Overview
How will your resume stand out against other recent graduates?
Enrolling in a Global Travel Seminar is a chance to build your resume and extend your network internationally. You’ll spend 7-10 days visiting a foreign country, immersed in global business. You can choose from various destinations, such as Germany, China, India, Israel, Brazil, Greece, and England.
You’ll visit local companies, network with multinational executives, and experience new cultures. The seminars, led by Sawyer Business School faculty, are launched every semester.
“My experience in China has fueled my desire to become a global manager. I walked on a world wonder, experienced an ancient culture and immersed myself into a country of enormous disparity. My original intention was to visit a country that I would not normally visit alone. However, experiencing the intricacies of the Chinese business world has changed my viewpoint of the country. I would work in China in a heartbeat.” Nicholas Picard, Global MBA alumnus
Academics
Each Global Travel Seminar is uniquely crafted by the faculty leader, so no two are exactly alike.
Each seminar counts as a 3-credit International Business course. As part of the academic requirement, you’ll take 3 pre-travel class sessions and 1 post-travel class session.
Pre-travel Class Sessions
Before you leave, you’ll have a few classes with your faculty advisor, where you’ll learn more about your destination’s economy and its competitive position in the global marketplace. You’ll have in-depth discussions about the companies and institutions you’ll be visiting. Your advisor will also introduce you to the region’s political, social, and cultural environment.
Post-travel Class Session
When you return from the trip, you’ll present your seminar project to your classmates. The final project varies with each class, but may include a paper, presentation, or group assignment.
To determine how each component will be graded, please see the syllabus of each individual seminar.
Travel
Get ready to experience global business first-hand. You’ll spend 7-14 days abroad, engaged in a series of field visits and cultural visits.
Field Visits
You’ll visit a variety of businesses, ranging from the headquarters of a huge, multinational corporation to a small, entrepreneurial firm. Other potential visits could be made to local institutions, such as stock exchanges or regulatory authorities, or you could meet with government leaders or academic experts.
Our students have visited places like the Bank of England, Black & Decker, BMW, Boston Consulting Group, Boston Scientific, Bovespa, Citigroup, Coca Cola, Embraer, FedEx, GE Financial Services, Hewlett Packard, Lloyd’s of London, Lufthansa, Microsoft, Natura, State Street Global Markets, Volkswagen, and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Cultural Activities
Experiencing new cultures, sightseeing, and having fun are important elements of the trip. You’ll visit museums and historical landmarks, attend theater performances, and enjoy authentic dinners with your classmates. You’ll even have some free evenings to explore on your own.
Cost
Cost Structure
There are there cost components for each global travel seminar:
- Tuition for 3 credits
- Flight (exceptions may apply)
- Seminar fee, which includes:
- Hotel accommodations based on double occupancy
- Ground transportation within destination
- English-speaking tour guide
- Cultural activities
- Business programming
- Most meals, including welcome reception and farewell dinner
- Visas (undergrads only)
A check or money order made payable to Suffolk University is the only form of payment accepted for the deposit. The remaining amount of the seminar fee can be paid in any manner acceptable to the student accounts office.
McDonnell Scholarships are available for undergraduate students. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and merit. Students must receive financial aid in order to qualify. The maximum award is $1,500.
Logistics & Safety
The Global Travel Seminars Office develops the logistics for each seminar, ensuring that your travel, accommodations and programming are of superior quality.
As safety is our number-one concern, programs are developed in collaboration with the University's Office of Risk Management. Each student automatically receives a membership card to International SOS, a medical and security service provider.
Registration
To register for a Global Travel Seminar, submit a registration form along with a $500 non-refundable deposit to Jackie Gerhold, Assistant Director of the Global Travel Seminars located on the 12th floor of 73 Tremont
Online registration is not available. Registration MUST be done in person or by mail.
To register:
- Print, read, and complete the appropriate registration form
- Meet with your advisor, if necessary. Undergraduates must have advisor's signature.
- During the registration period, bring completed registration form, $500 deposit, and valid passport to the Global Travel Seminars Office.
- Registration will remain open until class is full.
- Limited seats are available and are on a first-come, first-served basis
