Embrace a modern MBA: Traveling with Global Immersion Week

4 min read

In search of a truly modern MBA? At IE Business School, we give you real-world experiences that go beyond the classroom. Our Global Immersion Week is a key example of international exposure which provides unmatched opportunities. Read on to see how the Executive MBA and Global Online MBA will place you inside the world’s most exciting business hubs. 

A transformative experience in global business

For one action-packed week, students chose to visit either Shanghai, San Francisco or Dubai. During this time, they learned about local markets and connected with top industry leaders. The week was an opportunity to see innovation up close and explore economic trends as they unfold. Students also built a powerful network of like-minded professionals, all while experiencing the energy of a new city.

As the academic team explains, Global Immersion Week is “an opportunity to gain global perspectives, connect with peers from different programs, and build a network that transcends borders, redefining the way we engage with the world and its opportunities.”

Shanghai: The digital powerhouse of the future

Shanghai isn’t just a city; it’s a glimpse into the future. As one of the world’s most tech-driven and fast-moving economies, it’s a place where innovation happens at lightning speed. During Global Immersion Week in Shanghai, students got an insider’s look into top companies shaping the digital landscape. They experienced China’s fully cashless ecosystem firsthand, where paying for everything, from street food to luxury goods, is as easy as a tap on Alipay or WeChatPay.

Visits to major players like NIO, Daiffy and Luckin Coffee gave students a front-row seat to how businesses in China scale at record speeds, adapt to market shifts, and put technology at the heart of everything they do. From next-level customer engagement to cutting-edge digital infrastructure, these companies are redefining what’s possible.

Shanghai’s startup scene also took center stage. Meeting with local founders and investors gave students a raw, real-world perspective on the challenges and wins of launching a business in one of the most competitive markets in the world. Shanghai is a masterclass in thinking big, moving fast and embracing the future.

San Francisco: The innovation capital of the world

For students eager to immerse themselves in the world of cutting-edge tech and entrepreneurship, San Francisco was the ultimate location. As the beating heart of Silicon Valley, the city is home to the biggest tech giants and investors.

During the trip, students got a front-row seat to innovation with visits to Google, Microsoft, Plug and Play Tech Center, Corcentric, Adverum and more. From AI breakthroughs to the future of cloud computing, they soaked up insights from top executives, learning what it takes to stay ahead in an industry that never slows down.

Of course, no trip to Silicon Valley would be complete without networking. Students connected with IE Business School alumni and industry pros, swapping ideas that could turn into future collaborations. San Francisco wasn’t just a learning experience; it was a crash course in thinking big to shape the future.

Dubai: A thriving hub of global business and innovation

With its blend of financial strength, cutting-edge tech and prime location, it’s no wonder that top multinational companies and investors are drawn to Dubai. It’s a powerhouse of ambition and innovation.

Students that chose Dubai as their destination for Global Immersion Week got an inside look at what makes the city’s business scene tick. They visited major players like Emirates, DIFC Innovation Hub, Hubpay, Dubai Duty Free, Khazna and Mubadala. This offered unique insights into industries ranging from aviation to fintech and real estate.

Beyond company visits, students took part in expert-led masterclasses on leadership in global markets, cross-cultural management and digital transformation. These sessions were all about building the skills to thrive in an international business landscape.

However, it wasn’t all boardrooms and business talks. Dubai’s culture also played a big role in the experience. Students got to see how Dubai seamlessly blends tradition with cutting-edge innovation. The week was all about experiencing Dubai’s fast-moving, forward-thinking mindset and seeing what it takes to thrive in a global business hub.

A transformational experience

Global Immersion Week is a chance to take learning beyond the classroom and experience business on an international scale. The experience bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world challenges, giving students a unique view of how businesses operate in different cultural and economic environments.

A key higlight is engaging with top business leaders, offering knowledge about strategic decision-making in international markets. Whether it’s understanding how companies adapt to regulatory landscapes or how executives tackle industry disruptions, students get a one-of-a-kind perspective on the forces shaping the business world.

Exploring major business hubs also helps students develop their global mindset. By immersing themselves in different economic systems, they gain a deeper understanding of how businesses scale, innovate and compete. Exposure to new ideas and emerging trends strengthens their leadership skills, preparing them to navigate complex challenges with confidence.

Taking the next step toward a global career with a modern MBA

At IE Business School, learning is about gaining direct experience with the real world of business. With opportunities like Global Immersion Week, students gain insights and connections that help them navigate the fast-paced world they’re soon to step into.

As such, for Executive MBA and Global Online MBA candidates rate Global Immersion Week as a standout experience during their journey at IE Business School. From engaging with international markets to honing strategic leadership skills, it’s the kind of hands-on experience that sets our business school apart from the rest.

Thinking about taking the next step in your career? This is your chance to dive into the global business scene. Join us to expand your network and build the skills to thrive in leadership.