Graduate Programming

The Managing Global Business Risks and Opportunities course is an opportunity to travel the world virtually at no additional cost beyond tuition.

Course Information

“Managing Global Business Risks and Opportunities” provides students with the opportunity to learn from and engage with business leaders and MBA students in the leading international business destinations of South Africa, Poland, and Israel. The class begins by providing conceptual tools for identifying and assessing the institutional influences shaping national business environments. Students will then learn about the business and cultural environments in the three focal countries through direct online interaction with overseas business leaders and MBA students, as well as local subject matter experts. Students will employ this knowledge in a team project in which you will advise a real-world American firm on a strategy for entering one of the three countries. At the end of the class, teams will present their findings to firm representatives and a panel of external judges.

The class will consist of four sequential modules.

Conceptual tools for developing international business strategies.
You will learn conceptual frameworks for identifying and assessing the institutional influences shaping national business environments, and the factors relevant to developing international market entry strategies.

Virtual engagement.
You will learn about the business and cultural environments in Israel, Poland, and South Africa through direct online interaction with overseas businesses, local subject matter experts, and local MBA students.

Team project.
You will perform a team consulting project for a U.S.-based company. Your team will be assigned one of the five host countries and asked to prepare a strategic analysis of the company’s possible entry into the country.

Presentation & integration.
You will participate in a class-wide comparative exercise using the results of your team project. The exercise will include team presentations attended by company.

Registration Instructions

Registration opens on Tuesday, October 26. Students will register for the MBA global business courses in Testudo. The course number associated with each MBA global business course will be provided soon. There is no additional application for this course.

This program is funded in part by CIBE, a Title VI grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Global Consulting Associate Program

Step into the world of consulting excellence with the Global Consulting Associate Program at the University of Maryland's Center for Global Business.

Applications for Spring 2025 are now open. Apply today.

Program Overview

As a Global Consulting Associate, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to either the Maryland Global Consulting Program or the U.S. Market Entry Consulting Program. Collaborate with a team of MBA and MS students to provide consulting services to clients over a 10-week period during each term. Upon completion, participants will receive a stipend.

Both programs offer hands-on experience with real companies seeking solutions to international business challenges. The Maryland Global Consulting Program assists domestic companies in expanding globally or addressing challenges in international business, while the U.S. Market Entry Consulting Program supports international companies entering the U.S. market.

Projects may involve market assessments, entry strategies, distributor identification, and export distribution plans. After enrollment, students will be matched with companies based on industry experience, language proficiency, and other relevant factors.

Don't miss your chance to apply! For inquiries, contact Marina Augoustidis at maugoust@umd.edu.

The Center for Global Business reserves the right to determine the program and client that best matches the student applicant. 

This program is funded in part by CIBE, a Title VI grant administered by the U.S. Department of Education. 

The Ace the Case Global Business Challenge is a virtual opportunity for all MBA and business graduate students to compete against peers from schools throughout the U.S. The competition asks teams to tackle a real challenge for a global client through an interviewer-led case and final video presentation.

Please check back to save the date for the 2023 Ace the Case Global Business Challenge.

Participants can expect to:

• Work in teams and provide actionable recommendations
• Sharpen skills in navigating the case interview process and in making virtual presentations
• Network with international students and corporate executives
• Join a virtual student mixer and optional virtual cultural activity
• Participate in a case interview process with an international company
• Compete virtually against business students from across the globe
• Engage in both synchronous and asynchronous sessions for this two-part competition

Note: Teams can expect to participate synchronously for no more than two hours across three days. Final-round teams can expect to submit a video with recommendations two to three days before the final round. Time in between accounts for judge deliberations.

For more information or if you have any questions contact cibeacethecase@gmail.com.

Read about the 2022 Ace the Case Global Business Challenge.

Read about the 2021 Ace the Case Global Business Challenge.

This program is funded in part by CIBE, a Title VI grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

IB Trek in Maryland

Save the date: Thursday, November 15, 2024

The IB Trek in Baltimore is intended to expose undergraduate and graduate students to concepts in international business while highlighting industry right here in Maryland. Students who participated in the IB Trek in Baltimore heard from companies that range in size, industry, and sector and were introduced to the various ways a company does business across borders, business culture, and life as a business professional.

Read about last year's IB Trek in Maryland during International Education Week.

The Global Business School Network Beyond Conference unites students, educators, and professionals worldwide to address key challenges in business. Participants explore how business schools are innovating to positively impact society, promote inclusivity, and advance sustainable practices, all while adapting business education for the future.

