Study Abroad Opportunities

Here at the Illinois MBA we have a lot of different learning opportunities. Not only do students have access to a variety of courses, students are also offered the opportunity to study abroad. This includes taking week long seminars in Europe and Mexico City, Mexico. Each winter break, students take a week to interact with other MBA students in other countries. This year, students will be doing the same, spending a week in Mexico City at IPADE Business School. The week long seminar will focus on the economic, social, and cultural aspects of Mexico along with the tourism industry of the country. Illinois MBA students will work with IPADE student on team projects. Just like the Illinois MBA program, IPADE uses the case method in its business courses which provides a very hands on experience on business topics.

Students will also have the opportunity to explore the various social and cultural activities in Mexico City. This includes wine tasting, attending bull fighting events, tasting great food, and visiting museums. Students will also be able to experience the rich culture history of Mexico through its pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern architecture.

The study abroad program is very unique. We currently have two exchange students from IPADE studying in our MBA program. We are all looking forward to them hosting us in Mexico City. It will certainly add to the Illinois MBA experience.

My First Year at the Illinois MBA

When I first started at the Illinois MBA program I was very eager to involve myself in everything that the program offered. Everyone met during the week prior to starting classes where we all participated in team building activities. As we entered into the semester, I find myself quite busy with team meetings, classes, weekly social events, and MBAA club activities. I remember feeling overwhelmed with assignments and classes. We often did our assignments in teams which can be challenging as there were many different personalities, working styles, and schedules within the team.

As I looked back to my first year, the one item that I wished I had mastered prior to entering the program was time management skills. With the amount of activities the MBA program offered along with the many assignments and classes, I did find myself over stretched at times. However, my classmates and the professors were extremely supportive. You can always expect them to help and go to them for various advice.

Now that I am in my second year I am able to form my own schedule. In the first year, the MBAs are required to take core classes. These classes give you a perspective on a wide range of subjects and provide an opportunity for students to explore new topics. These classes range from marketing, finance, organizational theory to strategy.

The best way to start the MBA program is to keep an open mind. Don't narrow your choices and be open to all the opportunities presented to you. I can't even begin to explain the amount of new skills I have acquired in the past year. I just know that I wouldn't trade my experiences and new knowledge for anything else in the world.