MBA students' experiences on the Germany study abroad trip
For the final course in ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ University’s Master of Business Administration program, students had the opportunity to study abroad for a week in Germany. As the first group cleared to go since the pandemic, the International Immersion trip featured a partnership with a prestigious university, a consulting project with a highly decorated international company and an array of cultural experiences.
Trip Prep
ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ MBA students were given the tools to make the most of their trip long before travel began. Andrew Greta, senior director of SHIELD Illinois and professor, who guided the students on the trip, taught a Globalization course that provided lessons on the differences and similarities among global economies and cultures. Students also had several preparatory meetings in the weeks leading up to the trip that included insights from professors and alumni that had experiences abroad through ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½.
Travel and Accommodations
Jaclyn Cantwell, interim director of the MBA program, alleviated nearly all of the stress of traveling by arranging the travel and living accommodations. The flights were booked, private hotel rooms reserved and transit to and from various locations prearranged. Breakfast and lunch were provided daily as well as several dinners. The hotel was located in beautiful and historic Koblenz, Germany, which featured a nearly endless amount of things to do, as well as welcoming, English-speaking locals.
WHU
ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ partnered with WHU — Otto Beisheim School of Management, one of Germany’s top private universities. Students enjoyed a short bus ride through beautiful scenery to and from WHU’s campus in nearby Vallendar each day. Cantwell worked closely with Silke Rogge, senior program manager - executive education, to coordinate the week in tandem with Dr. Michael Frenkel, associate dean for international relations and diversity and professor of economics. The program included lectures and insights from four of WHU’s professors as well as a company consulting project. Students were given several opportunities each day to explore Vallendar and visit local shops.
