GWSB Global & Experiential Education

26 undergraduate and graduate students will soon travel to France to participate in G&EE’s “Behind the Scenes of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games” Short-term Study Away Program (STAP).

To help prepare for this experience, the class recently visited the Embassy of France to learn more about the impact of the games and other mega events on the country’s economy. Many thanks to Elliott Bernard, Deputy Economic Counselor - Business Affairs and Clémence Chapoutot, Deputy Economic Counselor - Foreign Investments for generously sharing your time and expertise with our students.

G&EE has developed this program in collaboration with Lisa Delpy Neirotti, Lisa Chazanovitz and Terrence Burns. Thank you all for your commitment and dedication to providing such a rich educational experience for our students.

Lastly, best of luck to the class as you make your final preparations. We wish you a fantastic program experience ahead!

G&EE’s latest Business & Society Series course “Artificial Intelligence” led by Professor Thomas Debass with support from Student Academic Assistant Veronica Bocanegra Monsalve explored how AI has emerged as a transformative force that is reshaping the way businesses operate and fundamentally impacting society. As part of the course, students worked in teams to determine the future impact of AI on a range of industries including education, finance, government, healthcare and work. Students also examined the dynamic interplay between AI, business practices, and societal outcomes and engaged with a diversity of experts to expand their understanding of this critical topic.

During last month’s 2024 CAP UAE program, Global MBAs from The George Washington University School of Business traveled to Dubai to present their final recommendations to Industry Partners at Autodesk, Damas Jewellery, EY, Meta, and Tamara. A big thank you to Yasir Ahmad, Ramprabu Chennakesavan, Rajnish Damodaran, Jessica Ayana Davis, Anshul Dubey, Amira Eldin, Neha Mascarenhas, Vikas Menon, Pavan Ramdhani, Toufic Riman, and Mohammad Saleh for sharing your time, insights and passion with our students throughout the semester-long partnership. Congratulations to our students for your success delivering such innovative solutions and further developing your skills in project management, communication, teamwork and resilience.

During the overseas program students explored the UAE’s business environment as well as learned about the country’s fascinating culture and history. Some highlights include the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding; Museum of the Future; Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve; Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park; and the Abrahamic Family House.

Students also met with a diversity of professionals to learn more about the local business environment. Many thanks to Anand Menon, VP at Mastercard; Aziz Kassim, VP MEA at Excelerate Energy; Tammer Qaddumi, Co-Founder and General Partner at VentureSouq; Nikolaos Giakoumidis, Research Instrumentation Specialist in Robotics and Automation at NYU Abu Dhabi; Nikolaos Evangeliou, Postdoctoral Associate, Robotics and AI at NYU Abu Dhabi; and Isaac Kwaku Fokuo, Jr., CEO at Botho Emerging Markets Group for taking time out of your busy schedules to connect with our students.

We would also like to share our appreciation to GW alumni Rainier Nouhra, CEO at SWS Board Technology and John E. Katsos, Associate Professor of Management, Strategy, and Entrepreneurship at the American University of Sharjah for your continued engagement and support of student learning.

Lastly, this program would not have been possible without Professor Thomas Debass and Student Academic Assistant Negin Rezazad, MBA. Thank you both for your hard work and dedication.

During the recent 2024 CAP Germany program Global MBAs engaged with and presented their final recommendations to Industry Partners at Bayer, Dogo - your dog’s favourite app, Impact Hub Berlin, PwC Deutschland and SoundCloud. Many thanks to Prof. Dr. Florian Hackelberg, Dirk Kadel, Dr. Christiane von Ludwig, Eliza-Marija Hirvensalo, Zara Piracha, Leon Reiner, Janna Schlender, Julia Sacchi, Alexander Siedler, Andrea Szabó, Tadas Žiemys, Michał Zydor, and Rasa Gentvilaitė Žiemienė for generously sharing your time, expertise and passions with our students throughout this semester-long partnership.

In addition to the project work, participants explored Germany’s business environment as well as learned about the country’s fascinating history and culture. Highlights include visits to the German National Memorial, Dresden, the Topography of Terror Museum, the Reichstag, the EUREF-Campus Berlin and the BMW motorcycle manufacturing factory.

