Chaifetz Graduate Students Study Abroad in Madrid
A group of graduate students from the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business at Saint Louis University recently began their summer by studying abroad in Madrid.
The 10-day trip was part of a short-term study abroad program sponsored by the Boeing Institute of International Business. The program, traditionally offered every May, is available to all graduate business students at the Chaifetz School.
Students in the program had the option of taking a European Business Strategies course taught by Dr. Mamoun Benmamoun, or a Special Topics and Financial Reporting course taught by Dr. Weimin Wang, with some students opting to take both courses. Classes began on May 23 at Saint Louis University-Madrid and continued through June 3.
“I have always dreamed of studying abroad and I always thought it was just that: a dream,” said Angelique Brown-Wiggin, a Professional MBA student at the Chaifetz School who went on the trip. “But SLU made it so easy and accessible, especially for students like me who work full-time.”
The European Business Strategies course covered a number of topics ranging from the history and structure of the European Union, to EU trade policy and how businesses can effectively enter the European market.
As part of the trip, students took visits to the Madrid office of the European Commission, 3M España and the Boeing Research and Technology Center.
On May 28, all students took a cultural excursion to the nearby city of Toledo, where they spent the day visiting several cultural sites, including the Toledo Cathedral, the Plaza de Zocodover, the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz and more.
“Being able to take a break from the working world and immerse myself in European culture while rounding out my MBA was one of the best decisions I’ve made,” said Alexis Richie, another Professional MBA student on the trip who will be graduating this summer. “I’m extremely grateful that the Chaifetz School offers short-term programs like this to ensure everyone, even full-time employees, has the opportunity to experience a culture outside of the US.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2022 was the first time in three years that the Chaifetz School was able to offer study abroad programs to students. The Boeing Institute hopes to offer short-term study abroad trips to more international destinations in the near future.
Founded in 1910, the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business at Saint Louis University has shaped the future of industry for more than a century as one of the oldest business schools west of the Mississippi. Today, SLU's business school continues to build on its reputation as a leader in business education through its commitment to inclusion, innovation and impact. The Chaifetz School’s undergraduate and graduate programs have been nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report, Poets&Quants and The Princeton Review.