BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Augsburg Students Study Business in Mexico
As globalization continues to shape our lives, having a well-rounded context for business across borders is increasingly important. Augsburg´s Center for Global Education (CGE) in Cuernavaca, Mexico helps provide that global context through its fall semester program, “International Business and Global Citizenship.”
Due to CGE’s focus on experiential education, students gain first-hand perspectives from a wide range of people involved in diverse aspects of business. By meeting directly with business people, students developed important cultural competencies for working in the global business world.
Erica Lippit, a third year international business major said, “Not only did I learn about the cultural differences but the cultural difference among business. I was able to gain true knowledge and examples from others´ personal business experiences that I don’t think I would have been able to get in the classroom on campus.”
The ability to visit businesses and meet directly with people helped make the business textbooks come alive. Lippit said, “It is different to read about a culture in books than to experience it in real life. I have grasped a greater understanding of the culture and how it is incorporated in business. Since my goal is to work within Latin America, I know it will benefit me significantly for my future.”
For Lippit, visiting a maquiladora (assembly plant) was especially important because it challenged previous stereotypes she had. She said, “I learned that there are maquiladoras that are unionized and the employees are actually treated well, which counteracts what I had always thought of maquiladoras. I think it would be great for students who are in retail merchandising to be able to experience and see firsthand the process or manufacturing.”
By the end of the program many of the students have formed a different perspective on business. Senior international business and finance major Sara Wallentine said, “The program has really opened my eyes to the world. I have met people I would have never encountered in my life and done things I would have never done in my life either. This program has given me a mindset to be more of a well rounded global thinker.”
This program fits the needs of Augsburg business students, providing access to different types of businesses, internships, Spanish language courses, and travel seminars to Mexico City and El Salvador. The program also includes several courses that meet both major and graduation requirements. The tuition is the same as an on-campus course, financial aid can be used, and all Auggies receive an automatic $500 travel grant to cover most of the round-trip airfare. Additional scholarships are also available.
For more information about study abroad in Mexico go to the Augsburg Abroad website.
To keep up with the current students, faculty, and staff in Mexico, see the following blogs: http://cgemexico.blogspot.com/, http://migrationglobalization.blogspot.com/, and http://swkmexico.blogspot.com/
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