This paper's objectives are to present and identify successful strategies for planning, designing and implementing a global business travel trip with a pre- and post-academic class schedule. The courses’ destination changes annually. The information gathered and presented is from four regional business trips. The discussion will center on strategies in building a successful travel program at a small university, course content, business visit selection, recruiting, and selecting a flexible mix of students and alumni. Travel programs require additional resources in terms of commitment, funding, and assistance from various departments. The key to a successful Global Business Course with a travel trip component is commitment by the faculty team leader and enthusiasm.
Many universities are offering study abroad programs which center on spending a full semester at an international university. This is a wonderful opportunity and requires the university to be actively involved in an alliance relationship outside the US. For many smaller universities, this is not a realistic scenario in terms of exchange students, economies of scale and possible accreditation issues. Allan E. Goodman, President and CEO of the Institute of International Education, noted that the experiences afforded through study abroad provide American students with the skills needed to live in today’s world. Dr. Goodman in an article published in Open Doors (2008) states the following “International experience needs to be a component of every student’s education, equipping them for 21st century careers and for global citizenship.”