as well as with high level leadership in both local and foreign companies to discuss how business is conducted in this specific global business environment. The global trip includes graded deliverables (assignments) that require our students to apply not only what they have learned in class, but also what they have experienced from interacting with local businesses and government representatives.

Since the trip is required, a couple of options are being made available for funding its cost. We offer several Global Travel Awards for which you may specifically apply once you enter our MBA program. Also, domestic students who qualify for need-based money through the Financial Aid Office may qualify for additional funding. Projected cost for the spring semester global experience is $2,000-$2,500…a separate cost from tuition.

Finally, during fall semester of your second year, you will complete a 3-credit hour Global Business Strategy course. Although global business strategies are discussed throughout the program of the first year, this course will apply, through case studies, integrated value chain strategies from a global perspective.