International Programs
MBA students must develop the skills needed to
compete in today's global marketplace. In response, the
Butler MBA has infused opportunities for students
to develop international knowledge and experience into the
curriculum.
In order to graduate, students must fulfill a global requirement
which can be satisfied by either taking specific
internationally-focused courses or participating in an MBA Study
Trip. A concentration in International Business is offered to
students who wish to sharpen these skills even further.
MBA Study Trips
A variety of international study trips are available to MBA
students. The trips usually last one week and include
interactions with onsite businesses and business leaders. Past
study trips have included travel to France, Spain, Chile, and
China. The College of Business has developed exchange
relationships with foreign institutions such as Pontificia
Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso (PUCV) in Chile that results in
regular study/travel opportunities for MBA students.
Business in China
Butler MBA students had the opportunity to experience global
business firsthand by visiting the Coca-Cola Company and Wal-mart
operations in Tianjin, China. Students also spent time in
Beijing and visited the U.S. Embassy, the Great Wall and the
Forbidden City.
Business in Brazil
In the Applied International Business course, MBA students help
U.S. companies determine what opportunities they have for doing
business with Brazilian companies and consumers.
Within the context of an international consulting project, the
Applied International Business course gives students the
opportunity to develop advanced knowledge and experience in the
field of international business. Students are challenged to develop
a comprehensive evaluation of the international business
opportunities within a foreign country for a U.S. client company.
The course includes a one week study trip to premier emerging
markets. Through this experience, MBA students develop substantive
international business knowledge and experience.
Helping Central Indiana Companies
During the study trip to Chile, we visited the Codelco
Copper Mine. The executive leadership educated us on the copper
mining industry and we were given an up-close and personal tour of
copper production hot off the molds. The experience
broadened my understanding of Chile as it relates to international
business opportunities for the U.S. and also provided me with a new
appreciation for the beauty of the environment and its people. The
opportunity to adjust to unfamiliar spaces where others do not
speak your native language is exhilarating and is a breeding ground
for personal growth.
Dawn Orr
Sales Consultant, PSS World Medical,
Inc.
The study trip to Chile was a unique opportunity to blend my
MBA education with real world businesses, particularly in an
environment that was new to me. The hosts from PUCV and the Butler
faculty packed in as much experiential education in a week in Chile
as possible. Hardly a moment was lost, and there was just enough
downtime for us to go out on our own for personal experiences. It
truly was the trip of a lifetime.
Zach Jones
Project Manager, Shiel Sexton Company
During the study trip to China, I was able to engage in
experiential-based activities with a number of Chinese businesses,
American companies doing business in China, international business
experts at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, and business professors at
Nankai University. Because of my experience in China, I am
exploring a possible career in international business
consulting.
Adam Townsend
Full-Time MBA Student
I benefited from the opportunity to travel to China and make
observations, interact with others, and learn directly from our
Chinese friends. Business and personal interactions with the
Chinese and all other actors in the global market will continue to
increase at an exponential rate, making this type of interaction
and knowledge invaluable.
Chris Naylor
Indiana Securities Commissioner