International Experience

“The international trip is the ‘global lab’ of the Executive MBA program. In the classroom we learn facts, methods, interpretations; in the lab we get to apply all we’ve learned. Like climbing a mountain together—the international trip has a tremendous impact on the class getting closer to one another and continuing to learn together. It was the capstone to the Executive MBA program—an opportunity to learn about the cities, the people, the businesses and each other.”

Cathy Durham
Executive MBA ‘01
Partner/Owner
Madison Valuation Associates

A crucial component of the curriculum of the Executive MBA program is a required international trip in the spring of the second year, at a point in the curriculum where students can draw on and integrate extensive coursework on marketing, finance, economics, accounting, strategy and leadership.

In recent years, trips to Asia, Latin America and Central Europe have offered an extraordinary experience for Executive MBA students. The program identifies the best sites for the international trip by considering student interests, organizational needs and evolving trends. The Executive MBA program has established relationships in more than 20 countries to facilitate this trip.

It would be difficult to duplicate the experience and match the growth that occurs during the 11-day international trip. Students visit people and places not ordinarily available to travelers, including visits with ministries and universities to enhance understanding of government positions on trade, multinational operations and economic policy. Meetings with a variety of top corporate officials offer important insights on business practice in the region. The trip also emphasizes meetings with expatriates and visits to domestic businesses and multinational divisions.

The international trip provides firsthand experience of the opportunities and challenges of doing business abroad. Even those with significant international experience find this trip adds new dimensions to their understanding.