We would also like to share our appreciation to Johannes Lehmann, Head of Business Development Smart Farming at Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V. as well as US Department of State professionals Matthew Williger, Foreign Service Officer and Patrick Gaffney, Economic Specialist for sharing knowledge about your interesting and important work with our students. Many thanks also to 2020 CAP Industry Partners Gero G., GM at Matera and Matt Walthall, Co-Founder and CEO at Vagabund Brauerei for taking time to speak with the group. We are grateful for your continued support.

Lastly, this program would not have been possible without Professor Hannah Messerli and Student Academic Assistant Sophie Titlebaum, MBA, MSBA. Thank you both for your work facilitating these incredible learning experiences.

During the recent 2024 CAP Germany program Global MBAs engaged with and presented their final recommendations to Industry Partners at Bayer, Dogo - your dog’s favourite app, Impact Hub Berlin, PwC Deutschland and SoundCloud. Many thanks to Prof. Dr. Florian Hackelberg, Dirk Kadel, Dr. Christiane von Ludwig, Eliza-Marija Hirvensalo, Zara Piracha, Leon Reiner, Janna Schlender, Julia Sacchi, Alexander Siedler, Andrea Szabó, Tadas Žiemys, Michał Zydor, and Rasa Gentvilaitė Žiemienė for generously sharing your time, expertise and passions with our students throughout this semester-long partnership.

In addition to the project work, participants explored Germany’s business environment as well as learned about the country’s fascinating history and culture. Highlights include visits to the German National Memorial, Dresden, the Topography of Terror Museum, the Reichstag, the EUREF-Campus Berlin and the BMW motorcycle manufacturing factory.

We would also like to share our appreciation to Johannes Lehmann, Head of Business Development Smart Farming at Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V. as well as US Department of State professionals Matthew Williger, Foreign Service Officer and Patrick Gaffney, Economic Specialist for sharing knowledge about your interesting and important work with our students. Many thanks also to 2020 CAP Industry Partners Gero G., GM at Matera and Matt Walthall, Co-Founder and CEO at Vagabund Brauerei for taking time to speak with the group. We are grateful for your continued support.

Lastly, this program would not have been possible without Professor Hannah Messerli and Student Academic Assistant Sophie Titlebaum, MBA, MSBA. Thank you both for your work facilitating these incredible learning experiences.

Are you interested in long-term study abroad? In expanding your global network? Are you looking for opportunities to develop leadership skills and give back to the GW community? Apply to be an Exchange Student Ambassador today!

G&EE is currently seeking graduate students at the School of Business who can help guide our incoming exchange students as they acclimate to GW during the Fall 2024 semester. Being an Exchange Student Ambassador requires a minimal time commitment and is a great opportunity to network with qualified business students from around the world with wide-ranging career interests and experiences. Apply by scanning the QR code above.

Attention UAE-based GWSB Alumni!

A group of 24 Global MBAs are currently in Dubai as part of their participation in GWSB’s Consulting Abroad Program (CAP). You are cordially invited to join the students for a “UAE Founders Panel Discussion” moderated by CAP Professor Thomas Debass Monday, May 13th from 6:00-7:15 pm at the Sofitel Dubai Downtown.

Panelists include Perihan Abouzeid, GM at PeriCare; Rana A. Batterjee, Au.D. ‘96, Co-Founder & Chief Purpose Officer at EduPloyment; Omar Al Busaidy, Founder at Global Possibilities; and Rana Hajirasouli, Founder & CEO at The Surpluss.

If you will be joining us, please send a message to aid in our planning. We hope to see you there!

Congratulations to this year’s Lucea Award Recipients, Mark Masih and Tram Nguyen. Mark and Tram were selected based on their demonstrated commitment to exceptional leadership and service in business and society. Their award will help cover out-of-pocket travel expenses associated with their participation in the 2024 Consulting Abroad Program (CAP) in Berlin, Germany May 5th-16th.

Over the years, the Lucea Global Experiential Fund has supported many incredible GWSB students. We are pleased to share that the recent Endowment Initiative to raise $100,000 for this fund was a success! Many thanks to everyone who generously contributed to support students in memory of the late Professor Rafel Lucea.

