Travel has always been a passion of mine, and I feel fortunate that a career in academia has allowed me to visit so many places around the world. But the most meaningful part of that journey has been taking students abroad and watching them step outside their comfort zones, grow in confidence, and experience the kind of personal and intellectual development that only comes through immersion in a new culture.
By the Numbers
Auburn University Study Abroad
Since 2023, I have spent three weeks each summer in either Madrid or Milan teaching marketing principles. This immersive experience brings together both business and non-business majors, who complete a range of courses toward a business minor in just one summer. What makes the program especially meaningful is the diversity of students it serves: future business leaders, engineers, nurses, doctors, forest managers, lawyers, lobbyists, chemists, coders, and many others. It has been incredibly rewarding to play a small role in so many unforgettable and transformative experiences.
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.