The goal of the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education’s nationwide initiative International Education Week (IEW) held every third week of November is to broaden perspectives and highlight opportunities for American students to study abroad and for international students to explore the United States through exchange programs. This year, the theme for IEW was “EXPLORE,” focusing on exploring different opportunities to develop a global view, gain new experiences, and learning about unfamiliar languages and cultures.
The Center for Global Business (CGB) hosted a week of programs and events from November 18-22 for students to explore and expand their global mindset, global career possibilities, and all that international education offers. CGB also preluded IEW by sponsoring events and prompting the Smith community to showcase their global experiences and inspire others to EXPLORE the world through Padlet the week before.
Maryland Veteran Small Business Week Celebration
In partnership with the Smith School’s Federal and Veteran Affairs, CGB co-sponsored the celebration which featured 13 veteran-owned small businesses on Wednesday, November 13. The small businesses represented every region of Maryland and featured veteran entrepreneurs, founders, and global exporters. The event was also in partnership with The Maryland Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs, U.S. SBA's Mid-Atlantic Veteran Business Outreach Center, Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, and Initiative for Veteran Lifelong Leadership at the Robert H. Smith School of Business.
IBSO IB Trek
The International Business Student Organization hosted site visits to Medtronic and the International Monetary Fund in the Capital Region on Thursday, November 14th. Undergraduate and graduate students learned about the firms’ global operations and enhanced their international business knowledge.
'Explore with CGB' Kick-Off
The Center officially kicked off IEW through a launch at the entrance of Van Munching Hall. Students were welcomed with a preview of the week’s activities as they grabbed candies from around the world on their way to class. Students were also invited to share their global experiences on Padlet to be displayed on the Smith School’s plasmas throughout the week. A selection of the submissions are included below.
Student Global Leadership Board (SGLB)
The Center introduced the first ever CGB Student Global Leadership Board through an information session. The board will consist of undergrad, master’s, and MBA students to represent the student voice in global programming and work closely with the center to help shape and promote global learning programs. The SGLB will also help to foster leadership development and create a lasting impact. Applications are due December 20.
Summer Internship Info Session
This information session highlighted the opportunity to spend a summer working in Sydney, Singapore, Auckland, Madrid, Dublin, Prague, or Buenos Aires during a 7-credit internship. The internship allows students to gain hand-on experience while developing their international mindset. Applications are due February 1, 2025. Learn more on the CGB website.
Global Consulting Associate Info Session
The Global Consulting Associates Program provides students with a hands-on opportunity to consult for either the Maryland Global Consulting Program or the U.S. Market Entry Consulting Program. Specialty Masters and MBA students work on multidisciplinary teams on a real project with a real client to provide quality deliverables. The program takes place over a week period during the spring semester for the opportunity to earn a stipend or scholarship. Apply today.
Certified Global Business Professional Student Pathways Info Session
The info session introduced students to the one-credit winter term course designed to prepare students to the CGBP exam from the North American Small Business International Trade Educators (NASBITE). The CGBP credential represents a competency benchmark for international expertise and professionalism in international trade. The certification focuses on four different areas of global business: Global Business Management, Global Market, Supply Chain Management, and Trade Finance. Register for BMGT 499I today.
Strategic Exporting for Startups Webinar
To close out the week, this session highlighted the importance of strategic planning for internationally scaling a startup. Topics included identifying a target market, effective export strategies, navigating compliance requirements, and risk management strategies. The session also discussed resources and assistance available for support. Watch the recording.
International Education Week 2024 was supported in part by CIBE, a Title VI grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
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About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.