Global Perspective and Experience
Knowing international markets isn't the same as experiencing them.
Success in an increasingly global marketplace takes a deep understanding of other cultures, customs and values—an appreciation for the different ways culture impacts business around the globe and vice versa. That’s why the WashU Olin MBA includes a global immersion consisting of three courses on three continents. Here, you’ll have a firsthand opportunity to broaden your perspective. Your knowledge base. Your view of the world. Then expand your horizons even further with global electives. We are fully committed to providing Full-Time MBA students with a global immersion experience. Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, timing and locations are subject to change. More information here.
Global Immersion Destinations
The 2023–24 Global Immersion
Summer 2023: Washington, DC
Course: Global Institutions and Values
Your first global experience takes you to the US capital, where you gain a solid grounding in the cultures, political systems and economies of the leading and emerging countries of the world through a combination of visits with key institutions, seminars with Brookings Institution thought leaders and experiential learning projects.
Fall 2023: European location
Course: Business Models in a Global Context
In the fall, you’ll travel to Europe to study business models in the context of multiple locations. The course content includes identifying business models and performing what-if analyses to evaluate the consequences of business model changes. You also learn about adapting and addressing differences in cultures and economic systems and radically new technologies disrupting businesses.
Spring 2024: Asian location
Course: Implementing Strategy through Global Operations
Your third global experience occurs in Asia as you study how a business model comes alive through a company’s operations. You learn to assess the alignment between operational choices and the company’s business model and how technology is affecting operations strategy. You also examine the influence of trade and macroeconomic policies, local demand characteristics and differences in labor cost and capabilities.
Regionally Focused Global Electives
The global immersion is just the beginning. Continue your international studies with these elective courses.
- In Africa Business Landscape you learn about the opportunities and post-colonial challenges of Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Take Asian Business Networks for an in-depth analysis of how managers use their personal and professional networks to get work done.
- In the Madagascar Sustainability Initiative and international Practicums, student teams, overseen by an Olin faculty mentor, provide management consulting for a variety of local, national or international firms in locations on five continents. At the end of the project, each team presents their analyses, strategies and recommendations for improvement to senior client leadership.
- Gain immersive business and cultural experience during residencies offered in Tel Aviv, Berlin or Shanghai.
Exchange Programs
We offer exchange programs in Argentina, China, England, France, Germany and India, lasting from two weeks to one semester. Unless otherwise noted, all courses are taught in English. Choose a destination that matches your interests and language abilities.
China—For those interested in studying in Hong Kong, Olin offers two opportunities.
South Korea—Spend two weeks in this MBA-only winter program at Yonsei University School of Business, which includes being part of an international classroom, building a global network and experiencing South Korea's remarkable cultural sites.
Germany—At the WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management in Koblenz, Germany, you can take a two-week summer program on international business, which typically takes place in May, or stay for an entire semester.
France—For students interested in studying in France, Olin offers a two-week or semester-long program at the Université Paris-Dauphine in Paris.
India—Students wishing to study abroad in India have three options:
