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FAQ

The Global Immersion Electives (GIEs) provide students in the MBA and Executive MBA Programs at Kenan-Flagler with an opportunity to engage in short-term experiential learning abroad for academic credit. Global Immersion Electives are offered annually in Mods III and IV. Each GIE combines relevant and timely international business issues with nuts-and-bolts discussions of how to do business in targeted countries or regions. Global Immersion Electives will have a mixture of cultural site visits, company experiences, and service learning.

 GIEs support the development of the three major components of intercultural competence:

  • Empathy & ability to see an issue from a different perspective
  • Deeper knowledge of a region and its people
  • Cross-cultural communication skills to work effectively outside of one’s own culture
GIE locations are chosen to target regions and countries around the world based on the program theme, current business environment, and impactful learning experiences. We look at each GIE as an opportunity to tell a story of comparison and contrasts around a particular business theme, culture, and socio-economic-political-religious environments.

GIE are elective courses held in either Mod III (March travel) or Mod IV. (May travel). 

  • A Mod III GIE will have three in person pre-departure courses generally in February, a 10-14 day in-country immersion during Spring Break, and a final reflection course upon return in early Mod IV.
  • A Mod IV GIE will have three in-person pre-departure courses generally in April, a 10-14 day in-country immersion immediately following the end of Mod IV, and a final reflection course upon return.

Each GIE course will be led by a Kenan-Flagler faculty and staff member. While each GIE course may differ slightly, you should be prepared to present on specific companies highlighted in the course, review a presentation while in-country to your peers, and complete a final paper upon return. To uphold the integrity of the group course, attendance for all pre-departure courses, company visits, and cultural activities are mandatory. You should expect to spend the vast majority of your time in-country with the entire GIE class. The GIE is an intensive experiential course.

All Full-Time MBAs (First or Second Year) in good academic standing may apply to any of the GIEs offered. If you are a Second Year MBA interested in a May GIE program, understand that due to the travel dates of the program you will not be in Chapel Hill to participate in the MBA commencement ceremony. Each year we always have several students who decide to participate in the May GIE, and it is certainly a personal decision. Please make sure to talk with your family and friends regarding your decision. Executive MBA students may also apply to a GIE. EMBA students should confirm intent to apply with their EMBA program and meet with Valerie Slate (valerie_slate@kenan-flagler.unc.edu) 
Absolutely! We have had students participate in one GIE in their first year and one in their second year. We have also had students participate in a March GIE and a May GIE in the same academic year. Please note that we give preference to applicants who have not participated in a GIE previously. Fulltime MBA students will receive 3 credits for their first GIE and 1.5 credits for a second GIE. If you are interested in applying for more than one GIE in the same year, please ensure that this is clear on your application. Full participation in class meetings, assignments, and activities are fully required for both GIE courses. 
GIEs focus on the business context and culture of the areas studied but do not include a language component. Students who have studied a language that is spoken in an area they will visit will undoubtedly encounter opportunities to utilize their skills during the immersion portion of the course. However, there is no language prerequisite or requirement for participation, and a student´s knowledge of local languages will not affect his or her grade.
GIEs are worth 3 credit hours.