For those who would still like to donate to continue Rafel’s legacy in support of GWSB international learning and experiential education opportunities, click the link below to learn more and give. If you plan on giving, please be sure to type “Lucea Award” on the form.

https://go.gwu.edu/gwsbugiving

Celebrate the end of the semester with the GWSB International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) at the Spring 2024 ISAB End-of-Semester Picnic on Wednesday, May 1st from 3:00-5:00pm! Join your fellow GWSB international students at the Tidal Basin for a relaxing picnic to socialize and connect before final exams and Summer Break. There's no need for you to bring anything - we'll have everything needed for an afternoon picnic, from tasty snacks and picnic blankets to soccer balls!

Be sure to register today: https://bit.ly/44cAxck

During the recent Consulting Abroad Program (CAP) Panel Presentations Day, Global MBAs presented their initial project recommendations to a panel of external expert evaluators. The feedback they received will help prepare the teams to engage their CAP Industry Partners in Germany and the UAE next month.

A big thank you to colleagues across GW for taking time to provide feedback to the students including Jim Chung, Associate VP for Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Thomas Choate, Teaching Asst. Professor of Strategic Management and Public Policy; Chris Kayes, Dept. Chair & Prof. of Management; Jungho Suh, Teaching Assistant Professor of Management; Bob Smith, Director of I-Corps; Kerry Slattery, Program Manager of International Entrepreneurship; David Halliday, Associate Teaching Professor of Business Strategy; and Rob Valero, Executive Director of the Center for Real Estate and Urban Analysis.

We are grateful also to several alumni for returning to campus to support student learning including Halleluya Dunn (Healthcare MBA ‘14), Global Startup Delivery Lead at Fortrea; Johnathan Fluitt (MBA ‘14), Corporate Development & Strategy at Booz Allen; Ashley Kongs (GMBA ‘19) Environmental Sustainability Leader Supply Biologics at AstraZeneca; Anna Izraylevich, PMP (MSIST ‘15), Workplace & Real Estate Strategy at Amazon, Jay Nester (GMBA ‘18), Senior Associate at Toffler Associates; Yejide Olutosin, MBA (GMBA ‘21), Director of Business Climate Finance Initiative at Impact Experience; and Elizabeth Terry (GMBA ‘19), Manager at Deloitte.

Many thanks also to industry insiders Ahmad AlSawalhi, Director of Special Projects & Outreach the UAE Embassy; Georgeann Koskovich Clark, Territory Manager Tymlos at Radius Health, Inc., and David Greenhalgh, Executive VP at US-UAE Business Council for generously sharing your expertise with the cohort.

Lastly, a big congratulations to the The George Washington University School of Business GMBA Class of ‘25 for reaching this milestone! We are excited to see you shine during your presentations in Berlin and Dubai next month!

The 2024 Consulting Abroad Program (CAP) UAE class recently visited the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates to learn more about the country’s economic landscape and future priorities.

Jawaher AlMheiri, Head of Economic Policy and Affairs; Omar Alyahyaee, Sr. Political Affairs Specialist; Reem A. Ramadan, Commercial Specialist; and Alex Rofail, Commercial Affairs Specialist generously shared their expertise and highlights from their unique and impressive professional journeys with the class. Afterwards, students dined at one of DC’s middle eastern restaurants to sample some traditional fare.

During the CAP UAE program in May, the Global MBAs will learn more about UAE business and culture as well as meet with and present to CAP Industry Partners Autodesk, Damas Jewellery, EY, Meta, and Tamara.

Many thanks to Ahmad AlSawalhi for your assistance coordinating this visit and sharing your knowledge with our students!

The 2024 Consulting Abroad Program (CAP) Germany class recently visited the Embassy of Germany in Washington, D.C. to learn more about the country’s economy from Economic Development Lead Dr. Hardy Boeckle. Dr. Hardy shared expertise to provide helpful context as well as insights from his past work in Asia and Europe. Afterwards, the class dined at one of DC’s traditional German restaurants to sample cuisine they can expect to enjoy during their upcoming program in Berlin.

During the CAP Germany program in May, the Global MBAs will learn more about the local business environment and culture as well as meet with and present to CAP Industry Partners Bayer, Dogo App, Impact Hub Berlin, PwC Deutschland, and SoundCloud.

Many thanks to Dr. Hardy for taking time out of your day to connect with our students. Thanks also to Ines Teisseire, Regine Poirier and Tobias Bergner for your assistance coordinating the visit.

This summer, Professor Thomas Debass will lead Global & Experiential Education’s (G&EE) Business & Society Series offering, AI (SMPP 6218 / CRN 71787).

