Global Business Immersions
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GLOBAL BUSINESS MEETS GLOBAL TRAVEL
Explore global business firsthand through immersive programs customized to your curriculum.
Explore business firsthand
We're
committed to
immersing students in real-world learning opportunities
We are proud to collaborate with our university partners to deliver life-changing global experiences, putting your programs at the forefront of today’s international education and preparing the global business leaders of tomorrow.
We aim to elevate learning outcomes by bridging the gap between theory and practice, bringing your curriculum to life.
Our global reach and relationships empower us to deliver superior academic-focused programming for a truly global perspective.
Each program is backed by unparalleled risk management and logistical support to deliver true peace of mind.
Arizona State University visit ReNile, a Cairo-based tech company developing solutions for Egyptian farmers.
Action-based learning is at the heart of what we do
EXPERIENTIAL ENGAGEMENTS TO MEET YOUR CURRICULUM GOALS
Our mission is to partner with faculty to create enriching and educational experiences abroad. We match industry experts and organizations that best fit your curriculum goals to expose students to international business norms and cultures, molding the next generation of global citizens.
To do this, we pair your team with one of our regionally-focused experiential learning specialists on the content and goals of your program. Our Global Experiences team has spent years building networks of industry experts and dynamic organizations that can show your students real-world applications of their studies and immerse them in relevant, interactive projects.
We can incorporate any number of the following academic and cultural experiences to put your students face-to-face with real people and issues:
Core Engagements:
• Company visit
• Plant and factory tour
• Government agency Panel discussion
• Local market immersion
• Cultural excursion
Social Responsibility:
• NGO visit
• Social impact experience
• Sustainability project
Specialty Capabilities:
• Specialized Experiences Strategy challenge
• Consulting project
• Flash consulting
• Fireside chat
• Guest lecture
• Cohort-building exercise
Our blueprint for success starts with a winning strategy
Our programs are intentionally crafted with an approach that results in richer academic success. We carefully analyze your strategic goals for the course and collaborate with you to design a program that meets your aspirations with a variety of in-country engagements for the most impactful experience.
Key program considerations that factor into our planning strategies:
Program goals & learning outcomes
Curriculum alignment
Global competency & cultural awareness
Thematic approach focused on key industries
Project-based learning
Experiential engagements
Leadership & career readiness
Cohort & global networking
Social impact
Meet Rebecca Judis
GLOBAL CURRICULUM SPECIALIST
Rebecca received her MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management, and since 2009, she has served as a curriculum liaison for university groups, arranging visits to global companies and organizations for faculty-led programs. She is highly skilled at translating theory into practice in support of each program’s learning objectives. She also brings extensive real-world professional experience to the planning equation: she has managed a consulting practice assisting government, SME, and Fortune 500 organizations from around the globe.
Below, Rebecca shares a few thoughts on her approach to program design:
"For me, program design is all about understanding what the faculty member is already incorporating into their coursework. Some of the first questions I ask are: Where does the program fit into your course timeline? What types of case studies are you already incorporating? What’s the experience of your students? When I have an opportunity to understand the student environment, it really allows me to create a global experience that’s a tangible extension of their classroom."
Q: When sourcing meetings, how do you make the connection between program and speaker?
A: Speakers are eager to understand how their meeting engagement fits into the larger goal of the program. They want to know what’s valuable to the students, so they feel like they’re making an impact. I also love to ask speakers that are expats to describe what factors landed them a position abroad, the challenges they faced, and any advice on negotiating repatriation. Students seeking international postings love the firsthand account, and I think it’s something that’s often overlooked in the international business realm.
Q: What would you say is the most important aspect of program design?
A: The more interactive and hands-on you can make a program, the better. Even if it’s a meeting in a hotel conference room or corporate boardroom, find ways to make it experiential. Be deliberate with each visit and session by providing topics and readings ahead of time, so students come engaged and prepared for dialogue. And lastly, make sure you’re devoting enough time for each engagement, particularly social impact experiences. Dedicating real time to understand and reflect on the value the host organization brings to the community is really what makes these experiences come full circle for students.
Wherever your imagination takes you, we'll get you there
We have the global reach and international relationships to power your programs with the best in applied learning.
THE AMERICAS
AFRICA | MIDDLE EAST
EUROPE
ASIA PACIFIC
Networks in 110 countries
Local staff in 60+ international cities
Over
1,200 academic engagements yearly
Every program is yours and yours alone
Our approach to program development is personal and comprehensive. We’ll collaborate with you to create an experience that fits specific student profiles, faculty needs, budget requirements, and operational timelines.
Executive MBA, MBA, or other specialized graduate programs
Program format, length, and travel dates
Destination selection to align with academic objectives
Access to top speakers from academia, culture, and C-suite executives.
Navigating budgets & administrative regulations
4 & 5 star accommodations
Meals to fit any occasion
Our team is passionate about supporting you at every turn
From our inception, we have set ourselves apart through our reputation for extraordinary customer care. You’ll work with a dedicated in-house expert to support your team through the entire program process, from planning to managing and confirming all program logistics. We are experts in contingency planning to prepare for the unknown. Throughout the process, we will keep you informed of any unexpected situations and collaborate to problem solve them together.
