Launched in the FEMBA and EMBA programs in 2008 and later expanded to the full-time MBA program in 2010, the Global Immersion Programs broaden the elective offerings available to students who have completed the first year of their core curriculum. These courses focus on doing business in other countries, exposing students to the economy, major industries and businesses, local culture, major historical events and the many aspects of conducting business relationships outside of the United States. As a result, students develop an educated world view and gain a true global perspective.
Since 2008, 20 Global Immersion programs have been completed in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Czech Republic/Hungary, France, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. These are four-unit electives that include pre-classes at UCLA Anderson followed by one week in-country for a blend of classroom lectures, company site and cultural visits. UCLA Anderson partners with international business and management schools and organizations to develop these courses, all of which are taught in English. Each class is a mixture of 40-50 fully employed, executive and full-time MBA students.
The Global Immersion Programs currently enable over 400 fully employed, executive and full-time MBA students to participate each year.
Examples of courses that have been offered during the past twelve months, include:
- Hungary and Czech Republic: Marketing Strategy and Resource Allocation: Focus on Eastern Europe with Professor Mike Hanssens
- Chile: Economic Environment and Business Opportunities with Professor Sebastian Edwards
- Vietnam: Doing Business in Vietnam with Professors George Abe and Robert McCann
- Tel-Aviv, Israel: Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Macroeconomic Management and Sustainable Development with Professor Stuart Gabriel
- Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: International Studies in Brazil with Professor Eric Sussman
- Hong Kong, SAR: Doing Business in China with Professor Carla Hayn and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)