Short-term programs
May 11 to 25, 2025
Enhance your cultural awareness and expand your network with a summer trip to the Dominican Republic. In partnership with Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE), explore the economic and social drivers of advertising, marketing, food marketing, sports marketing and more business practices in this rapidly-growing economy. Engage with professionals through site visits to advertising and marketing agencies, media outlets, sports teams and multinational food manufacturing companies, like Coca-Cola, Nestle, Young and Rubicam and Ogilvy. Enjoy the rich culture, history and beautiful beaches of this Caribbean hot spot.
3 credits
April 25 to May 23, 2025
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 Rhine 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 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 gives you an additional three credits.
6 credits
May 1 to 18, 2025
Expand your understanding of business and economics through the lens of European history. You will have the opportunity to explore business in Europe and delve into modern European history, from World War I, to the Cold War, to the fall of the Iron Curtain. While the primary focus is on Poland, the program includes stops in Germany and the Netherlands.
Note: This program satisfies the Level 2: Exploration and Discovery requirements of the WMU Essential Studies curriculum.
April 25 to May 4, 2025
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 26 to May 20, 2025
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. Corporate visits feature several royal projects and Zim Shipping.
Note: You 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
June 10 to 24, 2025
Immerse yourself in Japanese business communication and culture in Tokyo and Kyoto. In Tokyo, the epicenter of Japan's economic and business activities, you will explore the interplay between traditional customs and modern business practices through visits to temples, businesses and the Tokyo Stock Exchange. In Kyoto, understand Japan's history and tradition by visiting castles, temples and museums. Develop cross-cultural competencies essential for successful business interactions while understanding the importance of tradition in contemporary Japanese society.
3 credits
June 1 to July 25, 2025
Learn business in beautiful Lisbon, Portugal, which is the cultural and economic heart of the region. Beautiful year-round weather will accompany your studies.
Note: You will complete the majority of course requirements for a business minor, or foundational courses for business majors in this program.
12 credits
April 27 to May 9, 2025
Dive into the world of finance with our study abroad program in Taiwan—focusing on international finance and trade, fintech, AI and big data, and green finance practices. Through company visits, guest lectures and academic engagement, you will gain insights into Taiwanese business and the role of finance in driving economic growth. Enhance your experience with a variety of cultural activities, immersing yourself in Taiwan's rich heritage and vibrant culture. Join us to expand your knowledge and broaden your global perspective in one of Asia's dynamic economies.
Feb. 28 to March 8, 2025
Come on a transformative journey through Spain's cultural and business landscapes, visiting Bilbao, Madrid and Toledo. Engage in cultural activities such as city tours, renowned museum visits and day trips to beautiful destinations. Network with industry leaders in banking, aerospace, renewable energy and consumer goods. Discover Spain's rich history and vibrant culture through guided tours and wine-tasting excursions in the La Rioja and Vinos de Madrid regions. Highlights include guided city tours and business meetings with leading companies.
3 credits
Aug. 11 to 19, 2025
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
Aug. 9 to 20, 2025
You will explore Global Sustainability Accounting Reporting Standards (ESG) in the U.S. and internationally, focusing on environmental, social and governance reporting for public and private entities. Start your journey in Galway, visiting the Spanish Arch, Salthill Promenade and the Cliffs of Moher, and enjoy lunch at traditional Irish pubs. Then, head to Dublin to explore Dublin Castle, the Guinness Storehouse, the Irish Whiskey Museum, Trinity College and more. Embark on this enriching adventure and deepen your understanding of global sustainability practices while experiencing Ireland's rich culture and history.
3 credits
Dec. 5 to 21, 2025
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 will also have the opportunity to visit the Taj Mahal.
Note: Travel occurs in mid-December. You will return home prior to the holidays.
3 credits
Semester programs
Fall and spring semesters
ISEG Lisbon School of Economics and Management
ISEG Lisbon School of Economics and Management of the Universidade de Lisboa is a good choice if you're seeking to combine the study of Portuguese culture and language (at various levels of proficiency) with business courses taught in English. ISEG has always sought to maintain its position at the forefront of Portuguese universities in economics and management—creating new courses while continuously updating course programs and teaching methods.
or
Nova School of Business and Economics
The Nova School of Business and Economics (SBE) is part of Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, one of the most reputable universities in Portugal. For the past 40 years, the Nova SBE has committed to participating in the positive transformation of our world. Accreditation by three leading institutions worldwide distinguishes the school for its quality education. Nova SBE focuses on improving your analytical, communication, negotiation and teamwork skills.
Fall and spring semesters
Norwegian Business School
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.
Fall, spring and summer semesters
CIMBA 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.
Fall and spring semesters
UNIBE
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.
Fall and spring semesters
Keio University
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.
or
Rikkyo University
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.
Fall and spring semesters
Hogeschool 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.
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.