Faculty-led Study Abroad
Faculty-led study abroad programs help prepare our students to work in a global business environment. Students explore other countries by meeting with business leaders and learning about local industries and international corporations. Along the way, students visit spectacular destinations and immerse themselves in another culture.
Students in the program form lasting bonds with the Carson College of Business faculty and other students who are their traveling companions in the following nations:
China
This five-week program is offered at our partner university, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics located in Chengdu, the capital city of China’s Sichuan province. Chengdu is the financial, economic, and commercial hub of southwest China, and it’s also home to four giant panda centers. Students and faculty will visit companies in Chengdu and take cultural excursions to Beijing and Xi’an featuring historic sites such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Terracotta Warriors.
Greece
Learn about international business while exploring one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations. The six-week summer program to the isle of Crete immerses students in local culture while they learn about finance, marketing, and operations management. Faculty and students will have a chance to visit the archeological sites of the ancient Minoan civilization, Chania’s old town and Venetian port, the Gorge of Samaria, and the Beach of Vai, which contains Europe’s largest palm forest. They’ll also take excursions to Athens and the majestic island of Santorini.
Ireland
Experience the beauty, fun, and culture of Ireland in the historic capital of Dublin and the coastal city of Galway. Upper and lower division business courses are offered, along with visits to places such as DocUSign’s Dublin office, GlenLo Estate Hotel, Guinness Entrepreneurial Center, and the Irish Criminal Court, where students watch live court proceedings and participate in a mock trial. Cultural opportunities include visiting landmarks such as the Cliffs of Moher, Museum of Irish Country Life, Whiskey Museum, and experiences such as Irish theater and Gaelic Games. Who hasn’t thought “I want to visit Ireland one day?” This could be your day.
Italy
Do you have an interest in Italian gastronomy and/or international business? The Food, Wine, and Culture of Tuscany program gives students the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s top Italian chefs, sommeliers, and professors. Imagine being able to create a delicious meal of traditional Tuscan cuisine, serve wine using Italian techniques, and learn about innovations in coffee and tea service. Students can also take international business classes that fulfill Carson College of Business requirements. At the Florence University of the Arts, students also experience a city known for its beautiful Renaissance art and architecture, gardens, museums, and monuments.
Spain
Enjoy tapas, sangria, and the cultural treasures of Spain while biking along sun-soaked beaches, relaxing in modern accommodations, and studying international business, marketing, and Spanish at the Universitat de València. Located on the east coast of Spain just south of Barcelona, València combines old city charm, a coastal vibe, and dazzling architecture to offer students an amazing cultural experience. Group excursions to Granada, historic wineries, cultural events, a nature preserve, and local businesses offer broad cultural exposure while embedding classroom learning within the culture.
Switzerland
Located in the south central region of Switzerland, the Brig Campus of César Ritz Colleges offers a truly international experience. Students take classes taught by the César Ritz faculty as well as WSU faculty, while living and studying alongside César Ritz students from all over the world. Brig offers opportunities for winter sports at Zermatt, Interlaken, and even Chamonix, France. On weekends, students can hop on a train or a plane to travel within Switzerland or other European countries. During the midterm break, students and faculty participate in a group excursion to destinations such as Prague, Lisbon, Barcelona, or Cairo. The program offers 11-week sessions that begin in January for the spring semester and October for the fall semester.
Thailand
Our partner university, University of Thai Chamber of Commerce, offers a six-week program. Students spend five weeks in Bangkok, Thailand’s historic and vibrant capital, the country’s largest city, and the center of tourism, arts, commerce, and manufacturing. During the sixth week, students travel to Phuket, Thailand’s best known tourist destination, with beautiful beaches, pristine waters, tropical forests, and waterfalls to explore. The program includes cultural excursions to the Grand Palace, Buddhist Temples, and Thai Villages, visits to such historic places as Ayutthaya, elephant camp, and more.