By Eileen Lynch (M.S. in Commerce ’23)
Reflections on my M.S. in Commerce Global Immersion Experience
Exploring Europe and North Africa
I went on the Europe and North Africa (EUNA) Track, which saw our group begin in Berlin, Germany, and travel to Prague, Czech Republic, on to Barcelona, Spain, and finish in Morocco, visiting Casablanca and Marrakech. My dad’s side of the family all lives in London, so I took advantage of starting on the continent to spend a few days with them for the first time since 2019, bringing along a few people from my track. It was so much fun to introduce my family to the friends I made during the M.S. in Commerce Program!
Eileen (center) and fellow students in Berlin, Germany.
Engaging with Companies
The EUNA Track featured an impressive itinerary of diverse company visits, featuring everything from local artisan glassmakers in Prague to large multinational companies like Bloomberg in Berlin and BMW in Germany. We had the opportunity to speak directly with our presenters and ask questions regarding their respective businesses and personal career paths. As we journeyed throughout the countries and interacted with more professionals, it was interesting to observe the idiosyncrasies that exist within the various cultures and business sectors represented. The opportunity to ask questions and draw connections to course content during the Global Immersion Experience (GIE) was further evidence that a business education continues far beyond just your time in the classroom.
Embrace every adventure that comes your way! The faculty and support team do an incredible job of planning company visits, excursions, and experiences during the three weeks abroad, but some of my most memorable GIE moments were the unplanned moments of spontaneity with other students on my trip.
Favorite Moments
While traveling to Marrakech, our group spent one night of “glamping” in the Agafay desert in Morocco. We were surrounded by the most beautiful desert mountains and stunning scenery. Our dinner consisted of traditional Moroccan food, followed by performances from belly dancers and musicians. By the end of the evening, our entire track was dancing around the room! Our Moroccan desert adventure continued the next morning when we rode camels—it was definitely a core memory!
Eileen traveling by camel in the Agafay Desert in Morocco.
Surprises Along the Way
I hail from the suburbs of Houston, Texas, where public transportation is not readily accessible. Arriving in Berlin, I decided to challenge myself by taking the metro alone from the airport all the way to our hotel. I managed to make the several train changes that were required to reach my destination while hauling my luggage, and arrived feeling very proud of myself for not getting lost even once! Taking public transport and having to navigate through unknown cities on GIE were great exercises in trusting myself and learning that I am capable of more than I think I am.
Eileen and her GIE cohort during a dinner in the Agafay Desert, Morocco.
Impact on Career and Personal Growth
It’s safe to say that I was bitten by the travel bug during GIE. My experience empowered me to grow more confident with traveling as I spent the months following GIE taking trips to several places, including Alaska and Peru! While market conditions delayed my start date as an Advisory Associate at KPMG, I have been working as a substitute teacher in the school district I grew up attending. My experiences at McIntire and on GIE have proven to be remarkably useful during this temporary pivot. The McIntire experience prides itself on encouraging questions and engaging in thoughtful dialogues—both principles that I implement while teaching. The need to remain flexible and adaptive while on GIE has also proven to be a great lesson I am implementing into my professional and personal life, as every day of teaching is unpredictable.
Advice for Future GIE Participants
Embrace every adventure that comes your way! The faculty and support team do an incredible job of planning company visits, excursions, and experiences during the three weeks abroad, but some of my most memorable GIE moments were the unplanned moments of spontaneity with other students on my trip. Even just taking an impromptu walk, you may come across a hidden gem of a restaurant, market, or museum that ends up becoming something you rave home about. Go with the flow, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
1) Beautiful stained glass windows viewed from inside the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Spain. 2) Herbs, spices, and potpourri for sale in the Marrakech souks. 3) Eileen and some of her GIE cohort outside of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
Want to learn more about the M.S. in Commerce Global Immersion Experience? Explore what you’ll learn leading up to and during this unique opportunity to experience the complexities of global business firsthand. Destinations vary each year.
