Author: Kim Petrie
Found in section: News
Advanced Business Students Participate in International Business Photo Courtesy of uwacadweb.owyu.edu
While most classrooms rely on textbooks, photos and simulations to transport their students into an in-depth learning experience, Andrew Johnson’s advanced business class went for the real deal. 20 students from a second-level international business class packed their bags and boarded a plane bound for Spain and Morocco.
The purpose of the two-week excursion was to give the students first-hand knowledge of how foreign business is conducted while gaining experience to help them in their future business endeavors.
Students spent much time earlier in the quarter preparing for the excursion.Prior to their departure the students drafted a business proposal, planned their research, and constructed questions to be answered on the trip.
Each team selected a relevant area of interest to focus their studies. Selected topics included renewable energy, olive oil, soccer, sustainable agriculture and the Red Cross.
“Before leaving, each student team conducted extensive research in the United States, including the development of ten specific learning outcomes and assessments. In addition to team research, the students spent time exploring important historical and cultural sites and even met with the International Department of a Spanish Chamber of Commerce,” said Johnson.
Armed with translational dictionaries and knowledge of basic business practice, the teams set out to accomplish their goals.
Amy Allred, a business major who attended the trip, was in the group that chose renewable energy.
“[The trip] annunciated my interest in international business. As the world is becoming more and more interconnected, every industry, every company is going to have to deal with other countries,” said Allred.
Although an integral part of the team, Johnson left most of the work up to the students.
“We were self-directed and I actually really appreciated that aspect of it because it gave us an opportunity to develop our team work skills,” said Allred.
Working in Spain was particularly beneficial for their study of renewable energy.
“President Obama has actually pointed to Spain as one of the countries we can actually learn from as far as their pursuits and accomplishments in finding alternative sources of energy. In 2008 Spain was able to produce 23% of all their energy with alternative sources,” said Allred.
Travelling abroad has many multi-faceted benefits. It not only helps broaden students’ horizons in the areas of business study, but also in cultural understanding.
“My students get first-hand experience participating in other cultures. They learn the value of diversity and how important it is to consider other people’s perspectives in both their personal and professional lives,” said Johnson.
The trip truly offered a unique experience to the participants.
“[The students] come back to the United States changed people. You can’t help but learn to appreciate other cultures once you have participated in those cultures. I developed this class as a way for business students to increase their understanding of the world and help them to understand how to make the world a better place. I am convinced that when students travel outside the U.S. it makes the world a better place,” said Johnson.
Upon their return, the students needed to put forth a presentation demonstrating what they had learned while comparing their experience to the business practices in the U.S.
“It was a really fun experience and I think that we all benefitted from it. I’ve heard several other students say that there’s really nothing that would make this not a positive experience,” said Allred.
While the destination will always change, the trip occurs every year. Next year a new group of students will be headed for Easter Island, with Johnson by their side.