This DC-based program will offer a set of novel methods, tools and practices that enable organizations or individuals to renew their competitive advantage and enter new business fields by adopting and utilizing Artificial Intelligence into their business models. The course features strategic foresight concepts to draw insights from a wide variety of fields including economics, engineering, sociology, politics, data science, systems theory, art, and design to imagine the implications of AI in the near and distant future. Participants will have opportunities to engage thought leaders during business visits throughout Washington, DC.

This is an open enrollment course for all GW graduate students. To learn more visit https://lnkd.in/g68hTvF8.

The photos highlighted below show Professor Debass’ previous Business & Society Series classes “Strategic Foresight” and “Startup Resilience” and offer a glimpse of what students can expect from the program experience this summer!

Over spring break a group of GMBA, MAccy, MSIB and MSSM students attended G&EE’s partner-led Short-term Study Away Program (STAP) “Doing Business in Mexico” hosted by IPADE Business School. The students participated in business visits throughout Mexico City and explored a wide-range of topics related to the country’s rich history, economy, politics and society alongside 100+ graduate business students from around the world.

A big thank you to colleagues at IPADE including Marisol Castillo De La Rosa for delivering such a unique and meaningful learning experience. We are grateful for your partnership.

This program is held over spring break every year. Interested students should visit our website to learn more about this and other study abroad opportunities.

Last week, a group of GMBA, MiM, MSIB and OMBA students attended G&EE’s partner-led Short-term Study Away Program (STAP) “Corporate Governance” hosted by Audencia. The group participated in business visits in Paris and Nantes to explore a wide-range of topics related to corporate governance. This included discussions with many experts who generously shared their time and insights with the group including Aurore Foursy, Director of Impact & Engagement at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners; Matthieu Cathelinais, CFO at Cetih; Nouhou KANTE, HR Manager at Nature et Découvertes; and Wojciech Baginski, LL.M. MBA at Impactiv.Law. Students also had a tour of the Rémy Cointreau manufacturing facility and met with Jr. CSR Manager Daphné Brouillet to learn about the company’s impressive sustainability efforts.

Audencia professors Emma Avetisyan, Jennifer Goodman, and Dr. Christine Naschberger, FHEA facilitated lectures to provide context, theory, and plenty of engaging discussion. Themes included Corporate Governance and Diversity, New Trends in Shareholder Activism, Corporate Governance and CSR Disclosure, Alternate Approaches to Corporate Governance, and more!

Participants also had a chance to meet Audencia’s full-time MBA students. Many thanks to our colleagues at Audencia including Cécile GABRIEL for hosting such a rich learning opportunity for our students.
The George Washington University School of Business is grateful for our longstanding partnership.

This program is held over spring break every year. Interested students should visit our website to learn more about this and other study abroad opportunities.

Working across cultures presents many challenges as well as exciting opportunities for career enhancement! For international students who have internship, work, or volunteer experience in the U.S., this interactive workshop led by Julia Gaspar-Bates, co-founder and President at Intercultural Alliances, will provide rich insights to help you thrive in the American workplace.

At the end of this workshop, participants will have deepened their awareness, knowledge, and skills to help them optimize their professional experiences in the U.S. and beyond. Register using the QR code above!

Happy International Women’s Day to all of the incredible women G&EE program participants, international students, exchange students, alumni and faculty-leaders. We are grateful to have been a part of some of your experiences through the years!

Explore our Long-Term Study Abroad (LTSA) opportunities and apply by March 15th! GWSB partners with top business schools around the world to provide students access to hundreds of additional electives, full immersion in another culture, and exposure to diverse business perspectives.

The GW School of Business Global & Experiential Education office (G&EE) and the International Services Office (ISO) invite all GW international graduate students to the GWSB & ISO International Grad Student Coffee Hour! The Coffee Hour will be on Friday, February 23 from 4-6pm in the 6th Floor Lobby of Duques Hall. This event is open to all GW international graduate students, making it a perfect opportunity to network with fellow international students from across the university. We look forward to seeing you there!

Register Here: https://bit.ly/3STkbBs
https://www.facebook.com/isoGW/

January 22nd G&EE hosted the Global MBA Class of 2025 “Consulting Abroad Program (CAP) Kick-Off”. This exciting event was designed to prepare students for a successful CAP experience and included an alumni panel as well as sessions on teaming, industry partner communication best practices, and presentation design. Teams also had an opportunity to bond over lunch. We are grateful to the speakers who provided guidance to the cohort including Interim Dean Vanessa Perry, G&EE Director Sarah LaRosa, alumnus Jay Nester ‘18, and SAAs Negin Rezazad & Sophie Titlebaum.

