In today's globalized business world, an international perspective is a necessary element of business education. Abilene Christian University understands that need, and for the past three years has been offering global learning experiences through its Global Apprentice program. This year, ACU will offer its Global Apprentice program in Leipzig, Germany.
"Expertise in business within a single country or market is no longer sufficient," said Mike Winegeart, assistant professor of marketing at ACU. "The globalization of markets has virtually eliminated the concept of 'domestic' business. To compete, you must communicate effectively with those whose language is not your own, understand differences in culture and values, and recognize that 'the way it's always been done' is no longer an appropriate strategy."
ACU's Global Apprentice program partners undergraduate students with international companies. During their four weeks abroad, students are challenged to craft an in-depth business solution to present to these companies.
The program has only been in Oxford, but this summer it is expanding to Leipzig, Germany. Sixteen students from ACU's College of Business Administration will create a marketing and strategic plan for the Leipzig Eagles, a professional women’s basketball team. The European Strategic Management class will allow students to tour companies such as Porsche, Amazon.com, DHL and BMW, and learn from the managers there how European and American management styles differ.
"COBA's Global Apprentice program is designed to give students a head start in business. The entire program is focused on experiential learning," said Winegeart. "The expertise students gain will be practical, equipping them with a degree of global competency that is required for success in today's economy."
For the past three years, ACU's COBA students have only been in Oxford, England, where students worked with Oxfam International, a confederation of 13 organizations working together and with partners and allies around the world to end poverty and injustice. Students who have participated in this program have noticed how potential employers appreciate the global experience, said Winegeart.
"When I interviewed, they were impressed with my GPA and all that I am involved in, but they paid the most attention to my Study Abroad experience," said Melissa Landry, who graduated with a degree in accounting in 2007. "As I described the apprentice course to several accountants, I could immediately tell that they were impressed. When I explained the challenges to one of the managers, he said, 'You are describing exactly what this job entails.'"
In addition to working on their month-long projects, students spend their mornings in classes, earning six hours of class credit. This summer in Germany, the classes offered will be International Marketing and European Strategic Management.
Leipzig is an ideal location for business students, with a trade fair that began in the Middle Ages and continues today as the oldest remaining trade fair in the world with international acclaim. It also has a rich history, as the original headquarters for the German secret police during World War II and the birthplace of the silent revolution, the prayer meetings credited with bringing down the Berlin Wall, said Winegeart.
Although there are plenty of opportunities for travel and cultural experiences, the Global Apprentice program is not intended to be a month-long tour of Europe. Students come for intensive courses and hard work preparing presentations for international companies.
"This program exemplifies ACU's mission to train and educate students to lead and serve throughout the world," said Winegeart. "We are creating Christian leaders with the global skills to excel in any environment, worldwide."
To learn more about the Study Abroad program, visit their website. To read about students' experiences first-hand, visit the COBA in Oxford blog and the COBA in Germany blog.
If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office or call (325) 674-2696.
