International study trips represent transformative experiences that extend Master in Strategy & Management of International Business (SMIB) students’ understanding far beyond classroom boundaries, providing firsthand exposure to diverse business environments, cultural contexts, and market dynamics across major global business centers. Through carefully structured visits to cities like Bangkok and Dubai, students develop the cross-cultural competencies and global perspective essential for international business careers while building professional networks that prove valuable throughout their career development.

Strategic Destination Selection and Learning Objectives

The SMIB program’s study trip destinations are strategically chosen to provide exposure to diverse economic models, business cultures, and regional market characteristics, thereby broadening students’ understanding of global business complexity. Bangkok offers insights into the emerging market dynamics of Southeast Asia, while Dubai provides exposure to Middle Eastern business practices and international trade hub operations.

Howie Chia, an SMIB student who was aspiring to join the aviation industry, shares that: “The highlight for me was definitely the visit to Airbus. It opened my eyes to how businesses are conducted differently in different cultures, which I believe will be useful in my future career. The trip allowed me to have a close-up look at how business is done in another country and the things that we need to consider in real life, and I found these perspectives valuable for working in a multinational business.”

Each destination presents unique learning opportunities that complement classroom theoretical knowledge with practical observation of how international businesses adapt their strategies for different regulatory environments, cultural contexts, and economic conditions. This exposure proves invaluable for students seeking careers in multinational corporations or international consulting firms.

Cultural Intelligence and Cross-Border Business Understanding

Study trips provide immersive experiences in different cultural business environments, teaching students to navigate varying negotiation styles, relationship-building approaches, and communication patterns that characterize international business interactions. This cultural intelligence proves essential for successful global business careers.

Students observe firsthand how cultural factors influence business decision-making, organizational structures, and market entry strategies, developing an appreciation for the complexity and nuance required for effective cross-cultural business leadership. These insights prove immediately applicable to international business challenges.

Global Industry Experience and Professional Preparation

Study trips provide exposure to diverse industries and business sectors through corporate visits and presentations by senior executives who share practical insights into international expansion, local market adaptation, and cross-border collaboration strategies.

Damien Chanjou, SMIB alumnus who was keen on sustainability and green energy, shares that: “The trip was an opportunity to meet with professionals from many different fields, and I was impressed by how the program line-up included speakers from a wide range of sectors encompassing F&B, FMCG, luxury retail and more. The takeaways go far beyond acquiring industry knowledge in the present to also build relationships and networks for the future.”

This comprehensive international exposure positions SMIB graduates strategically for careers requiring global perspective and cross-cultural competence, providing compelling interview content that demonstrates the international mindset and cultural adaptability that multinational employers consistently value in management candidates, while developing understanding of international market dynamics essential for effective cross-cultural collaboration regardless of eventual career location.