International Business Seminars

Yes. Students are eligible for a 3 credit course.

This depends on our affiliation with your university. Your school will either have a course that you’ll take for the program, or you’ll earn 3 credits through our school of record that will result in a transcript and transfer credits. Your IBS advisor can describe the process for your university.

There are three main parts to the course and every student will be provided a syllabus. First, you will be assigned one company to do extra research on. Once you’re on-site, you will give a short, group presentation to prepare the group for the meeting. You will be the experts for that session and you’re encouraged to drive the dialogue. Second, you will be evaluated on your global citizenship, participation, and attendance during the program. Third, you will write a paper after the program. Your university has the right to add additional requirements as desired.

Yes, if you plan to earn credit for the program you will pay for tuition. Speak to an IBS advisor to learn more about your university. Some schools have flat-rate tuition, scholarships, and other benefits.

Yes, IBS offers two different scholarship options and enrolled students are eligible to apply for both. The Founders Scholarship is based on financial need and you’ll write an essay to apply. The Digital Ambassador Scholarship is for students who want to take pictures and create a video of their program experience. You can read about these two scholarships on our scholarships page, plus other outside scholarships that you’re welcome to apply to.

Please contact an IBS advisor through our Contact us page to discuss program pricing. We do not publicly post pricing because some university partners have additional fees. We want to ensure you’re receiving accurate pricing information based on your university. We encourage you to discuss your budget and goals for the program with your IBS advisor because the programs vary in price depending on location, length, and time of year.

Summer Australia, Summer MBA Europe, and Winter SE Asia. A full list of our programs can be found on our programs page.

In general, everything that you see on the online itineraries is included! All of the company meetings, the cultural activities, and the city tours are included. We will stay in 4-star business hotels with breakfast included every day. Your transportation from country to country, city to city, and within the cities are included. We do want you to budget for most lunches and dinner, souvenirs, and fun stuff to do in your free time. Tuition will be a separate expense. Here is a full list of what’s included.

Almost all of our students qualify for an IBS payment plan. Payment plans are especially helpful for those who plan early and like to stay on a monthly budget. There are no fees or interest, plus your program balance (outside of airfare) is refundable until 60 days prior to departure if you need to withdraw for any reason. Visit our financial planning page to see an example or contact an IBS advisor through our Contact us page to get an example payment plan for your program of choice.

A $500 deposit will be due within 15 days of acceptance to enroll into your program.* Your remaining balancing is due:
March 15th for Summer Europe, Summer MBA, and Summer Japan
May 15th for Summer Australia
November 15th for all Winter Europe, Winter MBA Europe, Winter SE Asia
*There are exceptions for a few university partners

IBS works really closely with our university partners to encourage access to financial aid. Many students are able to access financial aid, but you’ll need to speak with your financial aid office.

We encourage students to get creative! Students have been successful with crowdfunding through FundMyTravel or GoFundMe, plus they’ve received donations from local communities such as religious, social, or professional groups. You can seek private loans, outside scholarships and on campus jobs.

Yes, your health and safety is our top priority. You will be provided with our emergency procedures for each city prior to departure and we highly recommend sharing those with your family. During the program you will have a hard-copy of these procedures, plus you’ll be able to access a digital copy (without Wi-Fi) through the IBS app. You will have emergency phone numbers for all of your leaders, plus the IBS home office. Additionally, IBS will register you under the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the US State Department.

Yes, IBS provides a basic travel protection plan through On Call. You will receive an email with your insurance plan prior to departure. There are no restrictions if you want to purchase an additional insurance policy plan.

We choose to empower our students, staff, and faculty with knowledge, resources, and best practices for a safe and successful study abroad experience. Each student will go through an on-site orientation where we will discuss emergency procedures, safety tips, and possible situations you may face during your time abroad. We instruct that a lot of these best practices should be in practice at home and abroad. IBS has been providing these programs for over 40 years and is well-equipped to support your needs.

