Management class brings international experience to students

In fall of 2020, COB management students partnered with students from South Africa.

Mexico. Colombia. Lebanon. Three countries that recently participated in COB’s global perspectives in business class, a recently reworked course that exposes students to international experiences.

For each class, projects are negotiated between instructors from both COB and partner institutions. Projects for the spring 21 class focused on leadership, competition, market segmentation and market entry.

COB class students then collaborated with their international counterparts. Teams were formed, and each team looked at each project from both a micro-level and macro level. The projects typically focused on industries from each country.

“It’s a student-led class,” said Dr. Tope Bello, management professor. “Research is conducted. Business etiquette is discussed. SWOT assessments are performed.”

With study-abroad travel being canceled since the pandemic, the class was meant to be a surrogate for a student’s international experience.

“It was a very interesting and eye-opening class,” said student Lilian Barrett. “It brings to light other countries’ cultures. There were some difficulties when working with other countries due to their circumstances and possible time differences, but it also showed how international business isn’t always going to be easy; it’s not going to be always on our schedule.”

“During COVID, this class was one of my favorite classes,” said student Kimberly Acevedo. “I enjoyed talking with my classmates and students attending foreign universities. I loved getting to know and work with other students around the world. I’ve learned so much about different cultures and enjoyed explaining U.S. culture to other students. I am glad that I took this class my last semester to end my time here at ECU.”

“This course is where you learn the best of international business firsthand with students across the world,” said student Krystal Hoy. “With each class, you will learn something that can be applied to everyday life. The students are nice, the professors are enthusiastic, and the knowledge is out of this world.”

“Take a chance and potentially meet your new international best friend,” added Hoy.

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