Scheller College of Business Executive MBA students will tell you the International Residency is the “biggest part of the program.”
Fresh off two weeks traveling across Morocco and Portugal, Josef Dorsey, Executive MBA ’26, couldn’t agree more. The International Residency was more than a two-week trip abroad; it was a defining experience shaped by months of preparation and a willingness to fully immerse himself in something new.
A logistics and supply chain professional working at the center of the global AI boom, Dorsey came to Scheller to expand his technical knowledge and leadership perspective. But he soon discovered the program’s international residency would become one of its most impactful experiences.
Prepare Now
Long before departure, Dorsey understood that preparation would be key, both for navigating with travel logistics and for ensuring things ran smoothly at home and at work.
As a father of young children, including a newborn, he began planning early with his family to ensure support during his absence.
“It’s very important to speak with your family and start coordinating what care for each member looks like,” he said.
Professionally, Dorsey took a similarly proactive approach. He kept his employer informed well in advance, documented responsibilities, and established clear backup coverage to keep operations running smoothly.
“I understood that business was going to continue while I was out. I made sure that my team was set up for success, so no one was left hanging,” he said. “In the days leading up to the trip, I made sure my daily tasks were documented and that backfill and succession plans were in place.”
Preparation also extended to the residency itself. Dorsey and his classmates researched the cultural norms in Moracco and Portugal to prepare for company visits. They worked in teams to align goals and develop thoughtful questions.
Learn Across Cultures
By the time they arrived, the experience felt immersive and collaborative. The residency is timed to follow the formation of cohort relationships, creating a strong foundation for shared learning.
“You’re exploring another culture with people that you’re used to learning with,” Dorsey explained. “It was a great experience getting out with the other Scheller Executive MBAs to observe the world.”
During company visits, he was struck by both the similarities and differences in global business practices. While operations in international facilities often mirrored those in the United States, cultural perspectives offered new insights.
“The thing that stuck with me most was employee morale,” Dorsey said, noting a strong sense of appreciation among workers for their roles and opportunities.
That perspective prompted him to reflect on his own career with renewed gratitude.
A Broader View
One of the most meaningful moments came during a visit to Project SOAR, a nonprofit in Marrakesh focused on empowering young women. There, Dorsey and his classmates engaged directly with the students who were eager to learn from their experiences.
“They were asking the same questions we ask — what do I need to do to be successful?” he said.
For Dorsey, the experience underscored a shared sense of ambition and the power of exposure. Interacting with Executive MBA professionals from companies like Google and The Coca-Cola Company gave the young students a window into possibilities they might not otherwise encounter.
“It really highlighted that we’re all human, and we all want the same things,” he said.
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Make the Most of the Moment
Over two packed weeks, the cohort balanced academic, cultural, and social experiences. While the pace was demanding, Dorsey learned that leaning into the experience made all the difference.
“There were times I wanted to stay in,” he said. “But every time I pushed myself to go, it was worth it. I was always grateful when I made the choice to maximize the opportunities in front of me.”
Top Three Tips for Future Executive MBA Students
Dorsey’s bags home were packed with silver jewelry and Moroccan oil for his wife and unique toys for his children. But he returned home with more than souvenirs. The experience reshaped his perspective on leadership, global business, and gratitude.
“I’ve always wanted to excel and push myself to do more,” Dorsey said. “But this trip helped me take a step back and be thankful for how far I’ve come.”
The residency wasn’t just about seeing the world; it was a chance to understand it more deeply.
Dorsey offers three tips to guide Executive MBA students as they prepare for the International Residency:
- Plan early and communicate often. Coordinate with family and employers well in advance to ensure support and continuity.
- Prepare with purpose. Research your destination, collaborate with classmates, and approach company visits with clear questions and goals.
- Be all in. Push through fatigue and engage fully; some of the most memorable experiences come from showing up.