Now more than ever, the desire to study abroad is high among McIntire students, with many third-years set to spend their spring semester abroad with 18 of the Comm School’s 19 partner programs in Asia, Europe, Oceania, and South America.
But that doesn’t account for all of the McIntire students and all of the programs that will immerse them in locations around the globe.
During the January term, Commerce majors (as well as non-Commerce majors with an interest in business) undertook Global Commerce Immersion “J-term” courses led by McIntire faculty in Denmark and Sweden; Hong Kong & Singapore; Kenya; and Argentina. In May, M.S. in Commerce students will travel on the three-week Global Immersion Experience across five different regional tracks around the globe, and additionally, a growing group of M.S. in Business Analytics students will be traveling to Finland and Estonia in June.
“Since global programming cautiously emerged from the pandemic three years ago, interest from McIntire students in studying abroad has only continued to increase—especially for semester study abroad, which is now surpassing pre-pandemic levels,” says Ryan Hathaway, Associate Director of Student Engagement and Global Programs. “Students realize it is a uniquely valuable opportunity to go abroad as a student, when they are able to build cross-cultural perspectives while developing skills such as independence and adaptability that will inform their lives and careers.”
We reached out to several McIntire students who will be studying abroad for the spring 2025 semester to find out why they chose to study outside of the U.S. and what they hope to learn in the classroom and about their destinations from engaging with local cultures.
Mostafa Asad (McIntire ’26), IT and Management

Mustafa Asad
What initially inspired you to pursue a study-abroad program?
I am attracted to the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture and broaden my global perspective, both in the business world and everyday life. I want to build connections with people of diverse backgrounds and gain a global education on my resume, as I aim to pursue a global career after McIntire.
Where are you headed, and what about that city are you most looking forward to experiencing?
I am attending the Rotterdam School of Management, a part of Erasmus University, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. I’m excited to meet new people of all kinds of backgrounds, as Rotterdam is one of the most diverse cities in Europe. I also look forward to cycling through the city and enjoying local traditions.
What are you most looking forward to about the UVA partner school where you’ll be studying?
I’m particularly looking forward to working in groups with students at Erasmus University and working on international cases. The opportunity to collaborate with students from around the world in such a globally minded institution is appealing to me. I’m also excited about gaining experience in the European business environment and learning how companies address challenges related to sustainability and technology. I want to take my experience and knowledge after a semester in Rotterdam and seek ways to apply it to uplift companies in developing countries.

Rotterdam, Netherlands. Photo by Arjen Uitbeijerse on Unsplash
Sam Cooper (McIntire ’26), Finance and IT

Sam Cooper
Why did the opportunity to study abroad appeal to you?
I was initially inspired to pursue a study-abroad program because of my parents. During my first year at UVA, they explicitly mentioned how they both wished they studied abroad, and they encouraged me to plan out a semester where I could both study and live in another country. This opportunity appealed to me because I enjoy learning about different cultures and broadening my worldview.
Where are you headed, and what about that area are you most looking forward to experiencing?
I’m headed to a small town in Germany called Vallendar to study at the WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management! Vallendar is in west Germany and is notably located on the beautiful Rhine River. I’m most excited about hiking with friends in Vallendar, as the trails are supposedly incredible. This excites me because I love hiking, being in nature, and exploring my surroundings with friends—especially in a brand-new environment. I’m also relatively proficient in German, as I elected to take German in seventh grade for my language requirement and stuck with it until I took my AP exam in 11th grade. That being said, I’ve learned a ton about German culture over the years and can’t wait to test how accurate my current understanding of German culture is.
What about the UVA partner school where you’ll be studying most excites you?
On the educational side, I’m most looking forward to the different teaching styles compared to those in America. I’ve lived in Virginia my entire life, and I’ve never had the opportunity to study in another country. Even though WHU is an international university, I imagine the classroom environment is fairly dissimilar to what I’ve experienced in America, and I’m excited to explore these differences!

