Burgee, L.E. (2016). Lessons Learned from Two Decades of Developing and Conducting Short-Term Faculty-Led Business-Focused Study Tours. Cancun, Mexico: Presentation at the ACBSP International Conference and Accreditation Forum.
Abstract:
The presenter has developed and conducted successful business-focused study
tours since 1992, with visits to over 150 companies in Europe and Central
America. He will share lessons learned and outline useful tips and techniques to
reinforce study tour preparation.
Session Description:
A) Topic: The purpose of a short-term (12-21 day) faculty-led
business-focused study tour (SFBST) is to foster learning of course objectives
in a culturally immersive context. Important components discussed include: the
length of an SFBST, the cities chosen and duration in each city, flow and
cohesion between the cities, modes of transportation, hotel selection and
amenities, rooming issues, cost considerations, student code of conduct, safety
concerns, dissemination of the schedule and other supporting documents,
promotion of the SFBST, and recruitment of students and participating
organizations.
B) Presentation Format: A PowerPoint presentation and author’s
website will serve as the backdrop for an interactive discussion of study tours
and the many integrated components and considerations.
C) Importance to Conference Attendees: An essential component
of business education is fostering cultural immersion by exposing students to
the very competitive global economy. For decades, faculty and administrators
have led short-term study tours abroad, some very successfully and some with
major pitfalls and challenges. For anyone in academia considering such an
endeavor, the author will present many lessons learned over more than two
decades of developing and conducting such tours. The goal is to share useful
tips and techniques and leave the attendees with valuable takeaways.
Why should your presentation be accepted?
In order to execute a successful short-term faculty-led business-focused study
tour, the following entities all have specific roles and responsibilities:
leader, coordinator, faculty, chaperones, administrators, students, travel
agents, participating organizations, participating universities, and local
guides and assistants. It is essential to address the complex interaction of
these entities and components in order to produce a study tour that maximizes
the educational, cultural, and social benefits for the students. This topic is
consistent with the track goal of preparing students for career success in a
competitive global economy. The presenter has over two decades of practitioner
experience in this complex environment.