Taking advantage of the boundless possibilities offered at Lehigh University, over 50 students from the college of business and economics continued on their path of learning and discovery of new countries, cultures and topics over their Winter Break. Lehigh faculty-led programs
offer students the opportunity to integrate course content in a targeted theme or topic and benefit from an international experience and perspective. For example 16 senior business students spent 10 days learning about global business and international strategy by visiting companies and business leaders in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Singapore. The students gained a greater insight into how these different cultures influence business practices. Some business students traveled to Cambodia as part of Lehigh’s Global Citizenship Program which incorporates academic courses, travel experiences and extra-curricular activities to encourage global-mindedness in multiple areas of your academic life. Others went to Cuba to focus on the topics of media, communications and change; or Costa Rica to learn about sustainable development. For one business student, freshmen Daniel Coraggio, chose the Lehigh in South Korea program that focused on everyday life, culture and history. This was Dan’s first international experience. “This is my first time out of the country, or out of the East Coast!” he said. When asked why he decided to go on a program over the Winter Break he explained “I felt the need to get out of my comfort zone and see the world for more than what I read in the news or see in pictures. I wanted to experience what it’s like to live somewhere else and get a feel for the culture.
I chose South Korea because I wanted [to do] something entirely new. As a CBE student I saw the value in getting familiar with an ever-growing business environment such as in the city of Seoul.”
The benefits of participating in an international experience from an academic perspective is clear - this program allowed business students to earn 3 humanity credits as well satisfy the global focus requirement for their business degree. However, often it is the personal growth and development that has the greatest impact on students. Dan went on to say, “I personally feel everyone should take time to travel and learn about the rest of the world that they live in. Not only do I feel like a more well- rounded person because of my trip, but it helps people understand that there are so many different possibilities and ways of thinking that are not apparent to an individual who is confined to one particular cultural sphere”.
Study Abroad Adviser, Jodeen Gemmel , also accompanied the students and faculty on the South Korea trip. Jodeen is specifically assigned to the College of Business and Economics and works closely with all business students to help plan and offer guidance through the study abroad process. “I would encourage all first year students to sign up for the Global Lehigh Weekly Newsletter ; visit the study abroad website; attend information sessions. It’s never too early to meet with me (lehigh.edu/go/appointment) to begin planning for an international experience”.
The majority of business students tend to participate in study abroad programs in the summer. Almost all Lehigh faculty-led programs in the summer are open to first year students (rising sophomores). Students can chose from a number of program locations, including Belgium; Ireland; Italy; Scotland; Shanghai and Ghana. A full list and more information of summer credit programs can be found at: http://go.lehigh.edu/lusummer
Non-credit programs, such as ServeAbroad Antigua and Lehigh in Costa Rica offer service-learning/internship opportunities for students. A full list and more information of summer credit programs can be found at http://go.lehigh.edu/summernocredit
When it comes to a full semester abroad, it is customary to go spring semester of the junior year, although a number of students go in their sophomore year. Students interested in studying abroad for a fall or spring semester next year should meet with Jodeen Gemmel as soon as possible.
The Global Initiatives Office will be hosting two semester abroad workshops in March with the study abroad office and CBE academic advisers to discuss the process and options open to business students interested in doing a full semester abroad during their time at Lehigh. More information will be sent to the students nearer the time. It’s never too early to start planning!
Global Initiatives Office | cbe.lehigh.edu/global