"When I initially learned of this trip in 2008 I thought, “Why would anyone pay that much money to go to Europe and do school stuff.” It hadn’t even been a possibility of going until I discovered I could use the seminar to help me reach my graduation deadline on time. I thought it was a bit expensive until I did my research and spoke with other students. For the airfare, accommodations and foods we had, it was a pretty solid offer. But when you throw in all the knowledge gained and bonds forged with other students, it becomes a real bargain. I thought the places we stayed were excellent. All of them were located in the city center next to restaurants, local attractions and transportation. Believe me, I know what it is like to stay in a hostel on the outskirts of town and have to commute in and out. Overall, I feel that my educational experience was by far enriched, and I would to thank Dr. Brenenstuhl for creating and fostering such a great academic program."
Winter 2010, Undergraduate |
"Attending the International Business Seminars 2009 summer program was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The great thing about this program is that it is an experiential program. We didn't just sit through lectures about the way companies function abroad, we were able to get tours of the companies and experience first hand a lot of the daily practices and procedures. I would definitely recommend this program to any and all business students interested in studying abroad. I am a strong believer that experiences like this are just as important if not more important than learning in a classroom, and with this program, we were able to reap the benefits of both."
Summer 2009, Undergraduate |
"The International Business Seminar Program offered me the experience of a lifetime. I was able to explore a large portion of Europe with many luxuries afforded to me that I will never have again. This trip bounced me around from country to country on a brand new charter bus, put me up in 4 or 5 star hotels, and allowed me to see how many successful companies operated on the other side of the world. The company visits taught me so much about just doing business in general, but it was the cultural experiences that I will cherish the most. These things I would have never been able to learn from inside a textbook at any university are the things that will help me more than anything. To see the inner workings of these companies in a different economy, which still flourish today, will perhaps be the edge up on my business experience to jumpstart my career."
Summer 2009, Undergraduate |
"Overall, I came back more open-minded, tolerant, flexible and patient. I have a new confidence and sense of independence. I also appreciate home more. While I proudly put my hand over my heart and sing our National Anthem, listen to my grandfather when he talks about his military service in World War II, think the American capitalist system of business is great though flawed, and love to barbeque on the fourth of July – I did not fully understand or appreciate what it meant to be an American until I experienced Europe."
Summer 2009, Undergraduate |
"Most importantly is how the trip is designed to allow us to experience each of the cities in our own personal way. I was really glad to see that train or bus tickets were given to us in each city allowing us to travel and see what ever it is that we wanted to see. The hotels were located in prime spots making it that much easier to experience each city to their fullest potential in the condensed time we had in each city."
Summer 2009, Undergraduate |
"Out of all the knowledge I gained during the seminars I think that during this program I learned the most about myself. At the end of this journey I gained the confidence to know that I could venture into foreign countries and not only survive, but thrive."
Summer 2009, Undergraduate |
"As soon as we cleared customs it was evident that coming on this educational seminar was one of the best decisions I have ever made."
Summer 2009, Undergraduate |
"I was given the opportunity to take this seminar and I think it was the best decision I have made in my life so far. I loved every minute of it and I learned so much. I think every student that has the opportunity should go on this course. IBS is a great program and I am so happy I was a part of it."
Summer 2009, Undergraduate |
"As we travelled around Europe in our coach, we got to learn from one another. In Austria, we came together and helped everyone climb up that mountain on a Tyrolean hike and then danced to traditional Austrian music. In Italy, we sneaked pictures of Michelangelo’s David. We climbed the Leaning Tower of Pisa and then ate gelato in a traditional Italian gelateria. We swam the beaches of Nice, and climbed the walls of the fortress city of Avignon. We ate crepes under the Eifel Tower and then saw it sparkles in the dark sky. We walked through the Palace of Versailles and ran the Garden of Versailles in the rain. We experienced the debilitating affects of a strike in the London Tube but there were heartened when we saw the Queen in her official birthday parade. All through this we became close friends who shared a unique three weeks in Europe that will change the rest of our lives for the better."
Summer 2009, Undergraduate |
| "I had the opportunity to attend the International Business Seminars Winter MBA 2009 program to Paris and London. The seminar was the most fascinating, well planned trip I have ever been on. The seminar was my first time traveling overseas. I have always been very nervous to travel to a foreign country, especially one that does not speak my language. IBS does a very good job of making the experience for a first time traveler friendly. The experience gave me confidence to travel to a foreign country again in the future. " Winter 2009, MBA Student |
"I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the International Business Seminar. It was an incredibly surreal experience. I was truly in “awe” the majority of the time I spent in Europe as I had never left the U.S.A. before that time. I would recommend that future MBA students highly consider participating in this once in a lifetime experience as I do believe that it had changed my life and opened my eyes to new experiences. I was able to meet some interesting individuals from all over the world. It is now my goal to find an international business job that will allow me to travel some to Europe." Winter 2009, MBA Student |
" Prior to my departure date, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the trip, or what information and experiences I might come home with. Looking back on this incredible journey, I realize it will be something I will hold close to my heart forever. Visiting companies throughout Europe gave me so much insight into international business and the way companies function very differently from those in America. Being a small town girl, I feel as though I have taken away so much from this experience, not just educationally, but it has also taught me about who I am and what I hope to be someday in my profession, my morals and virtues and my life as a whole. Each day we were given the opportunity to learn something new about a country, city, our leaders, our professors, our classmates and ourselves. The IBS seminar I embarked on will be a story I will share with my kids someday. I hope that other students will get the opportunity to share in this incredible program for years to come." Winter 2009, Undergraduate |
" Combing academic material into a travel course was a great idea. The IBS team arranged mostly everything which made it a no brain decision on attending because I have never been out of the country. I think if I had not been on a structured tour I may have missed many things to see and do. The amazing people I met in London, the square in Brussels and the history of Paris were amazing to experience. To anyone thinking of going on the tip I would obviously say go. Actually reading the material sent to us helped a lot as well. I doubt I would have had such a good time if I did not try and talk with locals and share my enthusiasm for being in their country. There are few times in life that you get to experience things that will not fade from your memory down the road. This is one opportunity to experience something remarkable that will pay for itself in the stories you get to tell when you return home." Winter 2009, Undergraduate |
"What great programs you have, I wish I was offered the opportunity to attend when I was in college. I really think it’s a great way to learn the global aspect of business; it’s so inspirational for students. I really hope we can work together one day soon." Sheraton Sales Representitive |