UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Expanding global perspective and enhancing the ability to communicate cross-culturally are integral parts of the Penn State Smeal MBA educational experience. The program’s annual global immersion, planned for Feb. 28 to March 4, provides a weeklong opportunity for first-year students to witness firsthand the dynamics of the interconnected global economy.
On trips to one of three destinations — Johannesburg, South Africa; Prague, Czech Republic; or Shanghai, China — students will meet with business and government leaders and take part in an array of cultural activities.
“The global immersion trip is a quintessential part of the Penn State Smeal MBA experience,” said Managing Director Carrie Marcinkevage. “We think it’s crucial for our students to get a sense of how differently businesses can be operated in other countries.”
Itineraries for each will include:
JohannesburgVisits to businesses such as Ernst & Young, Ogilvy & Mather, Coca-Cola, New Africa Petroleum, and Soweto Hotel. Students will also meet with the deputy auditor general of South Africa, and visit Henley Business School.
PragueVisits to businesses such as Skoda Volkswagen, Continental Automotive, Ajeto Glassworks, Computer Sciences Corporation, and Lion Communications. Students will also meet with government officials, and the Association for Integration and Migration.
ShanghaiVisits to businesses such as Air Products, Baxter, Dell, Caterpillar, HSBC, WWL, Compal, and Disney Consumer Products. Students will also meet with the U.S. Consulate General and an NPR journalist.
About the Penn State Smeal MBA ProgramThe internationally ranked residential Penn State Smeal MBA Program positions students from around the world for their future careers. The two-year program, based on the University Park campus, begins with a focus on business fundamentals. Through summer internships with top companies and concentration opportunities in areas such as finance, marketing, and supply chain management, students then personalize their Smeal MBA experiences to align with their career aspirations. Learn more at mba.smeal.psu.edu.