EEE Faculty Members Offer Immersion Trips to Showcase Business Around the World

Not all learning comes from a classroom. At the Whitman School, students are offered unique access to people and places around the globe to develop a greater perspective of how various aspects of business can shape an economy—from a small family farm in Central America to the inner workings of global giants like Hyundai and Samsung in East Asia. This spring, two professors from the Department of Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises (EEE) coordinated experiences for students to get a closer look at the various aspects of business in Costa Rica and South Korea. 

Entrepreneurship Abounds in Costa Rica 

In March, a group of entrepreneurial-minded students from the Whitman School, the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, spent a week immersed in the entrepreneurial landscape of Costa Rica, led by Whitman Professor of Entrepreneurial Practice John Torrens as part of a one-credit course, Business in Latin America. 

The trip gave students the chance to explore various business models in the hospitality sector and meet entrepreneurs living and/or working in the Central American country. Torrens, in fact, lives in the town of Nosara with his family when he is not teaching at the Whitman School. 

Students visited the historic Green River Canyon & Farm run by a subsistence farming family monetizing their life by educating tourists about their operation. After reaching the farm on ATVs, the group had the opportunity to milk cows, eat the cheese made from the milk and understand how this local family uses their entrepreneurial skills to further their way of life.  

The group also met with other entrepreneurs, including real estate developer Lorne Basel, owner of Intrawest, who shared information about real estate entrepreneurship and his take on socially responsible development in environmentally fragile areas; Steve Jacobus, who described how a vacation was the spark for Tierra Magnificia, the top-ranked boutique hotel in the Costa Rican jungle; Alfredo Gilbert, who outlined his journey of opportunity, skills and interests which shaped his work as an entrepreneur, including interests in the movie industry and AI biomedical technology; and Ashley Black, founder of Fascia Blaster, a $200 million company creating technology to regenerate fascia, an anatomical structure of the body, to a healthy state, as well as products that promote health and well-being. 

Tech entrepreneur Chris Inham Brooke also inspired the group with his story of taking a leap of faith by moving his family to Costa Rica and becoming a leader in the hospitality industry with the creation of Silvestra Nostra, his dream hotel and community space near the ocean. He shared the moments that tested him, shaped him and furthered his entrepreneurial ambition to bring his vision to fruition. 

“His story was eye-opening, offering a real glimpse into the reality of being an entrepreneur and the perseverance required to turn dreams into tangible projects,” says Maya Layton ’25. 

Of course, a trip to Costa Rica would not be complete without time to take in the culture and appreciate the beauty of the area, particularly around Nosara, which is rooted in preservation of the local ecology. 

One of the highlights was daily morning surf lessons in the Pacific Ocean from Nosara Surf School. Many students had never tried surfing, but by the end of their trip most had gotten the hang of it, not only as a skill but as a way to enjoy the area’s restorative beauty. 

The group also visited local markets and interacted with entrepreneurial vendors. They learned salsa dancing and enjoyed the sunset aboard a catamaran; shared lunch at the Torrens’s home in Nosara and rounded out the trip with a farewell dinner and a panoramic view at Lagarta Lodge, where they discussed the many lessons learned in Costa Rica. 

“Combining experiential learning with exclusive networking opportunities while adding a healthy dash of adventure created a powerful learning experience,” says Torrens. “For our students, this wasn’t just a trip. It was a transformative experience that expanded their understanding of global business while offering unforgettable moments along the way.” 

Examining Global Business in East Asia 

Whitman Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship David Park took seven undergraduate and MBA students from the Whitman School to his native South Korea in May for an immersive exploration of the economic, geopolitical and cultural factors, as well as business strategies and practices of leading global companies, that create both opportunities and obstacles for companies in East Asia.  

The trip included access to 10 major companies, as well as insights into Korean culture, history, food and more as the culmination of a 3-credit course, Business in East Asia, offered by Park last spring to prepare students for working in a global business environment.  

The first stop in Seoul was WorldStrides, where students learned safety protocols, as well as cultural nuances of Korean society—both business etiquette (such as the importance of greeting the most senior-ranking people first) and manners expected in everyday interactions (such as using both hands when giving or receiving an item). 

Later, the group visited several major companies in both Seoul and the port city of Busan, including Lotte Biologics, Samsung Electronics, Doosan Enerbility, Root Impact, EY Seoul, Hyundai Motor Company, Sinsegae, Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation, the Ralph Lauren Corporation and IGIS Asset Management.  

Samsung and the Samsung Innovation Museum were of particular interest to the students. “It was more than just a company tour. It was a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come in the world of technology and how companies like Samsung have been at the heart of this progress,” says Carleton Landingham II ’26.  

Hyundai Motor Company was also a favorite. “One of the striking aspects of Hyundai’s growth is how it has transcended the perception of Korean firms as low-cost manufacturers,” says Adewumi Adepoju ’26 MBA. “It now positions itself as a premium, innovation-driven brand, especially in markets like the U.S.” 

In addition, students had the opportunity to soak in the culture as they shopped along the popular Myeongdong Street, dressed in traditional Korean clothing while visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, made traditional Bibimbap at a cooking class, visited the National Museum of Korea and took in the Busan Cinema Center.  

An unforgettable part of the trip was a visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea. The DMZ’s observatory allowed students to see into North Korea, and later they toured one of the underground tunnels built by North Korean forces for the purpose of invading Seoul. 

“It was a whirlwind journey that offered a rare, first-hand look at the complexity and vitality of Korean business and culture,” says Park. “Students were able to engage directly with senior leadership at some of the companies, while gaining insight into corporate strategy, leadership, innovative practices and how these organizations navigate the rapidly evolving East Asian business landscape.” 

“For me, it was especially meaningful to guide this journey in my home country, sharing not just its business landscape but its heart and spirit through food, stories and lived experiences,” he adds. “I’m convinced that these kinds of immersive experiences are among the most impactful tools we have to prepare future leaders for global business.”