One-Year MBA Global Business Study Abroad

During the Spring 2024 semester, the One-Year MBA cohort embarked on a 10-day international study trip, visiting Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. The trip combined client visits with cultural experiences focused on sustainability. Each of the four One-Year MBA project teams met with their clients, presented our research and work on the assigned business challenge, and received client feedback, which we used to complete our recommended solutions to the challenge when we returned to campus.  

Our trip began in Venice, Italy, with a tour of the historic city center, including St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge, and Doge’s Palace, followed by a memorable dinner featuring local cuisine. We visited the Orsoni Mosaic factory, where we observed traditional mosaic-making techniques. The president of Orsoni shared insights on balancing tradition with sustainable business practices.

Project Team Four was the first group to have their client meeting with NeroSuBianco, a technology-focused consulting firm. The students were tasked with analyzing training needs in Green Electronics, including a report on what training is currently offered in Europe and what is needed to increase a focus on sustainability.

Next, we traveled to Slovenia, where the cohort visited a small, family-owned winery and explored Ljubljana, known for its green spaces and sustainability efforts. Some students took a side trip to Predjama Castle, adding to their appreciation of Slovenia’s rich history.

The cohort spent the most time in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital. We stayed at the historic Hotel Dubrovnik and explored the city’s landmarks, including St. Mark’s Church. Three project teams presented to their clients while in Croatia, tackling various sustainability challenges.

For example, the team I was on, Project Team One, met with our client Henkel, an international chemical company. Henkel’s consumer products line includes familiar brands like Dial, All Detergent and Snuggle. Henkel is recognized as one of the most sustainable companies worldwide. My team was tasked with analyzing current sustainability practices and presenting ways to raise awareness of company practices and expand their efforts.

Project Team Two met with their client, Naše Klasje, a green food manufacturer specializing in fresh pasta and baking products. The team was tasked with studying a potential sustainability project for implementation in relevant market segments, while assessing the competition. The project also included a proposal for sustainable packaging solutions.

Project Team Three met with their client, Orioly. This travel tech company uses IT solutions for tourist destinations to manage their resources and promote local experiences simply yet efficiently. The team was tasked with finding strategies to attract others in the hotel industry to invest in their model, focusing on the return on investment and exploring how Orioly’s model helps the local economy grow.

The trip concluded with a hike in Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After returning to the U.S., we integrated the feedback received from our international clients into the final presentation with our recommendations. Upon the project’s completion, all four clients shared that they intended to implement our suggestions. Team Two provided contact information and facilitated introductions for Naše Klasje with companies that offer sustainable packaging solutions.

Overall, this study trip was a highlight of the One-Year MBA program, offering students valuable insights into global business practices and sustainability efforts while simultaneously allowing us to apply what we learned in the program to solve real-world problems.

Header Image: 2023–2024 One-Year MBA cohort during their visit at Henkel in Zagreb, Croatia