At Korres Natural Beauty and Skincare in Athens, students got a behind-the-scenes peek into the world of natural ingredients and sustainable practices.
Logistics management 360°
We’re with you every step of the way, leaving no stone unturned.
BEFORE
Dedicated Account Manager who knows your program
Booking of travel arrangements: accommodations to meals and everything in between
Planning of academic engagements that directly relate to the cultural and social engagements for a fully immersive experience
Venue outreach for meetings, classroom space, and special events
Marketing resources including a website and on-campus visits
Registration and emergency contact data collection
Instant visa-needs evaluation
Pre-departure orientation and materials
Management of international group air booking and payment collection as well as assistance with additional services like extended hotel stays and private transfers
DURING
Flight monitoring for group flights
On-the-ground transport and transfers
Local guides
24/7 emergency support and English-speaking support on-site
Travel app with real-time updates and group messaging
AFTER
Monitoring departure flights on your journey home
Gather documented feedback on every program aspect
Formal post-program check-in
Incident follow-up and insurance filing, when necessary
Proactive planning to develop your next program
Use our travel app to have your program at your fingertips
• View program itinerary and logistics documents
• Include your own university documents
• Review academic briefings and other pre-departure information
• Access emergency contact info
Our integrated risk management is best in class
From a dedicated crisis management team to our partnership with Exlog Global, a risk assessment and support agency—our capacity for emergency support and contingency options is unmatched.
Included with every program
24/7 EMERGENCY SUPPORT
Trained, bilingual in-country support, as well as access to our exclusive relationship with The George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates, providing 24/7 medical care via telehealth consultation.
ENTRY REQUIREMENT SUPPORT
Assessment of your group’s visa needs, personalized toolkit for participants, and supporting documentation for WorldStrides services. For the most up-to-date visa requirements, visit the US Department of State website.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Embedded health insurance, including emergency care, medical evacuation, repatriation, and 24/7 telehealth consultation with mental health professionals.
FINANCIAL PROTECTION
We have long-standing relationships with our vendors, allowing us to negotiate terms and pricing on your behalf. We offer currency exchange protection, as well as liability insurance with your university listed as an additional insured upon request
PEACE OF MIND
Partnerships with global risk advisory organizations, optional predeparture orientations, destination-specific resources with safe travel tips, and contingency planning for unforeseen interruptions.
TEAM OF EXPERTS
From your Account Manager and Experiential Learning Specialist to our in-country guides, you’ll have a team dedicated to ensuring the success of your program from start to finish.
Meet a few of our key team members:
Robin Reliford Head of Health & Safety
In crises large and small, Robin helps manage the details of our response in coordination with your university team.
Dr. Neal Sikka Medical Advisor to WorldStrides
Our exclusive relationship with The George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates provides 24/7 access to medical care for all traveling participants.*
*Dr. Neal Sikka, The George Washington University Department of Emergency Medicine, and The George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates are independent medical providers. WorldStrides is not a medical service provider and its employees do not render medical care or treatment, nor does WorldStrides control the selection, training, or supervision of any medical provider.
"I just want to reiterate how tremendously helpful it was to have WorldStrides as a partner in planning and executing this pilot program for a large group. The team was so friendly, warm, able to pivot at a moment's notice, and was genuinely just a wonderful addition to our group. "
Kara Wakefield | Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College University
How inspiration begins
Building the perfect program together, from idea to reality.
CORNELL UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS EMBA TO GERMANY
Course Objectives: To provide students with an integrated academic program that highlights the influence and impact of history, business, culture, politics, and economics.
Day 1
Departure
Day 2
Arrival in Munich | Evening to explore
Day 3
Cultural immersion #1: Walking tour around Munich
• Olympic Park
• Nymphenburg Castle
• Residenz and Deutsches Museum Group welcome dinner at Ratskeller
Day 4
Academic engagement #1: Company visits
• Palo Alto Networks
• Bio Brauerei München
Program Leader: Can we integrate a strategy challenge into the program?
Account Manager:
Of course! We have worked with BMW in Munich on projects like this before. Let's talk through possible topic areas.
Day 5
Academic engagement #2: Company visits
• MAN Truck & Bus Group
• BMW Munich
See how an itinerary draft can develop into a real-world program.
Day 6
Travel to Berlin
Tell us your focus, and we can source the right engagements to enhance the curriculum
Cultural immersion #2: City tour of Berlin
• Berlin Wall
• Brandenburger Gate
• Paris Square
Program Leader: What are some of the leading companies in Germany for media and technology?
Account Manager: Axel Springer SE is a multinational online media company known for their work in digital transformation.