Social Logistics Challenge

The Social Logistics Challenge immerses learners in a digital environment that fosters teamwork, collaboration, and innovation to solve societal issues using logistics principles and technology. This year, teams are tasked with identifying a social logistics problem in their community and proposing a viable business solution. The solution should align with one or more of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, consider human factors, involve relevant stakeholders, and address technological disruptions where applicable.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CONFERENCE AND CONTEST RULES

Teams from the Smith School should notify the Center for Global Business by emailing smithglobal@umd.edu.

CGB Presents: NASBITE International Student Case Competition

NASBITE is the leading authority and industry standard for global business education, trade credentialing, training and practice.

The competition provides an opportunity for both undergraduate international business students as well as graduate business students to solve a real-world challenge posed by a U.S.-based international business. The goals of the NASBITE International Student Case Competition are:

• To provide college and university students the opportunity to work collaboratively on a creative solution to a real-world international business challenge, and to put their research, presentation and networking skills to work.
• To provide the sponsoring company access to the very best international business students presenting potential solutions to their international business challenges.
• To provide a solid foundation for student involvement and participation within NASBITE International.

The Center for Global Business (CGB) will cover any associated fees for participating. This is supported in part by CIBE, a Title VI grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The Certified Global Business Professional Student Pathways in International Business Course is a one-credit course offered over the winter term. The CGBP is a nationally recognized certification sought by employers around the country. See more information about the certification below. This course is structured as a CGBP Student Pathways Program and intended to provide deep exploration of global business topics and prepare students for the CGBP exam.

Watch the info session for more information.

The Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP), managed by NASBITE International, is a nationally recognized certification sought by employers around the country. It confirms applied knowledge in international trade and export management and shows potential employers that the holder brings the level of global expertise and professionalism that is required in today’s competitive environment.

The center offers the CGBP Student Pathways Cohort Program, a structured program intended to prepare a cohort of students for the CGBP exam and introduce them to and engage them with NASBITE International.

The program is comprised of a mix of four synchronous sessions and asynchronous study to prepare students to take the CGBP exam. The program offers facilitation by a CGBP professional, access to take the CGBP exam, networking and relationship-building opportunities, and NASBITE International Membership (a $75 value) which includes:

• CGBP study guide
• Preparation support
• Expert Helpline
• LinkedIn Student Group
• CGBP Practice Exam
• Other networking opportunities

Enrollment, requirements

• All interested students are eligible to register.
• Students enrolled in the program will have the option to take the CGBP exam at any point during their program at Smith or up to six months after graduation.
• Students will have to enroll themselves to take the exam and pay upfront.
• Students will be obligated to submit their results to CGB to verify their passing of the CGBP exam.
• If a student passes, CGB will reimburse them the exam fee of $195.00.
• If a student does not pass the exam the first take, the student will not be reimbursed the fee of the exam.
• If a student does not follow through with exam commitment, the student will not be reimbursed the fee of the exam.

Structure

• The course will be held synchronously and asynchronously over the winter term and a student must take the course before they are able to sit for the exam.
• Synchronously: Students will meet with a CGBP professional four times over two weeks for two hours. Confirmed course schedule is below. 
• Asynchronously: Students will be assigned readings and other assignments correlated to each of the four domains of the CGBP exam.
• Final content provided and how each session is devised is ultimately up to the CGBP professional.

Suggested calendar/content:

NASBITE International is the leading authority and industry standard for global business education, trade credentialing, training and practice.

Apply through CGB to become a member of NASBITE International and receive access to the annual conference, network with international trade professionals, and earn the Certified Global Business Professional credential.

CGB Presents the NASBITE Exporter Summit

The 8th annual National Small Business Exporter Summit will take place on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Sessions will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST. The Center for Global Business will stream the summit in Room 2509. Students are encouraged to register but can attend sessions as their schedules allow.

For the agenda and more information, please go to the NASBITE website.

Students interested in participating should complete the registration with the Center for Global Business by October 18. 

Contact smithglobal@umd.edu for questions.

Student Global Leadership Board

Join the info session on Tuesday, November 19 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. to learn about how you can apply to serve on the first CGB Student Global Leadership Board. 

The Student Global Leadership Board (SGLB) is a student organization consisting of 4 undergraduate, 1 master’s, and 1 MBA student who would work closely with the Center for Global Business to represent the student voice in global programming. SGLB members will work closely with CGB, Smith faculty, and students to help shape and promote programs that align more closely with students’ needs and interests. 

The purpose of the Student Global Leadership Board is to:

• Represent the student voice: Act as a bridge between the student body and the Center for Global Business to ensure programs align with students’ needs and interests.
• Enhance Global Opportunities: Bring forward new ideas to expand and improve global experiential learning, including international business treks, case competitions and global networking events.
• Foster Leadership Development: Offer students a hands-on leadership role, where they develop project management, communication, and collaborative skills.
• Create Lasting Impact: Work together to shape programs and initiatives that will leave a legacy of enhanced global learning experiences for future students.

