Wesleyan's Master of Business Administration program is designed for professionals who want to experience the world, study global issues, and network face-to-face with faculty and other leaders in their fields. Our program brings students to campus on seven consecutive Saturdays as an intimate, tight-knit group to share their first-hand experiences, debate issues, and learn from others.
The study abroad component of Wesleyan's fast track 14-month MBA program is a hidden treasure far exceeding aspects of other programs of similar nature. In fact, to call it simply a "study abroad" is a disservice to the greatness of this adventure! Past trips have included visits to cities in countries that lead the world in global business, including Dubai, Brazil, China, Russia, Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. We invite you to learn more about the most recent trip to Brazil and the upcoming trip to Athens, Greece. Then decide for yourself: just a study abroad…or the experience of a lifetime?
The spring 2020 study abroad trip to Italy and Greece was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In June 2018, Wesleyan MBA students spent nine days in Brazil meeting with executives from some of the country's most well-known and successful businesses. Forums included presentations, discussions, tours of facilities, and case studies. The adventure was not all work and no play, however! The group also enjoyed cultural adventures such as guided city tours, visits to museums and cathedrals, fine dining, and world-class shopping excursions.
Tryp, São Paulo Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
Located in the central region of São Paulo this luxurious hotel sits only 250 metres from the Consolação and Paulista subway stations with easy access to the city’s main shopping centres, businesses, art galleries, and great restaurants. Enjoy a relaxing break in the heated pool or dry sauna. Work out in the gym with perfect facilities for exercise and weight training.
Arena Ipanema, Rio de Janerio, Brazil
Consistently regarded as the best value in Ipanema and Arpoador, this chic, contemporary hotel is located in front of the Garota de Ipanema Park, walking distance to the subway, and just three minutes from Copacabana. On the rooftop, enjoy an outdoor pool and a fitness center with a sauna – all featuring splendid views of Rio de Janeiro.
US Embassy – US Commercial Service Brazil
How did Brazil go from rising BRIC to a sinking ship? The group met with an American representative and learned about the protocol in pursuing partnerships between the USA and Brazil.
Natura (Cosmetics)
Business model of a growing local company - ingredients for success. Strategies for growth, market gaps & expansion, building trust, and competitive advantage. Founded in 1969, Natura & co is a Brazilian multinational company of cosmetics, hygiene, and beauty products. Leader in the field of direct sales in Brazil, Natura & co has achieved a gross turnover of 13.4 billion in 2018, and has 6400 employees, as well as 1.8 million consultants. In addition to Brazil, Natura is also located in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, the United States and France.
UNICA
Brazilian example of renewable energy use. Talks revolved around what can be achieved with alternative energy sources, new biofuel technologies, and the impact on the economy. UNICA is the leading trade association for the sugarcane industry in Brazil, representing 60 percent of the country’s sugarcane production and processing.
The cohort learned about the impact PayPal has within the Brazilian economy and discussed strengths and weaknesses with regard to the culture.
A Rede Mulher Empreendedora (The Entrepreneurial Woman Network)
Rede Mulher Empreendedora is the first and largest network to support female entrepreneurs in Brazil. The group met the CEO and viewed presentations by two women who have benefited directly from the services offered by RME. Key points dealt with the start-up climate in Brazil - specifically for women in business, how to get funding, cultural do's and don'ts, case studies, and discussion.
Founder Samantha Aquim treated students to samples of her desserts and canapes as she discussed her personal philosophy towards chocolate and her catering business. Aquim catered the most recent Olympics in Brazil. Her passion is feeding the soul through her food!
Bringing ideas to life: Is Brazil a startup nation? Changing the market, big data and e-business, future management tools, being ahead of competitors, creativity in business. ChefsClub is a matchmaker for great restaurants and foodies who enjoy experiencing new tastes for less money. Mynssen is founder and chief executive officer at chefsclub.com.br.
The cohort learned how the two founders of this business found a way to honor the memory of a loved one through their love for craft/artisan beers. They shared how their best advertising/marketing practices were organic in nature and begun by the people drinking their beer!
This company takes a hands-on approach towards ameliorating the situation for people in the favelas. They spoke about how their work helps subsidize programs that utilize art to give the people in Brazil's poorest communities a voice that can be heard, and in this case, seen.
Students gathered each morning in the hotel dining room for a group breakfast and review of the day’s itinerary. Students went for runs along the world famous beach sidewalk in Rio de Janeiro. Group lunches and dinners were provided some days, and on other days they were “on your own,” allowing plenty of time for experiencing local cuisine and nightlife.
Ideas for free time exploration included touring famous landmarks such as museums, cathedrals, government buildings, the internationally known beaches Ipanema, Copacabana, Leblon, parks, gardens, and of course, shopping!
Another great adventure was a train ride through the dense Atlantic Rain Forest of Tijuca (which is completely replanted to its current condition) to one of the newly elected beauties of the modern world: the Christ Statue on Corcovado mountain. Beneath the almost 40-metre tall statue of Christ. Spectacular view of the town's southern districts of Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, and of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas close to the Botanical Garden.
The farewell dinner in Rio was held at Rio Scenarium where guests were entertained by an authentically Brazilian musical program, with samba, choro, MPB and forró, Rio Scenarium presents. Iconic of the cultural revitalization process of Rua do Lavradio, the Rio Scenarium, in the Historic Center of Rio Antigo, works as a live music venue, bar, and restaurant. The house gathers a large collection of furniture and antique objects, collected over the years, with more than ten thousand pieces.
Wesleyan College is privileged to steward many arts and cultural events and share them with the community. Most are free and open to the public. Wesleyan art galleries are open M-F 1-5PM and on Wesleyan Market Saturdays from 10AM-2PM.
Event listing
Tour our beautiful 200-acre campus featuring Georgian architecture, lush green spaces, recreational facilities, residence halls, and worship center.
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Wesleyan College is home to five NCAA Division III sports: soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and softball. In addition, we offer an award-winning Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Equestrian program.
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