International Business Majors Travel to Hungary On A Global Immersion Trip
The Boeing Institute for International Business at the Chaifetz School of Business hosted its annual global immersion trip over spring break to Budapest, Hungary for students to experience business challenges within Central Europe. This year, 13 students studying international business attended the global immersion trip, including two students from the Saint Louis University Madrid campus.
Global Immersion in International Business
Students going on the global immersion trip are required to take a two-week course, Global Immersion in International Business. The course is partnered with Corvinus University of Budapest and the Hungarian-Missouri Educational Partnership, developed by the Honorary Consul General of Hungary, Joe Adorjan.
Before leaving for the trip, students write a research paper and complete a company-sponsored project. After the trip, students conduct a business plan and present it to the class.
Hadi Alhorr, Ph.D., associate professor of international business and director of the Boeing Institute of International Business, introduced students to economic and cultural aspects of Central Europe for a well-rounded global experience.
The trip combined company visits, market survey research and cultural excursions with the purpose of giving students first-hand experience with the issues that can arise when doing business across borders.
“Our interests for the visit involved the challenges that multinational firms face while operating in Central Europe," Alhorr said. "More specifically, delving deeper into how the history, politics, economy and business practices influence the landscape in which companies operate there.”
Immersion in Business and Culture
Students made on-site visits to Bayer, the American Chamber of Commerce-Hungary, the U.S. Embassy, Bunzl and Magyar United. A focal point of the course was a project in which students collaborated with Bayer on sustainability initiatives both within the company and in relation to Central Europe.
“Being able to meet and present to the leaders of Bayer’s Central European sustainability initiative allows us to see first-hand a global acquisition issue in real time,” said Adele Schenk, a senior majoring in international business and economics. “Our project is not only an incredible learning experience but was relevant to the Monsanto-Bayer acquisition and integration team.”
The group also took guided tours of the main cultural sites and attractions in Budapest, including the cities of Esztergom, Szentendre and Visegrad in the Hungarian countryside.
“I was glad to have a mixture of cultural experience and studying during our time in Hungary,” said Eddie George, a junior majoring in international business and marketing. “It allowed us to better understand local customs and history, which led to more thorough studies and results.”
The Boeing Institute of International Business coordinates two undergraduate global immersion courses each year, one during winter break in Panama and one during spring break in Hungary. The institute also offers annual graduate courses abroad in Madrid and Hong Kong in addition to a study abroad trip for students enrolled in the Executive Master of International Business program.
Established in 1984, the Boeing Institute for International Business at Saint Louis University’s Chaifetz School of Business offers a breadth of global business resources for students and alumni, as well as the business community, faculty, government and professional organizations.
Learn more about the Boeing Institute for International Business