Spring Business Class in Austria Provides International Learning Experience for Students

Through a dynamic partnership with MCI | The Entrepreneurial School, Stillman School of Business students gained insights into global business practices, fostering personal growth and expanding their horizons in their spring course abroad in Austria.

Seton Hall University's Stillman School of Business and MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® have embarked on an extraordinary collaboration, offering students from both institutions an immersive international learning experience in Innsbruck, Austria. Since 2022, this partnership has paved the way for students to broaden their horizons and gain invaluable insights into global business practices.

Seton Hall Professor and Dean Emerita Karen Boroff, Ph.D., expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "This was a most powerful learning experience, and several Seton Hall students said that this was their best experience in their lives." The Spring 2023 Organizational Behavior class comprised a diverse group of 35 students, including 22 from Seton Hall, 2 from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and 13 from MCI representing countries such as France, Italy, Taiwan, Czech Republic, and Turkey.

The program unfolded over five intense days, with classes held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. During evenings and lunch breaks, students had the freedom to explore and socialize, fostering meaningful connections with their peers. This allowed them to learn from each other's experiences and professional aspirations, creating a vibrant and dynamic learning environment.

LTC Shari Bowen, D.M., as associate professor from West Point, led a module on leadership, which resonated deeply with the students. One student from Italy shared, "I had never been asked if I wanted to be a leader — in my home country, you are not asked that." The opportunity to explore their own leadership styles and engage in exercises such as negotiation with diverse cultures proved eye-opening and transformative for the students.

Michael Gordon, an adjunct professor at Stillman, delivered a module on the Standout Inventory, helping students identify and leverage their strengths effectively. The insights gained from this exercise empowered students to showcase their unique abilities confidently.

The impact of this collaboration extended beyond the classroom, as students had the chance to visit the Tirolean Military Barracks, the primary military garrison for the Tirolean Province in Austria. There, they learned about the Austrian military's humanitarian efforts in assisting migrants who pass through the country. This experience shed light on the global issue of migration and its potential economic implications.

“We hear about migrants in the U.S. all the time. The visit to the Barracks opened my eyes to what a worldwide issue this is. As a business professional, I can see how this issue can matter for the world economy,” said Seton Hall marketing and management major Kyle O’Hara.

Reflecting on their time in Innsbruck, the Seton Hall students expressed profound personal growth. Many described how studying abroad had made them more self-aware, independent and willing to push themselves out of their comfort zones. Overcoming personal challenges allowed them to build resilience and gain a newfound sense of confidence.

“This experience helped me feel more comfortable spending time with people I just met and learning about them in real life, not virtually,” said Andry Abraham, a mathematical science major. Accounting major David Monsalve agreed. “I thought I was a quiet person, but discovered I enjoy being with people and sharing a meal with them.”

The ideal location of Innsbruck facilitated students' exploration of nearby cities like Milan, Venice, Vienna, Munich, and Salzburg. With its efficient public transportation system, Innsbruck served as a convenient base for their adventures, providing a gateway to rich cultural experiences and deepened global understanding.

Boroff, who initially conceptualized this collaboration and then implemented it, has since continued working with MCI to develop the new Destination and Event Management Certificate Program. 

“The collaboration between Stillman and MCI has not only offered students a transformative international learning experience but has also fostered lifelong connections and enhanced their readiness for successful careers in the global marketplace,” said Boroff. “It is a testament to the power of collaboration in higher education and the value it brings to students seeking to broaden their perspectives and expand their horizons.”

Categories: Business