When author Thomas Friedman famously proclaimed “The world is flat,” he (thankfully) wasn’t referring to the physical shape of our globe. Rather, he was trying to convey the ways in which globalization has leveled the business playing field.
The physical and technological boundaries that once prohibited international commerce and trade have been dismantled. Business operates in an increasingly global environment and at Daniels, this isn’t just a concept students learn in the classroom, it’s a practice.
To help students experience and explore the international business world firsthand, DU and Daniels offer a wealth of global learning opportunities. Check out the following four ways in which Daniels students can explore international business practices and travel abroad while in grad school.
(1) Interterm Travel Courses
During interterm—the period between academic quarters—students at DU can participate in travel electives that cover a variety of topics. For instance, students can practice stress management techniques in the mountains of Montana; learn about culture and politics in Japan; or explore the physical and cultural landscapes of South Africa. There are four interterm periods throughout the year, and travel courses are offered during each of them, so there are plenty of opportunities for students to get out there and explore. For more information on interterm travel opportunities, visit the DU website.
(2) Electives With a Travel Component
Travel courses aren’t just offered during interterm. Students at Daniels have the opportunity to take classes with a travel component throughout the academic year. These faculty-led courses explore topics such as global business, micro-finance, entrepreneurship and impact investing. Students should work with their academic advisors to find a course that fits their goals and schedule. Learn more at daniels.du.edu/about/global.
(3) International Internships
Pursuing an international internship is not the most common way to learn and travel abroad during grad school but for some students, it’s a highly immersive option. For those interested in securing an internship in another country, there’s a lot to consider but Daniels Career Services offers tools, resources and engagement opportunities that may help.
(4) Program-specific Travel Opportunities
Certain graduate programs at Daniels include a travel component as part of the curriculum. For instance, all of Daniels’ MBA programs incorporate a travel experience. To find out more, visit the “Global” section of the Daniels website.
Although grad school is not always synonymous with international travel, in today’s “flat” world, experiencing global business environments is practically essential for success. Plus, traveling is pretty fun, right? As Mark Twain famously said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Want to know more? Prospective graduate students should contact Graduate Admissions to discuss their global learning options, while current students should chat about upcoming travel course opportunities with their academic advisors.