Students on a study abroad trip holding a WMU flag in Berlin

Business Study Abroad Programs

WMU’s Global Business Center and the Haenicke Institute for Global Education offer business-focused study abroad programs reaching 10 countries. From accountancy, to economics, to finance, to marketing and management, programs span the many areas of business.

Each study abroad program varies in terms of application deadlines and processes, please contact program advisors and the WMU study abroad website for more information.

Short-term programs

April 27 to May 24, 2024

Explore Europe’s largest economy through company and university visits and immerse yourself in German history and culture. Travel to the capital in Berlin, the famous cathedral in Cologne, the country’s largest port in Hamburg, Bavarian culture in Munich, WMU’s partner university in Paderborn, vineyards and castles in the Rhein River, and the home of Volkswagen in Wolfsburg. Highlights include interacting with German university students, a fun bike tour in Berlin, and visits to traditional German restaurants.

Note: This study abroad experience includes the Global Business Essentials course taught by Dr. Jim Eckert, associate professor of marketing, at the Universität Paderborn side by side with German students. Taught in English, this course will cover the key competencies you need in today's global business world and gains you an additional three credits.

6 credits
April 26 to May 5, 2024

Explore a variety of businesses in Portugal and meet with entrepreneurs and trade experts to discuss the economic and political environment. Enjoy cultural exploration in Lisbon, one of the world’s oldest cities. Visit wineries, cork forests, Sintra, Pena Palace and Cabo de Roca, Europe’s westernmost point. This program offers a blend of business and cultural experiences in one of Europe’s most picturesque and historically important countries.

3 credits
April 27 to May 22, 2024

Experience Thailand’s business and cultural sites, handpicked by business faculty. Enjoy a bike tour of the floating market, ziplining in the rainforest, island hopping, Thai massage, and visits to elephant sanctuaries. Explore Bangkok’s nightlife, Phi Phi’s beaches, and Phuket’s vibrant scene. Engage in sustainability projects in Southern Thailand’s tropical paradise and Northern Thailand’s rainforest, including camping, village tours, and local market biking. Corporation visits feature several royal projects and Zim Shipping.

Note: Participants must be highly mobile for hiking on unstable terrain, swimming, and traveling by ATV, bicycle, moped and raft. Thailand’s diet may be challenging for picky eaters or those with food allergies.

6 credits
August 10 to 18, 2024

Gain firsthand insight into Ireland’s food and consumer packaged goods industries. Engage with leaders in food production, category management, logistics, merchandising, R&D, sales and marketing and technology. Understand industry dynamics and the roles within the food supply chain. Compare and contrast the Ireland and United States markets through observations, discussions, and full participation in planned activities.

3 credits
August 10 to 21, 2024

This faculty-led study abroad takes students to Dublin to explore Global Sustainability Accounting Reporting Standards in the United States and internationally, focusing on environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting for both public and private entities. Students will start in Galway, visiting the Spanish Arch, Salthill Promenade, the Cliffs of Moher, and enjoy lunch at traditional Irish pubs. The remainder of the trip will be in Dublin and include exploring the Dublin Castle, Guinness Storehouse, the Irish Whiskey Museum, Trinity College and more.

3 credits
December 6 to 20, 2024

Explore sustainability in the developing world while building more purpose and meaning in your career. Learn about corporate responsibility in the face of globalization. This program includes site visits to leading corporations and non-governmental organizations serving marginalized communities in India. Learn about initiatives addressing climate change, human trafficking and diversity. Experience local cuisine, sports, temples, gardens and palaces. You can also visit the Taj Mahal.

Note: Travel occurs in mid-December. Students will return home prior to the holidays.

3 credits

Semester programs

Paderno de Grappa, Italy

The Consortium of Universities for International Studies (CIMBA) provides unique educational opportunities and an innovative learning environment to undergraduate, graduate and executive program participants to better prepare today’s young professionals for leadership in the global marketplace. The CIMBA campus is in the Veneto region of Italy, one of the leading entrepreneurial zones in the European Union. See CIMBA’s website for more information. 

Utrecht, Netherlands

Hogeschool Utrecht is one of the largest universities of professional education in the Netherlands and focuses on education with a practical emphasis. There are several buildings in the center of Utrecht (on the campus De Uithof) where many companies have subsidiaries, including Bayer, Cap Gemini, Fortis, IBM, Mercedes-Benz and Oracle. All courses in the international business and management program are taught in English. The Dutch have a strong history as logistics experts and that is emphasized in the curriculum.

Tokyo, Japan

Keio University is a private, co-education university located in Japan. It is one of the country’s oldest, most prestigious institutions of higher education. You will attend the Hiyoshi and Mita Campuses. The Mita Campus, the university’s main campus since 1873, is a 10-minute walk from Tamachi Station. Approximately 11,000 students attend the Mita Campus.

Oslo, Norway

The Norwegian Business School is one of Norway’s largest research-based educational institutions with an enrollment of more than 18,500 students spread over 18 campuses nationwide. You will attend the Oslo Campus, which consists of two schools: The Business College and the School of Marketing. Approximately 5,000 students attend the Oslo Campus.

Tokyo, Japan

Rikkyo University is a private, highly respected university founded in 1874 and located in Japan. You may study Japanese language courses, while business and economics courses are offered in English. Approximately 15,000 students attend the campus in the northwestern part of Tokyo.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

UNIBE, a private non-profit university in Santo Domingo established in 1982, is recognized by the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology. It is ranked among the top 200 universities in Latin America and is the number one university in the Dominican Republic. 

While I have been curious about the broader world all my life, my experiences at Western and my travel have especially opened my aperture and inspired me to think bigger.
—Will Roosien, B.B.A.’24