I'm a traveler at heart. I've traveled to all 50 U.S. States, 6 continents (Antarctica withstanding), and 42 countries, both for business and pleasure. Traveling has always been a passion of mine, and I've been lucky to visit so many places since entering academia.
The best part of my travel now is the excitement of taking a group of college students to a foreign country. There's something humbling and exciting about being part of an engaging and transformative learning experience that can only come from immersion in a new culture.
By the Numbers
Auburn University Study Abroad
In 2023 and 2024, I taught a 2 & 3-week course in Madrid, Spain, in the Business Minor Study Abroad Program through the Harbert College of Business at Auburn University. Students spent 6 weeks in Milan, Italy, taking 3-week courses in Accounting and Finance. After a week for travel, they resumed the program in Madrid where they had my marketing course followed by management.
These were 90 non-business majors—future civil and mechanical engineers, nurses, doctors, forest managers, biosystems analysts, lawyers, lobbyists, chemists, coders, aerospace engineers, fashion merchandisers, technicians, physical and speech therapists, and public relations specialists, among others. Essentially, 91 experts in the room, of which I was just one, which made it super fun to teach.
Oh, did I squeeze in a sales role play activity? Absolutely! You can take the sales professor out of the country...
Ohio University Global Consulting Program
While at Ohio University, I was Director of the Center for International Business, managing all international programs offered through the College, including the Ohio International Consulting Program (OICP), the International Business Major, and the International Business Certificate.
However, my passion was my role as Director of the Global Consulting Program (GCP), a position I held from 2016 to 2022.
The GCP is a transformative, immersive, international experience for students looking to step outside their comfort zone and set themselves apart for their careers. Students spend the spring semester learning about global business consulting as well as language and culture for their in-country experience. Once in country, they collaborate with local college students to work on live, real-world business projects for firms in their host country. The result is a confident, well-rounded, experienced Business Bobcat who can handle anything when they return to Ohio.
Global Consulting Program: Making a Difference
One challenge of international student travel is funding. In 2019, I launched a charitable giving campaign for the GCP to help support students who might not otherwise be able to embark on this incredible experience. If we can ease the financial burden, more amazing students will have this opportunity and we will increase our Global Bobcat Community.
Ghent, Belgium - May 2022
In May 2022, I led a program to Vlerick University in Ghent, Belgium, where students worked with local partners on international consulting projects.
São Paulo, Brazil - December 2019 - January 2020
In January 2020, I led a program to São Paulo, Brazil, where students partnered with the Latin America Institute of Business. The GCP is truly a "Work Hard—Play Hard" experience.
Bayreuth, Germany - June 2018
In June 2018, I led a program to Bayreuth, Germany, where students partnered with the University of Bayreuth to work with Adidas on international business consulting projects.
Ancona, Italy - July 2017
In July 2017, I led a program to Ancona, Italy, where Ohio partners with the local university, UNIVPM. Students worked on projects for four companies, including Clementoni toys, delivering final presentations to executives.
Barcelona, Spain - May 2016
In May 2016, I led the Barcelona program. Partnering with IQS, OU students worked as consultants for live international clients, delivering final presentations to executives on topics ranging from selling saffron in the United States to partnering with chemical refineries in Morocco. Oh, the students (and Colin) did manage to fit in some fun while in town.
University of Alabama Programs
In 2011, I assisted in a joint study abroad program between the University of Alabama and James Madison University, taking 30 students to Turkey and Greece. Teaming up with Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul, I taught Import/Export Management and Global Marketing. Students also did excursions to Athens, Greece, and other parts of Turkey.
In 2012, I led another group of students to Antwerp, Belgium, with trips to Paris, Luxembourg, Ghent, Mykonos, and Athens.