Business Study Abroad Programs
Whether you're a business major or just interested in broadening your knowledge of the global world, studying abroad can be a great opportunity to learn both cultural and business practices you won't get back home.
Taking classes in business while abroad can help you meet either general education or graduation requirements, and give you applicable knowledge for any profession down the line.
The greatest part about studying business -- at home or abroad -- is that there are so many areas within business that upon which you can focus your education. Here are a few to get you started:
International Business
Studying abroad and International Business go hand in hand; where better to learn the nuances of global business than somewhere around the world? International Business can cover everything from working with multi-national corporations and international non-government organizations to mergers, acquisitions, and trade agreements.
Management
An important part of every organization, management skills and techniques are crucial to your education in business. Business administration may vary by country, and studying management while abroad will give you a great diversity of these nuances. You'll come back well-rounded if you can synthesize the different management styles from each culture into your future career.
Finance & Accounting
For the most part, financial practices are similar across countries, but studying finance while abroad can give you insight into the particular practices of different companies. While you hopefully won't experience creative bookkeeping or unsavory accounting practices, there are plenty of opportunities to improve your financial business acumen.
Entrepreneurship
In this hyper-connected world, entrepreneurs and startups are blossoming all over the globe. If you want to learn about entrepreneurship in business, studying abroad is a great way to have unique experiences and learn lessons you can translate when you come back from studying abroad. The pressures of starting up a company in Delhi are very different than in London, and both differ from Silicon Valley. Learning and appreciating these differences can give you a competitive edge if you ever become an entrepreneur yourself.
Marketing
While the theoretical foundations of marketing may stay the same, marketing is wildly different in each country. Studying marketing abroad will give you unique insights into consumer mindset for your host country, as well as in any countries you study. Being able to place yourself in the mind of your customer is an advantage, no matter where in the world you end up pursuing a career.
South & Central America
Historically, business practices in South and Central America haven't had the best reputation, but there are wonderful options available now for students who want to study business in the region. Whether it's diving deep into Argentine culture while learning how colonial roots impact business in the new democracy, or immersing yourself in Costa Rica's unique "green" business practices, this part of the world has plenty to teach business students.
Europe
Studying business in Europe offers a unique blend of perspectives. Western European countries such as France or Ireland are similar in business practices to the United States, whereas you may get a somewhat different experience learning how to not rush negotiations in Mediterranean countries like Spain or Greece.
Asia & Oceania
Lumping these two regions together doesn't mean they are similar in business practices! The diversity you'll get by studying business in the eastern hemisphere will vary as much as the cultures between each country.
Whether it's learning to navigate the bureaucracy of Chinese government and its impact on business, or how distance and time affect practices in New Zealand, your educational opportunities are limited only by your eagerness to learn.
The cost of studying business abroad will depend on the type of program, duration, and location. For example, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000-$25,000 in program and tuition fees for a semester abroad. Many third-party programs will include accommodation, visa support, excursions, and more in this price.
There are definitely scholarships available to support the cost of tuition. Your home institution will likely have some recommendations on general study abroad scholarships you qualify for. Many third-party program providers will offer scholarships and financial aid. You can also find a handful of study abroad scholarships and grants here on Go Overseas!
