Mays Business School Celebrates 35 Years of International Business Education

Celebrating 35 years of providing enhanced international business education, the Center for International Business Studies (CIBS) sent students around the world this academic year, including the first ever program to Antarctica. Currently, 25% of Mays undergraduate students graduate with an international experience, and the programs serve to equip our students for leadership in the global business world through immersive educational and cultural experiences. Students can have a global experience through a variety of program opportunities: internships, volunteer trips, university exchanges, or study abroad trips with Mays faculty and students.

Internships

CIBS internship programs connect Mays students with cutting-edge companies around the globe, providing hands-on professional experience in international business environments. These career-enhancing opportunities allow students to build upon knowledge from their Mays’ classes and apply these practical skills that differentiate them in the job market. Interns gain invaluable insights into global business practices that prepare them for leadership roles in organizations worldwide. Learn more about internship opportunities.

Hannah McCormack ’26 (Accounting) | Tokyo, Japan

“My company is called LOOK UP Accounting, but as a whole they own a few different businesses. Their values are heavily focused on easing others’ financial burdens, making accounting accessible, and bridging communication barriers. Health, wellness, and family are also very valued. Many members of the office all come together to stretch and exercise together in the afternoons, which in English translates to “refresh time.” Speaking of English, the majority of employees here do not speak any. There are two fluent English speakers, and a few with some light English knowledge. Consequently, I am experiencing some significant Japanese immersion! Technology has certainly been a big help, and tools like ChatGPT, DeepL, and Google Translate are big components of how I perform here in Tokyo.”

William Webber ’26 (Finance) | Dublin, Ireland

“One thing I’ve noticed about doing business in Ireland is the informal yet efficient communication style. Emails and meetings are direct and there’s a strong emphasis on relationships and approachability. These combined make for a comfortable work environment that you don’t have to stress about. People take pride in their work, but there’s also room for humor and storytelling, which helps build rapport quickly. Lunches are generally eaten together with conversations ranging from stories from the previous weekend to sports and even to politics. Many of my colleagues have similar interests to mine including American football. They have genuine interest in my perspective and experiences as an American and are more than happy to tell me about Irish culture and history.

Volunteer Groups

Through CIBS volunteer opportunities, Mays students develop leadership skills and a deeper understanding of selfless service while making a meaningful difference in communities worldwide. These service-based experiences allow students to apply business knowledge to address real-world challenges while gaining cultural competencies.

Caleb McQuinn ’27 (Management) | Peru

“One really cool business visit we went on was to a coffee shop in Lima that operates in partnership with a local church. More than just a business, Velove is a mission-driven company that ensures quality coffee is accessible to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds. The owners, Anarose and Jimmy, have built their business on relationships — both with their customers and the local coffee farmers they source from. Hearing their journey, from introducing espresso to a market unfamiliar with specialty coffee to creating a space where every customer feels valued, was awesome. It was a reminder that business isn’t just about transactions; it’s about connection.”

Smiling Man with Crossed arms.

Taylor Schoolcraft ’26 (Management) | Athens, Greece

“Talking with business owners in Athens, especially my client Fekerte, taught me that success looks different around the world. In Greece, relationships and trust are central to conducting business. People value getting to know each other, the community around them, and building genuine connections while conducting business. In contrast, American business culture can feel more transactional and fast-paced. One of my favorite moments was getting to see the community that Fekerte has created in Greece. She had to open her coffee shop because people stayed too late in her mini market talking!”

Exchanges

Through Mays’ partnerships with top universities worldwide, Mays students can immerse themselves in a different academic environment for a full semester. These exchange programs allow students to take courses alongside local students, developing deep cultural ties while earning credit hours that count toward their business degree. Students gain independence, adaptability, and cross-cultural skills that are essential for success in today’s working world.

Malhaar Das ’27 (Marketing) | Copenhagen Business School (Denmark)

“The education system that Copenhagen Business School uses has very minimal structure, with the exams being a few open-ended questions that can be tackled in any way the student chooses. This switch in learning made me reorient the way that I looked at my lectures, using them as a foundation for my own analysis, rather than looking for a correct answer. This lack of structure, though initially challenging, allowed me to revel in the freedom of engaging with the material in the way that supports my learning the best. These cultural differences have only broadened my viewpoints, while honing skills I have never had to use. This growth better equips me for future opportunities out of my comfort zone.”

Brooke Ubieta ’26 (Marketing) | Bocconi University (Italy)

“As a marketing student with a focus on retail, this experience has significantly reshaped my perspective on global business. Being in Milan — a fashion capital — gave me the opportunity to observe retail from a new lens. I noticed how deeply local culture influences everything from store design and merchandising to consumer behavior. It’s one thing to study global markets in a classroom, but it’s something else entirely to live within them. Beyond business, I gained a deeper understanding of how culture shapes people’s perspectives. I saw firsthand how others view Americans, and I also began to reflect more on the culture I come from — what we value, what we take for granted, and how that compares to other ways of life. Studying abroad reminded me just how big the world really is, and how small our own bubbles can be if we never step outside them.”

Maria Ramirez ’24 (Marketing) | Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (Spain)

“Immersing myself in a new culture while studying business provided opportunities for both academic and personal growth. The university’s emphasis on global perspectives and its rigorous curriculum pushed me to think critically about how business principles apply in an international context. Collaborating with students from diverse backgrounds broadened my understanding of cultural differences in business practices, communication styles, and problem-solving approaches. Living in Madrid taught me the beauty of immersing myself in a completely new culture and lifestyle.”

Study Abroads

Faculty-led study abroad programs offer Mays students the chance to explore international business concepts while traveling with fellow Aggies and trusted professors. These structured educational experiences combine classroom learning with company visits, excursions, and networking opportunities tailored to a specific business discipline. Students benefit from the leadership of seasoned faculty while building relationships with peers and locals in a transformative global setting.

Tessa Barela ’26 (Business Honors and Accounting) | Singapore; Johor Bahru, Malaysia; and Bangkok, Thailand

“My time abroad in Singapore and Thailand taught me invaluable lessons about international business and cultural dynamics… Ultimately, my time abroad reshaped my approach to global business. It taught me that successful cross-cultural interactions are about more than just transactions — they’re about understanding and connecting with people on a deeper level.”

Student Owen Thomas in front of the Sydney Opera House

Owen Thomas ’26 (Marketing) | Melbourne and Sydney, Australia

“These experiences profoundly impacted me and changed my perspective. Witnessing such a unified effort — from businesses and politicians to families and individuals — was inspiring and has encouraged me to take a stronger stand for the environment.”