Feature of the Month
: International Business Education
It goes without saying that education is the critical foundation for creating future business leaders. But the question being asked by many is: How are universities and schools worldwide preparing students for a globalized business world? One way business schools are implementing international education is through study abroad programs which give students unique global experiences. Students can now take classes in another country for a week, month, or even an entire semester. These programs give students a great chance to develop global awareness and gain a better understanding of business cultures abroad. Internationalization of education is also occurring through curriculum enhancement. NAFSA: Association of International Educators hosts a colloquium each year to develop curriculum that fosters a global mindset among students.
Another trend in international education is the emergence of exchange programs. These foreign exchange programs match students with career study opportunities in different countries. Developing countries are using these programs to build a skilled, knowledgeable, and globally aware workforce. Recently, Brazil has partnered with universities around the world and plans to send 100,000 students abroad to acquire skills in fields that could boost economic growth. These programs add value to a country’s economy and also grant students the opportunity to learn international business practices. In this situation lies a great example of how the forces of globalization are not only affecting economic development but also education. As globalization continues, an internationally focused education may be the best way to solve problems and further the benefits of a more interconnected world.
Featured Resources
Michigan State University Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER)
The Center for International Business Education and Research at Michigan State University looks to further international business education and understanding to business professionals, academic professionals, and students by increasing knowledge development, knowledge deployment, and cultural competitiveness.
Category: States
Centre for Intercultural Learning
The Centre for Intercultural Learning (offered by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada) offers resources related to developing and refining the intercultural skills vital to a successful international experience. Available resources include over 100 “Cultural Insights” providing a local and Canadian prospective on culture for countries all over the world, the Centre's Intercultures Magazine, and freely available research and discussion papers. Also available in French.
Category: Culture
Featured Academy
International Business Programs Directory
The globalEDGE International Business Programs Directory was created in 2009 as a service to the international business community and those interested in international business programs worldwide. The Directory is a reference guide for students, faculty, staff, and administrators to help match students with international business programs offered by colleges and universities worldwide. It includes programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels.
Category: Program Resources
Benchmark Study on International Business Education at Community Colleges
This study by Tomas Hult of Michigan State University and William Motz of Lansing Community College looks at the International Business Education Index (IBEX) score of 428 community colleges throughout the US to analyze how community colleges on the whole are doing in internationalizing their campuses. The IBEX is based on strategic commitment, program offerings, organizational infrastructure, funding, and investment in faculty.
Category: Internationalization Resources
globalEDGE Business Review
"Internationalizing Business Education"
by Elvin C. Lashbrooke (Volume 4, Number 2, pp. 1-2, 2010)
Business education which was once dominated by U.S. and Canadian business schools is being localized. Scores of new business schools are cropping up around the globe, particularly in India, China, and South America. There are 11,823 institutions offering business degrees of which only 1,707 (14.4%) are in North America. Only 695 (less than 6%) of the 11,823 are accredited by one of the three major accrediting agencies, AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA. Of the 695 accredited schools, 482 (69.4%) are in North America. This paper examines the importance of these statistics.
