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.