Georgia Tech Full-time and Evening MBA students traded in spring break’s typical Florida beaches and flip-flops for immersive global experiences in Belgium, Japan, and Rwanda. The students engaged directly with regional business challenges and gained firsthand insights into how economic, cultural, and technological forces are shaping the future of business.
From meetings with local business leaders to deep dives into each country’s distinct business landscape, the trips offered students valuable perspectives and opportunities. Students partnered with international organizations on consulting projects, traveling overseas to collaborate face-to-face with clients. These global engagements not only sharpened students’ strategic and cross-cultural skills but also underscored the power of collaboration and relationship-building in today’s interconnected economy.
Along the way, shared experiences built lasting memories and fostered the beginnings of lifelong friendships.
Belgium
Brayden Quinn
Evening MBA ‘27
“I chose the International Practicum because I wanted hands-on experience working on a real project while gaining exposure to how business is done in another country. Spending time with the Barco team in Kortrijk made the work feel far more tangible than it ever could in a classroom in Atlanta, and it gave me a deeper understanding of how culture, communication, and decision-making vary across teams and markets.
Beyond the project itself, one of the most valuable aspects of the trip was hearing diverse perspectives during our visits to the European Parliament, the U.S. Embassy, and the Flemish Investment & Trade office, as well as experiencing Belgium through its culture, food, and history. Visiting Barco’s Experience Center was a highlight, allowing us to finally see and experience the technology we spent months discussing. I was especially struck by how open and candid the Barco team was about both the opportunities and challenges they face, which led to more meaningful conversations than I expected.
My biggest takeaway was that successful international work isn’t just about having the right answer. It also requires understanding different perspectives, building relationships, and adapting ideas so they make sense in a different context.”
Ivan Santillan
Evening MBA ‘26
“I chose the Belgium International Practicum to gain hands-on experience applying what I’ve learned in the classroom to real-world global contexts, particularly as part of a strategic expansion project. During the trip, one of the most valuable aspects was seeing our sponsor company’s operations in-person, which helped me better understand their specific value proposition and process scale. I was particularly surprised by the level of independence and responsibility I had during the trip, which helped me explore and learn about Belgian culture in a more casual, intimate manner alongside my teammates.
One interesting part of the experience was visiting the Flanders Investment & Trade agency, which provided insight into the direct relationships the state of Georgia has with the Belgian economy. Overall, my biggest takeaway from this practicum is how interconnected global economies are, and how local decisions can have wide-reaching international impacts.”
Japan
Koppany Jordan
Full-time MBA ‘26
“Choosing Japan for my practicum was a deliberate step outside my comfort zone since I had never been to Asia and wanted the challenge of navigating an entirely new culture. What surprised me most was how deeply ingrained orderliness, historical memory, and a spirit of forgiveness are in everyday life. Even while traveling between different cities, the incredible patience and helpfulness of the locals made navigating a foreign country feel welcoming rather than overwhelming.
On a professional level, my biggest takeaway has been observing their unique approach to business relationships. They rely heavily on active listening and a ‘trust and verify’ mindset before making decisions. I quickly learned that Japanese professionals are remarkably open to new ideas as you take the time to properly contextualize them.”
Jacob Misuraca
Evening MBA ‘26
"The Japan International Practicum is without a doubt the highlight of my MBA experience at the Scheller College of Business. Getting the opportunity to work on a real project with a client in Japan proved to be incredibly rewarding, challenging me to think and approach a problem differently while offering my prior experiences to the project. Working with my team and client throughout the semester helped me to grow and develop in ways that would not have been possible without taking this course.
Traveling with the class throughout the week abroad was an experience of a lifetime. I was able to see incredible sights and develop relationships with my classmates that I know will last long after the trip. Japan is a unique place with a rich culture and tradition and being able to embrace both that historic tradition and the modernity of Tokyo through the International Practicum is something I will always be grateful for.”
Rwanda
Divya Cherukupalli
Evening MBA ‘27
“I chose to participate in the practicum because I wanted the opportunity to experience a different culture and understand how other countries approach sustainability compared to the United States. Being able to see these perspectives firsthand made the experience especially meaningful. International Practicum was a truly transformative experience for me.
One of my biggest takeaways from the trip was realizing how powerful
community support can be. Everywhere we went, people were incredibly warm and welcoming, which created a strong sense of connection and belonging. Seeing how communities support and uplift each other made me reflect on how important it is to foster that same sense of support and growth in our own environments.”
Brittany Minder
Evening MBA ‘27
“I initially chose the International Practicum in Rwanda because it would give me a combination of consulting methodology instruction, a unique global setting, and access to senior leaders and organizations that I would not otherwise have. Being able to apply structured problem-solving in a real-world, layered, and complex international context ticked all the MBA boxes.
The most interesting part of the trip was the heartfelt collective spirit embedded in Rwandan culture, especially through organized cooperatives — community-driven organizations where individuals pool resources, share risk, and work towards common economic goals.
This collective spirit turned out to be more than a business mindset; it actively shapes daily life and drives how people collaborate and make decisions. The community’s successful rebuilding demonstrated how unity, dignity, and independence — supported by strong systems and shared purpose — can drive lasting success.”
Elonte’ D. Porter
Evening MBA ‘26
“I’ve had the opportunity to achieve many ‘firsts’ in my family, including being a first-generation college student, the first to study abroad and live in a new country, and the first to learn multiple languages. It felt natural to be part of the first cohort attending the International Practicum in Rwanda.
My interest in Rwanda was driven by both my love for coffee and its connection to my family background. Some may call this my ancestors’ wildest dream. I see it differently. They worked and sacrificed so that I could have access to opportunities like this.
I saw that same spirit reflected in the coffee farmers, men and women who work tirelessly to fund their children’s education and create pathways for future generations. This experience gave me rare access to knowledge, conversations with government officials, and cultural immersion that goes far beyond a typical visit.
My biggest takeaway is to remain open- minded, adaptable, and flexible, because when you do, things have a way of working out.”
Kristie Teoh
Evening MBA ‘26
“I chose the International Practicum because Rwandan culture isn’t widely understood, and I wanted to expand my perspective by experiencing it firsthand. It was especially impactful to see a country that has grown and progressed so much, while still navigating infrastructure gaps and everyday challenges. What stood out most was how rich and vibrant the culture is, rooted in community, generosity, and a deep sense of pride in how far the country has come.
Learning about Rwanda’s history, including the lasting impact of the genocide, was incredibly humbling and gave important context; it’s clear how resilience and compassion have shaped the culture today, without that history defining it.
Some of the most memorable moments weren’t planned, like when we got stuck in mud and local villagers immediately came to help without hesitation, reflecting that strong sense of community. My biggest takeaway is that meaningful solutions need to go beyond technical thinking and be grounded in cultural understanding, respect, and human connection.”