By being a member of the SGLB, you will gain:

• Skills in international education and student services
• Experience in program development and coordination
• A deeper understanding of international business teaching and learning
• A broader international education network 
• Interpersonal and communication skills 
• Access to leadership training workshops
• Recommendations for other opportunities

Required skills and expectations:

• Previous leadership or involvement in coordinating with students is required
• Self-starter and ability to work independently toward project goals
• Ability to pitch in fresh ideas in order to increase awareness amongst the students
• Effective communication (verbal and written)
• Project management skills
• Organizational skills
• Ability to meet every month

How to apply:

• Applications will be open on 19th Nov till before the winter break.
• Group Interview during 2nd week of Jan
• Board formation and welcome of SGLB in February.

Apply today

The MBA Global Business Courses are an opportunity for students to expand their global mindset and global business savvy while immersed in an international context.

While traveling abroad with a professor, students visit companies to enhance their business acumen and apply their knowledge and skills to solve a cross-border, cross-cultural business challenge. Students choose courses based on opportunities to develop expertise in their area of interest and based on the opportunity to network with colleagues, faculty, and international company executives in their field.

Course Objectives:

• Develop a “global mindset,” an openness to and awareness of diversity across cultures and markets, with an ability to see common patterns.
• Sharpen your “global business savvy” by gaining substantive knowledge of business organizations and the institutions in a given country, region, or industry as well as the capacity to contextualize this knowledge in a comparative perspective.
• Gain career skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex challenge.
• Network with colleagues, faculty, alumni, and international company executives in your field of interest, while enhancing your cultural knowledge.

The location of the field experiences may change annually.

AY 2024-25 Portfolio

(Dates Subject to Change)

Doing Business in Brazil 
Faculty: Paulo Prochno 
Locations: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Sao Paulo, Brazil 
Dates on campus: September 29, 2024 
Tentative dates abroad: January 5–13, 2025

Doing Business in Asia 
Locations: Bangkok, Thailand and Singapore 
Faculty: Zhi-Long Chen 
Dates on Campus: September 29, 2024 
Tentative dates abroad: January 3–12, 2025

Doing Business in South Africa 
Locations: Cape Town, South Africa and Johannesburg, South Africa 
Faculty: Bennet Zelner 
Dates on campus: September 29, 2024 
Tentative dates abroad: January 12–19, 2025

Doing Business in Costa Rica 
Locations: San Jose, Costa Rica 
Faculty: Bennet Zelner 
Tentative dates abroad: Spring Break 2025 – March 16-22, 2025

Scholarships and Funding

Students can apply for a $1,000 scholarship to apply towards the program fee. Additionally, each program will designate one logistical liaison, receiving a stipend of $1,800. Applications for both scholarships and liaison roles will be distributed early in the fall.

Information Session

The Smith School encourages flex MBA students who are able to fit a study abroad experience into their coursework to take advantage of this opportunity. Flex MBAs are able to go after finishing the core courses. Please note that the exchange programs are open to Flex MBAs only.

In order to apply, please email the Center for Global Business at smithglobal@umd.edu well in advance of the application deadline to obtain the forms and schedule an interview.

Objectives for Graduate Exchanges

• To develop an understanding of business and cultural environment in other countries
• To demonstrate the ability to work effectively in an international setting
• Where applicable, to acquire the ability to communicate in the world's major business languages
• To adapt to conditions in the world's most important business centers

Exchange Partners

Guanghua School of Management

The Guanghua School of Management, Peking University is one of the best business schools in China. The School is staffed with about 100 full-time teaching faculty members. About half of the faculty earned their PhD degrees from prestigious universities overseas including Harvard, Oxford, Stanford, and UC-Berkeley. Guanghua has a total enrollment of more than 3,000 students and was named the most Influential MBA of China in a ranking conducted by World Executive.

Learn more about Guanghua

Copenhagen Business School

Copenhagen Business School (CBS) is a private educational institution established in 1917 by the Danish Society for the Advancement of Business Education. CBS has around 15,000 students and an annual intake of around 1,000 exchange students. With this number of students as well as around 400 full-time researchers and around 500 administrative employees, CBS is one of the three largest business schools in Northern Europe.

Learn more about CBS

SKEMA Business School

SKEMA prides itself as being a hub of technological innovation, reflected in its student body and industry linkages. With over six thousand students across multiple campuses in France and the world, SKEMA is committed to internationalizing business education. Exchange students benefit from high-quality instruction in a global setting.

Learn more about SKEMA

WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management

WHU is considered the preeminent business school in Germany. WHU has a strong interest in international business, as well as corporate responsibility. It is a small school, with about 600 students and the classroom dynamic is lively and interactive. Koblenz is a small town located on the Rhine and Mosel rivers, about 1 hour west of Frankfurt.

Learn more about WHU