There are many things you can do! Part of your program is learning about cultural adaptation and this is one of the fastest and easiest ways to lower your risk of petty theft or scams. Become aware of your surroundings at all times and do what you can to adapt. For example, if you’re on the local metro with your new friends and all of the locals are silently sitting or talking quietly, don’t be the loud American that is shouting over to your friend. Adapting to the local culture will help you stand out less and allow you to become more aware of cultural differences.

Another example is to travel with two sources of money. What if your debit card is declined or lost? Have some extra cash on hand or a backup credit card. Having two sources of cash may be helpful.

Be thoughtful and careful of where you place your passport and your high value items. Most of the hotels will have safes available. If/when you’re out with your valuables, make sure to be protective and aware of these valuables. Bags with a cross shoulder strap and a zipper add an extra layer of protection.

We are very lucky to have a number of ways to stay connected these days! Facetime and regular calls are a quick an easy option. Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook are good mainstream platforms. IBS will also have you download WhatsApp before you depart. It’s a great (and free) messaging app that we use to stay connected. Many of these options you will only need Wifi to connect, versus a data plan.

Most importantly, we always suggest speaking with your family prior to departure to discuss how you’ll be communicating and how often. Setting expectations ahead of time can avoid a lot of miscommunication from abroad.

We recommend speaking with your doctor to discuss your travel plans, your health, and any necessary vaccines or medications that are needed for you to safely travel on the program.

Apply online at https://ibstours.com/register.

IBS requires that you are in good academic standing with your university. Some universities have an additional GPA requirement. Contact an IBS advisor through our Contact us page to learn more.

A $500 deposit will be due within 15 days of acceptance to enroll into your program.

Your remaining balancing is due:
March 15th for Summer Europe, Summer MBA, and Summer Japan
May 15th for Summer Australia
November 15th for all Winter Europe, Winter MBA, Winter SE Asia

All program fees (outside of international airfare) are refundable until 60 days prior to departure should you withdraw for any reason.

It depends on where you’re going to school, but most of our schools will have you fill out their application as well. Your IBS advisor will let you know if you need to apply through your school.

Yes, you will need a passport. IBS can help educate you on the process you if you do not have one yet. Please note that it is required that you have at least 6 months validity on your passport to travel internationally. United States citizens that have fewer than 6 months have been denied boarding.

Possibly. It will depend on your citizenship and program destinations. To find visa requirements for a destination country, please refer to the country’s official website for more information. If you are a U.S. citizen, you may also use the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool. There may be other documentation you need to complete and have with you to travel. Please see the section below, “Do I need to register for ETA or ETIAS to travel?” for more details.

Yes, if you are travelling to the UK or Europe. Beginning in 2025, the EU and UK will implement travel authorization schemes for visa-exempt nationals, including U.S. passport holders. All U.S. passport holders must apply for either an ETA (for travel to or transit through the UK) or ETIAS (for travel to Europe). Non-U.S. passport holders may also be required to apply, so please check the official website of the destination country for details. Our staff will advise you if you need additional assistance to complete that process. 

Yes, IBS has a full-time Travel Manager that can help you book your flights.

Yes, that may be possible. Our Travel Manager will try to book students on the same flights, but we cannot guarantee another student will be on your flight. All students will receive arrival instructions that will let them know if they are traveling with anyone else and what to expect when they arrive.

If you chose to book your airfare with IBS on the set travel dates, your airport pick-up and drop-off will be included.

Every participant is required to fill out a pre-departure survey that includes a medical questionnaire. Please list all dietary needs or restrictions here. Additionally, you can let your IBS advisor know in advance so he/she can answer any questions you may have.

Make sure to notify your bank and credit card companies that you’ll be traveling ahead of time. It’s a good idea to talk with your phone provider to see what your options are for international travel/service.

Yes. Please limit yourself to one checked bag (max 50 pounds) and a carry-on. If needed, you can have two smaller carry-ons. It’s important that you’re able to move all of your luggage yourself.

Tip: Leave extra space in your bags when you leave home! You’ll want to buy souvenirs along the way and if you start with full bags, it will be difficult.

Yes. How you decide to do your laundry will depend on which program you are on and what you’re comfortable with. You will have the options to do laundry at a laundromat, at the hotel, or if you want to wash a few items in your hotel room, that works too! It’s not a bad idea to pack a small amount of detergent.