A special thank you also to Global MBA alumni Ashley Kongs ‘19, Cheston Gayda ‘18, and & Jay Nester ‘18 for returning to campus to share your valuable time and expertise. Your insights will undoubtedly ensure the cohort has a positive experience working with one another as well as this year’s Industry Partners at Autodesk, Bayer, Damas Jewelry, Dogo App, EY, Impact Hub Berlin, Meta, PwC, Soundcloud, and Tamara!

Applications for our Faculty-led Short-term Study Away Programs (STAPs) close on Sunday Feb 4! Read more about each program on our website and start your application today.

Applications for our faculty-led short-term abroad programs close on Sunday, Feb 4! Read more about each program on our website and start your application today.

Applications for our Partner-led Short-Term Abroad programs close on Sunday, Feb 4! Read more about each program on our website and start your application today.

🙌 Business & Society Series Appreciation Post 🙌

For over ten years, G&EE’s Business & Society Series has provided once in a lifetime moments for graduate students to examine critical issues through engagement with DC thought leaders and decision makers.

Past program highlights include Professor Bonnie Pierce’s 2019 “Fintech” class visit to Capital Hill; Professor Robert Weiner’s 2019 “Privatization, Nationalization & Public-Private Partnerships” class meeting with former U.S. Representative Mark Meadows to discuss the potential privatization of the U.S. Postal Service; Professor John Forrer’s 2023 “Impact Investing” class meeting with U.S. Senator Mike Braun to discuss the rise in anti-ESG investing legislation; and Professor Thomas Debass’s 2023 “Strategic Foresight” class visit to Amazon’s HQ2.

G&EE’s 2024 summer Short-term Study Away Program (STAP) deadline is February 4th! Apply soon to ensure you do not miss the opportunity to expand your knowledge, build your network, and earn credit towards your degree program! To learn more and start your application visit our webpage (link in bio).

This week GWSB students from a variety of degree programs including Global MBA, MSIB, MSIST, MSSM, MSPM, and PMBA are participating in G&EE's Technology Management in a European Business Environment Short-Term Study Away Program (STAP) hosted by partner school Grenoble Ecole de Management.

So far students have engaged in lively interactive class discussions with their counterparts from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business and UNC Kenan-Flagler. Highlights include sessions on digital marketing led by Professor Andrew Walker and a "Serious Games" lecture by Professor Hélène Michel. The program also includes a variety of business visits, cultural activities, and rich discussion on a range of topics including business ethics, open innovation, and more!

This program runs every January but if you don't want to wait a year to participate in a STAP have no fear- our applications are currently open for summer '24 programs.

2024 is off to a great start with Professor Nam Pham's Panama Short-Term Study Away Program (STAP). Students from eight GWSB graduate programs are currently spending the week in Panama applying their knowledge to solve real-world business challenges, improving their teamwork skills, and gaining deep understanding of what makes Panama such a great place for international business.

Day 1 included meetings with our industry partners at Hilton Panama. Michelle Rattry, Camilo Araúz and Veronique Albrand spent the morning with the group to share feedback on the teams' project work. To help the students develop their recommendations, the partners also provided a tour of the property including a visit to the hotel's unique Alienware-themed room.

The class also met with the owner of Cafeistmo and Former Ambassador of Panama to China, FRANCISCO CARLO ESCOBAR. Francisco provided insights as to why Panama is such an excellent place to grow coffee as well as his strategy for entering new markets.

Next, the class met with Alejandro Moreno who shared his varied professional experiences at Boeing working across different cultures as well as how he successfully shifted from a highly technical role to a position that is more business focused and customer-facing.

Last but not least, the class met with Copa Airlines CEO and GWSB alumnus Pedro Heilbron '81 who shared his incredible experience successfully leading Copa Airlines over the past 30 years. Pedro also reflected on why he believes pursuing his MBA at GWSB was a great decision that helped prepare him for his career.

We are very grateful to each of these knowledgeable and passionate professionals for generously sharing their time and expertise with our STAP participants. Muchas gracias!