Day 7
Academic engagement #3: Company visits
• APX
• DSGV
• Axel Springer SE
Lunch at Brasserie am Gendarmenmarkt
Alumni networking event at Newton Bar
Day 8
Academic engagement #4: Company visits
• Hello Fresh
• BrewDog Berlin
Audio-guided tour of the Bundestag Farewell dinner
Day 9
Depart for home
Cornell University College of Business EMBA
Population: Executive MBA
Faculty Leaders: Drew Pascarella
Destination: Germany
Program Length:
8 days
Academic Highlights:
• BMW Munich visit
• Axel Springer SE tour and visit
• Hello Fresh visit
• BrewDog visit
CORNELL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF BUSINESS EMBA
Destination: Munich, Germany
We partnered with Cornell University's SC Johnson College of Business to create an immersive business program for their Executive MBA students in Germany. The group spent eight days exploring Munich and Berlin to better understand business through the lens of the auto industry, media and technology, and family-owned breweries.
The group delved into the German auto industry in Munich, a global powerhouse, by visiting two large automakers and participating in a strategy challenge for hands-on experience understanding the industry and its impact on Germany's economy. Berlin is a major hub for communications and technological development. The group gained access to some leading companies in the media and technology industries including Axel Springer SE and Hello Fresh.
The program culminated with a memorable, private farewell dinner atop the Reichstag building, capping off their immersive German experience.
Take a look at some of the unique engagements students experienced
In Munich, students participated in a plant tour of MAN Truck & Bus Group, followed by a strategy industry challenge with BMW. Here, they tackled industry disruption, tech partnerships, and the future of automakers.
Faculty leader Drew Pascarella praised WorldStrides, highlighting their ability to deliver "a fabulous, engaging, and memorable German adventure" for the students.
In Berlin, the EMBA students visited several top German companies including media giant Axel Springer SE, touring their HQ and discussing digital transformation and news integrity with top executives.
“If you aspire to deliver a world-class global business experience for EMBA students, you should work with WorldStrides. They delivered.” Drew Pascarella | Cornell Faculty Leader
Sustainability across Scandinavia
Destination: Copenhagen & Helsinki
WorldStrides Custom Programs and Imperial College London Business School traveled to Denmark and Finland with 55 MBA students, exploring sustainability integration in business strategy.
They kicked off the program in Copenhagen with a guided city tour and introductions to decarbonization efforts. Students visited companies focused on carbon capture technologies and participated in a panel discussion with the Boston Consulting Group Copenhagen and SouthPole.
For the last half of the program, the group traveled to Helsinki, a leader in sustainable living. Visits to Hyperion Robotics, Naava, and Nokia showcased how technology can improve environmental impact in construction and civil engineering. Additionally, a meeting with the City of Helsinki's Climate Unit explored their carbon-neutral action plan, highlighting the importance of coordinated urban development. The program concluded with a scenic tour of Helsinki by land and sea.
Imperial College London Business School
Population: MBA
Program Leader: Travis Mager
Destination: Copenhagen & Helsinki
Program Length: 8 days
Academic Highlights:
• Hey Planet tour
• SouthPole panel discussion
• Hyperion Robotics visit
• Nokia visit
"Beyond the ‘two-for-one’ experience, it was an incredible opportunity for our students to compare and contrast approaches to sustainability between the two countries, which created deep and meaningful discussions throughout the week."
Travis Mager | Student Life Manager, Imperial College London Business School
Scan the QR code to learn more
Business visits:
Copenhagen, Denmark
Industry: Sustainable technology solutions
Goal: Understand some of the solutions for decarbonization and carbon capture technology.
Fun fact: As the world’s greenest major city, Copenhagen aims to become the first carbon-neutral capital by 2025.
Helsinki, Finland
Industry: Construction and civil engineering
Goal: Use technology to help create responsible solutions and action plans for carbon-neutral cities.
Fun fact: A third of Helsinki is covered in green areas despite being the most populous city of Finland.
Business Innovation in the Heart of Chicago
Destination: Chicago, Illinois
WorldStrides Custom Programs and Professional MBA students from the University of Georgia Terry College of Business traveled to Chicago, Illinois, for a program focused on understanding diverse business strategies and operations in the U.S. market.
The program kicked off with an insider’s view of the sports industry at the Chicago Bears downtown sales office, offering students a behind-the-scenes look at running an NFL team.
The group then participated in a hands-on strategy challenge with Bayer Pharmaceuticals, where they worked in teams to solve a real-world business problem and presented their solutions to company representatives.
Students also toured Mondelez International, maker of Oreos and Toblerone, to learn about business operations, management, and strategies in the global food and beverage industry.
To round out the experience, the group enjoyed a scenic Chicago River architectural tour, soaking in the rich history and iconic landmarks of this vibrant city.
University of Georgia Terry College of Business
Population: Professional MBA
Faculty Leaders: Susan Brown
Destination: Chicago, Illinois
Program Length: 4 days
Academic Highlights:
• Chicago River architectural tour
• Mondelez International visit
• Bayer Strategy Challenge
• Chicago Bears sales office visit
"The students who participated in this program said the Chicago residency was one of the most memorable, challenging, and fun parts of their PMBA experience!"
Susan Brown | Director of Executive Professional and Online MBA Programs at Terry College of Business
Business visits:
Chicago, Illinois
Industry: Sports, pharmaceuticals, and food & beverage
Goal: Explore diverse business strategies and gain insight into major industries.
Fun fact: Chicago has the secondlargest central business district in the U.S., home to many Fortune 500 companies.
