Whitman Study Abroad Immersion Programs

For undergraduate students:

Short-term Immersion

Kenya Trip (May 2025)

Overview: 

Tied to the required core course, SOM354 (Managing in a Global Setting), the Kenya Immersion Experience allows students to engage business and academic partners in Nairobi and Nakuru, Kenya, during the spring term class and then with the smaller travel team in-country for a week-long trip. 

Throughout the semester, the entire class would engage each of the three stakeholders (one established international business, one smaller refugee-artisan entrepreneurial business and a rural school for orphaned and abandoned children) for interaction, discussion and project work in their SOM354 course. Upon conclusion of the semester, a select number of students travel on an instructor-led experience to collaborate with the business in providing solutions and assisting in initial implementation related to the critical challenges. Students also travel to the school to present a global business lesson to students in person—the initial trip launched in May, 2022—with annual trips planned each May.

Connection to Whitman Mission: 

Directly supportive of the “globally-minded, innovative and entrepreneurial leaders” that the Whitman mission statement identifies as our student group, this immersive experience also take the course content from theoretical reading and discussion to a “transformative learning experience” both for the students in the classroom engaging with African-based partners throughout the semester, and particularly those that are traveling after the semester concludes. All students will have the opportunity to build “collaborative networks of lifelong learning and discovery” because of the partnership with businesses, entrepreneurs and the school in Kenya. Students will create daily social media content during the travel experience for Whitman to use in appropriate marketing content to emphasize the core values applied to the student experience and engage students, alumni and donors.

Read about students’ experience first hand.

Travel to Kenya for a highly interactive program with Professor Elizabeth Wimer.

A collaborative immersion experience with a heavy work load of partnering and learning from international businesses, refugee artisans, entrepreneurs and educators in an emerging economy. (Undergrad only trip)

Note: Completion of SOM354 required to apply. Accepted travel team enrolls in INB 400 for 1 credit (begins after Spring break and meets M/W/F at 10 a.m.)

Travel dates: May 14 – May 25 (anticipated)

Program Fee: $4200 (anticipated, includes international airfare)

Read the Kenya Travel Blog  

INB 400/600 Business in Latin America

March 8 - 15, 2025

Spring Break Costa Rica

Sustainability and Hospitality in Costa Rica

Latin America is one of the most dynamic regions in the world, with increasing focus on sustainability and hospitality industries. Costa Rica, particularly Nosara, is renowned for its sustainable tourism practices, rich cultural traditions, and innovative business environment, providing a fertile learning ground for future business leaders.

Course Structure:

• Prof. John Torrens, Professor of Entrepreneurial Practice and Department Chair of EEE
• INB 400/600 for 1 credits.
• Company visits, cultural experiences, service projects, local CEO networking.
• Free time for surfing, yoga, hiking, and enjoying the local attractions.
• Submit the student interest survey for additional details: https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1SpK7On2e1By0MS?Q_CHL=qr
• Cost: $4,300 (including program, airfare, visa and personal needs while traveling)
  

*Expenses are estimates. Final program fee will be confirmed shortly. Students should research flights and estimate personal costs prior to confirming participation. Check your passport to ensure validity or apply for one now if you don’t have one.

INB400/600: Business in East Asia
Whitman School of Management
Maymester 2025

Essential Course Details

 Course Structure: 

• This is course will take place in Seoul & Busan, South Korea, taught by Professor David Park, from May 13th to May 24th, 2025.
• It will focus on learning the unique economic, geo-political, and cultural environments of business in Korea, and the business strategies of leading companies in Korea with an emphasis on their domestic and global leadership in high tech, entertainment, and other emerging sectors.
• The course starts on May 12th, 2025 (Monday) with a group flight from NYC to Seoul (arriving on May 13th, Tuesday)
• We will stay in Korea between May 14th and May 24th and finish the program with a group flight from Seoul to NYC on May 24th (Saturday).
• In each city, we will engage in daily activities such as company visits, cultural/historical site visits, and interacting with Whitman/SU alums.
• Students can take this course for 1 credit or 3 credits. The 3-credit option will include a major final report in addition to the common assignments to all students.

Financial Costs

• Maymester tuition ($1583 for one credit): The amount depends on the number of credits.
• Program fee: $3500 to cover double-occupancy hotel accommodation, daily breakfast, dinner events, and all intra-course transportations.
• Group flights from NYC to Seoul: about $1600. (Special reasons to opt out of the group flights can be discussed with Prof. Park.)
• Spending money, other extra requests (e.g., single room accommodation, etc.)

 Use the following link for preliminary sign up https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0I0CprzMS8cXtDE

REGISTRATION CLOSES ON FEBRUARY 22 OR EARLIER (IF THE CLASS BECOMES FULL).

IF INTERESTED, CONTACT PROFESSOR DAVID PARK (udpark@syr.edu) IMMEDIATELY

TO RECEIVE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION.

Read the East Asia Travel Blog