Global Business Studies helps students prepare for international education experiences
The KU School of Business offers study abroad programs tailored to meet students’ diverse interests and academic goals. From semester-long immersion programs to summer programs to a quick spring break trip, there is a program to suit students and their dream destinations.
Through Global Business Studies (GBS), the school can support students as they explore international opportunities abroad that supplement their business education.
There is always a way to incorporate a study abroad program into a student’s schedule. Students should let their academic advisor know early on of their plan to study abroad to ensure they can figure out the best ways to fit it into their schedule while still allowing for an on-time graduation.
“The best kind of window, if you’re looking to fit in a big program, is the second semester sophomore year, first semester junior year and the summer between those two,” said Ian Adkins, international programs coordinator at the School of Business. “That’s kind of the best spot in general.”
Spain, Italy and the CIMBA Italy program are among some of the most popular destinations among business students. According to Adkins, around 100 students in the business school go abroad in the summer. For the academic year, between 110 and 120 students study abroad. He anticipates that as enrollment rates increase, more students will choose to study abroad.
The business school offers faculty and student-led programs. Faculty-led trips usually occur over a short break, like spring break or winter break, and allow for a more hands-on experience instead of a classroom-based course. Whether it’s a marketing trip in Asia or a summer in Europe, students can earn credit while exploring the world and learning about history and culture.
KU and the School of Business have also cultivated partnerships with universities around the world to give students unique experiences that they may not have known about otherwise. The longest-running program in the business school is a trip to Panama and has been running for more than 10 years. Universidad de Costa Rica has been partnered with KU since 1958, making it the university’s oldest partnership.
The university also partners with with programs like International Studies Abroad (ISA), the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) and Study Abroad Italy (SAI) to help connect students to different programs around the world that KU may not offer directly to students through Office of Study Abroad and Global Engagement (SAGE).
Student-initiated programs allow students flexibility to study at programs sponsored by other accredited universities and colleges in the U.S. or directly enroll in a foreign institution for a given academic time frame. KU can find a place for any student based on their major, interests and desired location. Each student should evaluate on what is important for them when deciding where to study abroad. For those with a strong desire to travel, places like Spain or France are great options. For those who wish to immerse themselves in where they are placed, somewhere like South Korea can provide an immersive experience.
Students can also complete internships abroad in Asia, Europe, Oceania, Latin America and Africa. Some programs are pre-approved for BUS 310 Internships with Impact, a required course for all business majors. However, students should confirm with GBS or SAGE if their internship qualifies.
Deadlines for programs vary, but for students interested in the CIMBA Italy program, Adkins highly recommends applying as early as possible as there will be a waitlist.
Studying abroad has many benefits for students both professionally and personally. Adkins notices the ways students positively change when they return from their experiences abroad.
“The confidence-building is probably the No. 1 most important thing that studying abroad gives students,” Adkins said. “All the career stuff is really important, but I think confidence and the security of it is why all the other professional benefits come out of it.”
As students become more interested in adding an international component to their education, the School of Business hopes to have 50 percent of students study abroad before graduation.
“For business students, it is super important,” Adkins said. “Students who study abroad have a 30 percent higher call back rate on their resumes. In terms of jobs within six months, 97 percent of students who have studied abroad have secured a job.”
As students prepare to go abroad, they will need to apply for a passport if they do not already have one. The SAGE office in Lippincott Hall, Room 108 provides The Passport Center for all students needing to apply for a passport. Here, they can have their photo taken and have help with the application process. Students should arrive with primary identification and a printed application that will be filled out at the study abroad office.
Visit the KU School of Business Study Abroad page to learn more about study abroad opportunities and schedule an appointment with Adkins or a peer advisor.
By Grace Ludes
