A Global Leadership Experience in Medellin, Colombia

This summer, Maraly Gonzalez and Celeste Mondragon, two undergraduate students from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, were awarded the opportunity to participate in the Consortium for Undergraduate International Business Education (CUIBE) Global Summer Leadership Summit in Medellín, Colombia. Supported by the Title VI CIBE grant administered by the U.S. Department of Education, both students were awarded full scholarships, enabling them to delve into the realms of business and leadership in an international context.

Hosted by EAFIT University, the summit provided an ideal setting for in-depth learning and cultural immersion. The EAFIT campus became the backdrop for a series of enriching leadership workshops and lectures that aimed to mold the next generation of global business leaders. The culmination of the summit was a group project on sustainable development, where both students applied their newfound knowledge in a practical setting. This project allowed both students to showcase their ability to think critically and creatively, addressing real-world business challenges with innovative solutions.

The program also facilitated an incredible networking opportunity. Gonzalez and Mondragon, along with students from various U.S. universities and local Colombian peers, forged lasting connections that spanned continents. These relationships not only enriched their experience but also expanded their professional networks in meaningful ways.

Gonzalez's experience was transformative, highlighting the importance of sustainable business practices and innovation. She was particularly moved by the campus's dedication to environmental consciousness, a theme that was woven throughout their various educational tours and company visits. Gonzalez and Mondragon also explored Medellín’s vibrant culture and its surrounding cities. They visited Guatapé, known as Colombia’s most colorful town, and experienced its beauty both on foot and by boat. Their visit to the Noel Biscuit Company provided a glimpse into the workings of an international brand, while their time in Comuna 13 allowed them to engage deeply with the local culture and history through its famous graffiti art.

Reflecting on their journey, Gonzalez and Mondragon returned not only with enhanced leadership skills but an appreciation for international business dynamics and cultural diversity as well. Their experiences at the CUIBE Global Summer Leadership Summit exemplified the transformative power of global education. These lessons and memories will undoubtedly influence their future endeavors in the business world, driving them to pursue impactful and globally-minded careers.

Learn more about program offerings through the Center for Global Business.

CUIBE is a collaborative network of leading undergraduate business schools dedicated to advancing the field of international business education. CUIBE brings together a diverse community of institutional members, including the Robert H. Smith School of Business, to share best practices and innovative ideas in the field of international business education. This opportunity was supported in part by CIBE, a Title VI grant administered by the U.S. Department of Education.