A travel adaptor it’s an important item to take with you for international travel. We recommend purchasing a universal adaptor. The purpose of an adaptor is to be able to plug your electronic into the adaptor, and the adaptor to plug into the foreign outlet. You may also consider a converter to change the voltage found in an outlet to match your devices. This is less common.

Put all of your valuables in your carry-on. Think passport, money, credit cards, medicine, phone, camera, and anything else of value or that cannot be easily replaced. Additionally, pack an extra set of clothing. If for some reason your checked luggage was delayed, you’d want to have your valuables and at least a change of clothing.

That is up to you! About 60% of the students will bring their laptop. IBS will require that you’re taking notes during the company meetings and it’s highly recommend that you do so with pen and paper to be respectful of the executives.

No, you do not need a phone plan. However, you may want one. Many of the places you will visit, such as restaurants, museums, and your hotel, will have access to Wi-Fi. The IBS app that you will use allows you to download all documents, schedules, and maps ahead of time and access without data or Wi-Fi. Some of our students prefer having the convenience of a full data plan, some chose to opt in for 24-hour sessions for typically $10 a day, and others chose to only use Wi-Fi. Speak with your cell phone provider about your options.

Yes, it is possible to bring a guest such as a spouse. Contact an IBS advisor through our Contact us page to learn more.

You will be traveling with other students from all over the United States. This will provide you a nice opportunity to meet new people and grow a much larger professional network. Additionally, you will be traveling with experienced faculty leaders. IBS provides 1 leader to every 8-10 students.

Yes! We will provide you opportunities to tour each city and we will teach you how to use public transportation in each city. Once you’re done with your scheduled activities for the day, you’re allowed to use your free time as you wish.

Prior to departure you will receive an itinerary that will include your daily dress code. It will be a mix of business formal, business causal, and casual.

Breakfast is included every day. Any group meals listed on your itinerary will be included. You will be responsible for most lunches and dinners.

This really depends on your own spending! Your required expenses will include most lunches and dinners, plus activities in your free time. Your leaders will always point out the closest grocery store and nearby dining options in each city. Please keep in mind that your spending could vary greatly depending on where you’re eating and what you’re doing in your free time. There are many free or low cost activities in each city.

Below is a general daily guideline in USD:
o Europe: $25-50+ per day
o SE Asia: $8-20+ per day
o Australia: $15-40+ per day
o Japan: $25-50+ per day

You will stay in 4-star centrally located business hotels.

Yes. There will be two students per room with two twin beds. You will get a new roommate in each city to provide more opportunities to get to know students from other US universities. We highly encourage double occupancy, but you may request a single room for a supplemental cost.

Prior to departure and again during your on-site orientation, we will go over all of your emergency contacts and procedures. The first person you would want to contact is your main leader on-location with you. The other leaders and the IBS home office will be available to you as well.

This depends on what program you choose! We hire private coaches, use local transportation, and walk to name a few options. IBS leaders will introduce you to local transportation as needed and make sure you’re aware of your transportation options for your free time.

A typical company meeting will last from 1-4 hours depending on if we have any kind of facility tour and how many executives are speaking with us.

Yes! It is most practical to bring your business card to exchange. You’re welcome to thank the speakers and ask to connect via email or LinkedIn after the session.

Typically you will be meeting with 1-5 executives during each meeting. IBS does a great job providing access into a wide variety of industries and the opportunity to meet with executives from different departments and roles.

There are many options for money abroad. Most student will plan to use their ATM/Debit card to withdraw cash at an ATM. There will be fees for each withdrawal, so get out what you think you’ll need for a couple days or a week. You may bring cash/USD and exchange your cash as needed. Most hotels will offer currency exchange services or you may go to a money exchange. Lastly, you may also opt to use credit cards. We recommend having at least two ways to get cash. Make sure to talk with your bank about your options and inquire about you expected fees while abroad prior to departure so there are no surprises later on.

Please keep in mind that in most of our destinations you will observe that cash is used more often than we are used to. Additionally, many restaurants will not split checks in the same way Americans are used to, so it’s helpful to have cash on hand.