A Global Immersion Elective (GIE) is an opportunity to engage in short-term study abroad for academic credit. Each GIE combines timely business
issues with discussions on how to do business abroad. GIEs highlight some of the most dynamic economies in the world. UNC Kenan-Flagler faculty teach on-campus classes which culminate in an intensive immersion in the countries of focus.
A GIE may place a secondary focus on a specific industry or functional area. MBA students receive three hours of elective credit for participation in a GIE.
The History of Global Immersion Electives
UNC Kenan-Flagler has offered GIEs since 1993. Since that time, we have offered GIEs in over 40 countries. The 2013 GIEs will visit:
- India & United Arab Emirates
- South Africa & Botswana
- Chile & Brazil
- Russia & England
View a sample itinerary from our South Africa Global Immersion Elective.
Learning Objectives
The GIEs take students beyond general awareness of international business issues. We do this by cultivating an understanding of global management
issues. GIEs offer on-site opportunities to observe what they have learned. Immersion electives cultivate these components of global competency:
- Empathy to see an issue from a different perspective
- Deeper knowledge of a region and its people
- Cross-cultural communication skills to work effectively in a different culture
Program Structure
Participants are accepted after a competitive application process. Courses taught in the months prior to international departure include historical and cultural overviews of the target region. They also include an in-depth look at companies that will be visited during the
trip. The course culminates in a 10-14 day tour of the region. The immersion includes company visits and cultural tours led by the professor and
a staff lead.
Please contact , MBA Global Programs Assistant Director with any inquiries about the MBA GIEs.