V/GIE FAQ
What are Virtual Global Immersion Electives (V/GIEs)?
Each V/GIE combines relevant and timely international business issues with nuts-and-bolts discussions of how to do business in targeted countries or regions. Virtual GIEs will have a mixture of virtual cultural site visits, company experiences, and project based work.
The Virtual GIE is not a replacement for a physical GIE. It is a new way to engage with international business and cultural learning. Pillars of Virtual GIE learning include:
- In-classroom learning led by our faculty: Students will have faculty lectures, discussions, guest speakers, readings, and group projects.
- In-Country Business Content: High-level business meetings with leaders of various industries, and projects with local companies to help solve real world challenges.
- Unique Cultural Experiences: These will set the cultural context for business and will connect you to local communities. This blended approach is a priority for the virtual GIEs.
What does a virtual cultural experience look like?
- Curated, interactive, and personal
- Guided tours, cooking workshops, live language lessons, live drumming lessons, wine tastings, and much more
- Access to cultural content that we can’t achieve while physically in country due to time and place limitations
What is the class structure?
- A V/GIE is worth 2 credit hours.
- 4 classes will take place Thursday nights, 6-9pm (3/25, 4/1, 4/8, & 4/15)
- In Country virtual content will be delivered as a weekend course: Friday – Sunday: April 16th, 17th, and 18th.
- Each V/GIE course will be led by a Kenan-Flagler faculty and staff member. While each V/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 deliverable. Even though the V/GIE is virtual, it’s still a highly collaborative learning experience.
What is the cost for a V/GIE?
- There is a $175 course fee + the cost of tuition for 2 credit hours.
- This is a subsidized fee made possible by scholarship dollars. Simply select that you would like to apply for a scholarship when you fill out the V/GIE application, and your scholarship is guaranteed.
For Full-Time Students: If I participate in a V/GIE this year, will it lessen my chances of being selected for an in-person GIE experience the following year?
Absolutely not! Please know that these experiences are treated completely separate. We encourage you to participate in a V/GIE this year, and if travel permits, an in-person GIE the following year!
In a year when travel is permitted, GIE courses are 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.