The Development of Undergraduate International Business Practicums in Small Business Schools: An Experiential Learning Framework

ABSTRACT

The value of the inclusion of experiential learning opportunities in international business education has been well established in the literature. We set out to examine industry-identified skills and experiences that could lead to enhanced employability and early career performance. Through our extensive review of theory, empirical work, leading programs, practicum channels, and our own qualitative study, we proposed frameworks to help guide small business schools best structure their undergraduate international business experiential learning offerings. Specifically, we suggest the establishment of tracks or concentrations with supplemental skill focus, emphasis on foreign language proficiency, and requiring at least two international internship or service learning practicums, preferably abroad, that include mini-consulting projects, presentations, and deliverables.

KEYWORDS:

• Experiential learning
• practicum
• curriculum
• international business education
• real-world experience

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jeffrey E. Johnson

Jeffrey E. Johnson, PhD, is Professor of International Business at the Greehey School of Business, St. Mary's University, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A. His recent publications include articles in International Business Review, Industrial Marketing Management, Journal of World Business, Journal of Entrepreneurship Education, and International Journal of Entrepreneurship. His research interests include international business education, international business strategy, and global supply chain management.

Matthew L. Jordan

Matthew L. Jordan,MBA, is the Executive-in-Residence for International Business at St. Mary's University. He also teaches international business to undergraduate and graduate students. Professor Jordan spent the last decade working and living in Brazil as an international business professor, focusing on Latin America, and as a program developer and coordinator of exchange programs and consulting projects between US-based MBA and EMBA students and companies operating throughout Central and South America as well as Europe and Africa.