The Future is Global for IEW 2023

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education “to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences.” The theme for 2023 was “The Future Is …” and was meant to explore the many ways that international education is driving us into the future.

The Center for Global Business (CGB) hosted a week of activities to highlight the ways in which business students can participate in global experiences and start conversations about the ways that artificial intelligence (AI), digital trade tools, blockchain, robotics, and other technologies are changing the way global business is conducted. “This annual celebration is an important activity at the Center,” said Rebecca Bellinger, executive director of CGB. “It not only calls attention to the importance of global education but also gives us an opportunity to engage the Maryland Smith community in critical dialogue about the future of global business and, this year, the influence of technology on the way we interact.”

IEW Week and ‘Future Is Global’ Kick-Off

The week started with a lively celebration in the Van Munching Hall atrium. Students grabbed donuts and got the scoop on the week's events as they headed to class. Highlights included the #FutureIsGlobal video campaign, where people shared their perspectives on a global mindset, and a chance to snag free Starbucks drinks in a giveaway.

CGBP Pathways Course Information Session

On Tuesday, CGB presented information on the BMGT 499I or the Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) Pathways Course, a one-credit course which will now be offered for the second time. This course is specifically tailored to equip students for the CGBP exam administered by NASBITE International. Scheduled for virtual delivery throughout the winter term, the course is taught by Adjunct Professor and CGB Advisory Board Member Philip Grove, MBA ‘15.

Global Summer Internship Information Session

Also on Tuesday, the center hosted an informational session outlining the pathway for students to seize a secured summer internship abroad. Exciting for-credit internship opportunities await in Sydney, Singapore, Auckland, Madrid, and Dublin. Applications are due February 1, 2024. Learn more on the CGB website.

International Business Trek in Baltimore

On Thursday, the International Student Business Organization and the center led a group of students to visit companies with global operations in Baltimore. Both undergraduates and graduates explored the diverse operations at T-Rowe Price, Flywheel, and the Port of Baltimore. The visits offered firsthand insights into navigating international business landscapes, understanding operational strategies, and witnessing the vital role of the port in global commerce. It was a comprehensive experience, providing students with practical knowledge of diverse industries on the global stage.

Maryland Global Consulting Program Information Session

This session on Friday highlighted the newly launched Global Consulting Associate Program where students can apply to work on real-world consulting projects in global strategy, data analytics, and market entry strategies, etc. as part of the Maryland Global Consulting Program or U.S. Market Entry Consulting Program.

Migrants, Refugees and Societies

Closing out the week, the center was joined by Çağlar Özden, Lead Economist in the Development Research Group of the World Bank and co-director of the 2023 World Development Report: Migrants, Refugees, and Societies. Ozden presented the findings of the report and made the case that migration, if managed well, can be a source of prosperity in both origin and destination societies.

International Education Week 2023 was supported in part by CIBE, a Title VI grant from the U.S. Department of Education.