Going Global: Ourso Graduate Students Explore International Business Across Three Continents
April 29, 2025
Over spring break, Ourso College graduate students swapped their usual BEC classrooms for dynamic international settings, embarking on immersive experiences designed to broaden their understanding of the global business landscape. Students from multiple programs, including the Flores MBA Program and Department of Public Administration, traveled together to Europe (Germany & Hungary) or South America (Argentina), and the Master of Accountancy cohort explored the heart of Central America (Costa Rica). While each continent boasted unique experiences, all three provided our students with valuable exposure to the intricate world of business beyond U.S. borders.
Europe: Living History in Berlin & Budapest
The European trip began in Germany, the third-largest economy in the world by nominal GDP and an industrial and technological powerhouse.
The European trip kicked off in Berlin with a thorough cultural introduction, including tours of iconic city landmarks like the Reichstag and Checkpoint Charlie, followed by a taste of local culture at BRLO craft brewery.
Students received first-hand exposure to Europe's cutting-edge manufacturing and technology sectors, including a tour of BMW Group's historic Motorradwerk motorcycle plant.
After getting acquainted with everything Berlin's culture had to offer, the group's focus quickly shifted to international business insights. The cohort began with a deep dive into the banking system at Deutscher Sparkassen und Giroverband (German Savings Banks Association), providing important perspective on the German lending environment and financial sector health, followed by a visit to telecommunications giant Cisco for discussions centered on sustainability initiatives and navigating the European Union's complex regulatory landscape.
On the second day, a visit to the BMW Group Motorradwerk offered a behind-the-scenes look at cutting-edge motorcycle manufacturing processes and, before departing Berlin, students made sure to connect with the startup ecosystem, learning about European entrepreneurial trends and early-stage investing efforts at venture capital firm HEARTFELT_.
The back half of the journey saw a change of scenery to Budapest, Hungary. Here, students visited Legrand's Hungarian offices, delving into the operations and strategies of a major provider of sustainable electrical and digital infrastructure systems, followed by a meeting at Philips Healthcare to gain insights into the development and innovation of advanced diagnostic imaging, patient monitoring, and healthcare informatics at their Budapest hub.
鈥淏eing able to immerse myself in a culture outside of the American culture that I had viewed the world through was very important 鈥� This experience [was] life changing. I am already talking to other MBA students to get a group to go next year and planning ways to save money for it. The experience offered me friendships, new perspectives, new experiences, and memories I will never forget!鈥�
Isaiah Badua
(MBA '26)
Argentina: Adventures Across Buenos Aires & Mendoza
The students' South American adventure centered around the second-largest national economy on the continent, Argentina, renowned for a strong agriculture sector and fast-developing energy resources.
While our European cohort was immersed in a world of manufacturing and finance, another group of students explored the vibrant culture and economy of Argentina, which revolves around a strong agricultural heritage and rich energy resources. Their adventure began under sunny skies in Buenos Aires and with a quintessential Argentinian experience at a traditional gaucho ranch, complete with authentic barbecue and horseback riding.
There are several steps between finding an energy resource and using it to charge your phone! Representatives from Pampia Energia educated our students on the full product lifecycle for their energy portfolio, from exploration and extraction to transport and generation.
In Buenos Aires, students engaged with key players in the Argentinian economy. They explored the energy sector from exploration to commercialization at Pampa Energia and discussed the rapidly growing IT services sector and its South American impact with leaders at Globant. A visit to major dairy producer La Serenisima, one of the country's oldest and largest exporters, provided insights into the agricultural industry, while a meeting with AmCham Argentina illuminated bilateral trade relations and investment dynamics between Argentina and the United States.
The group then traveled to Mendoza, the heart of Argentina's wine country. They stopped in at Cerebro Curioso, an innovative startup fostering STEM education through robotics and programming workshops for young people. They also visited Bodega Norton, one of the region's oldest wineries, for lessons in winemaking history, modern production, and global distribution. The Argentinian experience culminated in an unforgettable culinary journey with a Braseando cooking class, mastering empanada-making and traditional sauces.
"Our study trips offer a great opportunity for immersion in the cultural norms as well as business practices of each country we visit. This experience can provide a student with a rich learning opportunity, while networking with a variety of other students who join us from across several full-time, online, and executive programs. Coupled with classroom learning, the complex nature of global business customs and on-the-ground experiences leave a lasting impression on our students.鈥�
Seth Thibodeaux
Director of Professional Development, Office of Business Student Success
Costa Rica: A Hub for Investment and Innovation
Costa Rica is a major hub of international business activity and investment, owing to its central location and proximity to the Panama Canal. While visiting, our Master of Accountancy students made a stop at the Central American Institute of Business Administration (INCAE), ranked as one of the top international business schools in the world by the Wall Street Journal.
The Master of Accountancy (MAcc) students spent their spring break exploring the thriving international business scene in scenic Costa Rica. Their itinerary was packed with visits designed to showcase the country's diverse economy and appeal for foreign investment.
Students engaged with academic thought leaders at the prestigious INCAE Business School, founded with support from Harvard Business School, and met with representatives from multinational giants 3M and Microsoft to understand their regional operations. A key visit to CINDE, (formerly known as the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency), offered a valuable perspective on the strategies driving foreign capital into the nation. The learning naturally extended into Costa Rica's vital agricultural sector, where students explored organic farming practices firsthand at Blanco y Negro and delved into the world of cacao production, learning about sustainable "farm-to-bar" processes for artisanal dark chocolate at Nortico.
Beyond the boardrooms and farms, the MAcc cohort experienced the essence of "Pura Vida", a Costa Rican expression translating to "pure life", which reflects the country's laid-back and positive culture. Students had opportunities to trek through lush rainforests filled with memorable wildlife, go ziplining, and sample Costa Rican coffee at the Starbucks Hacienda Alsacia Coffee Farm. They also enjoyed amazing local food and restaurants during their free time, even celebrating a classmate's birthday together far from home.
"The MAcc study abroad trip was one of the highlights of my time at 海角社区! Getting to learn firsthand about international business while exploring new cultures made the experience so special. Visiting companies and universities abroad expanded my global business perspective, while connecting with peers and faculty in a new environment made the experience both academically enriching and personally unforgettable. It was such a fun and inspiring way to grow personally and professionally, and I鈥檒l always be grateful for the memories and connections I made!"
Katherine Whatley
(MAcc '25)
Across three continents and countless unforgettable moments, Ourso College graduate students gained a richer, more nuanced understanding of international business beyond the classroom. These immersive experiences expanded their global perspectives and strengthened their leadership skills, cultural awareness, and professional networks. Each year, undergraduate and graduate students from the Ourso College can explore the world through various international travel programs; learn more about these opportunities here.