ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Today’s global economy has made it essential for students to expand their learning to include global perspectives and engagements. The topic of Social Innovation and Entrepreneurial Leadership will provide students with a unique interdisciplinary and cross-cultural experience in a global context. UB’s Spring break, represents an opportunity for faculty to embed short-term global learning experiences into campus-based coursework. Such international experiences for students will enrich SOM curricula by challenging students to apply their learning through the direct engagement of complex and intercultural business topics. Furthermore, such global engagement connects School of Management students with diverse frameworks and practical experiences through which to analyze course content and envision diverse career options / paths.

This eight -day experiential learning would provide School of Management undergraduate and selective MBA students exposure to the history, culture and business in Latin America with emphasis on social innovation and entrepreneurial leadership . Students will engage course material in weekly classroom sessions and corresponding assignments at UB for the 4-6 weeks before participating in a CAPSTONE trip to Costa Rica during Spring break. Students and faculty will travel to Costa Rica to explore case studies of entrepreneurial leadership in Latin America that advance solutions to global problems in partnership with ICADS (https://icads.org/).

This course with its pre-trip activities and travel abroad program component is designed to increase students' knowledge of the international business environment in Latin America and specifically Costa Rica. Besides being ranked by US News as #4 for best places to visit in Central and South America, Costa Rica is uniquely positioned for these kinds of learning encapsulating the history, culture, policies and consequential results. This course embedded program is designed to expand students' knowledge in the following areas:

1) Develop / horn cultural sensitivity and appreciation of global and diversity mindset
2) Discover the differences / similarities in political, geographical, historical issues and its impact in the development (or otherwise) of certain economies of the world
3) Compare and contrast different cultures and societies and its influence in how business is conducted in different parts of the world/ countries
4) Explore diverse ways of expanding their network opportunities in the states and abroad
5) Appreciate the relevance of theoretical discussions and analysis of global issues in today’s global village – MBAs will have the opportunity to discuss with their undergraduate teams, topics such as: how globalized is our world, the role of tourism in Costa Rica economy, export destination of Costa Rica products among others
6) Utilize campus resources available in the Spellman Library for final documentary and presentation to faculty and staff
7) Practice strengths based leadership and following in different cultural settings.