Vallendar, Germany
Jalen Holeman (McIntire ’26), Finance and IT

Jalen Holeman
What initially inspired you to pursue a study-abroad program?
Growing up, I was blessed to have the opportunity to travel to many different countries around the world. My family would travel on cruise ships across the Caribbean, Europe, and South America. I loved each one of these experiences, but I was never able to stay for a long period in each country. I wanted to truly experience another country’s culture, which guided my decision to study abroad.
Where are you headed, and what about that region are you most looking forward to experiencing?
The Emerging Economies program in Argentina and Chile was the perfect combination of exposure to different cultures and an immersive language learning experience. Living in two different countries in South America allows me to gain insight into cultural differences. The IES program requires students to stay in a homestay in both Argentina and Chile. Many people did not apply for the program due to this requirement; however, this is the component I am looking forward to the most. Living with Argentinian and Chilean families will show me the true experience of people living in the country and assist with my language learning.

Buenos Aires, Argentina. Photo by Barbara Zandoval on Unsplash
Janelle N’Dri (McIntire ’26), Finance

Janelle N’Dri
Why did the opportunity to study abroad appeal to you?
Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine because I believe the best way to grow is by stepping into new environments and seeing the world from different perspectives. Growing up in a small suburb in Texas, my environment was very familiar and close-knit, but it often felt far removed from the vibrancy of life in other parts of the world. Even coming to UVA was a significant lifestyle change. I’ve always been fascinated by how people in different countries live, and this curiosity deepened during my travels to Europe. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit several times, and each trip left me amazed by the lifestyle, people, and this sense of balance that felt so different from my experiences back home. As someone with Ivorian heritage, I’ve always appreciated the richness of diverse cultures, and the presence of francophone communities across certain European countries makes this opportunity even more appealing. The opportunity to study in Switzerland specifically holds a special place in my heart because of my mother’s connection to the country. She spent her teenage years in Geneva, and I’ve grown up hearing her stories. To me, studying in Switzerland is a way to connect with her experiences while creating my own. Additionally, studying abroad offers a unique opportunity to immerse myself in Europe’s business environment while expanding my global perspective.
Where are you headed, and what about that country are you most looking forward to experiencing?
I’m headed to St. Gallen, Switzerland, and I’m most excited to experience the perfect blend of natural beauty, high-quality education, and this idea of the “Swiss way of life.” Beyond the classroom, I’m excited to engage with the Swiss lifestyle, which is built around balance, efficiency, and respect for both personal time and professional commitments. Having heard a lot about Switzerland’s emphasis on work-life balance and the integration of nature into everyday life, I’m looking forward to experiencing firsthand how these values shape both the culture and the people, and, hopefully, myself as well.
What global issue or topic connected to your destination are you passionate about and hoping to explore more deeply during your time abroad?
A global topic I’m particularly intrigued by is sustainable finance, an area where Switzerland has emerged as a global leader. The country has been at the forefront of integrating ESG factors into investment decisions. With its strong financial institutions and a long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility, Switzerland offers an ideal environment for studying how financial systems can drive positive global change. I’m interested in how sustainable investment strategies not only aim to yield financial returns but also address resource management and social equity. I’m excited to learn more about the ways Switzerland’s financial markets, particularly its banking sector, are shaping sustainable investing.

St. Gallen, Switzerland. Photo by Albatros Aslan on Unsplash
Samantha Robinson (McIntire ’26), Management and Marketing

Samantha Robinson
What initially inspired you to pursue a study-abroad program?
I was initially very opposed to study abroad, but after hearing testimonials from others who studied abroad last year, I decided it was too good an opportunity to pass up. I have never left the country before, so while an entire semester abroad felt intimidating, the possibility of exploring other countries and studying in a completely different academic, cultural, and social environment encouraged me to overcome this fear.
Where are you headed, and what about that region are you most looking forward to experiencing?
I am heading to The University of Edinburgh in Scotland. I am most excited to visit Vienna, Austria, because I have always longed to visit the Belvedere Museum. Otherwise, I would love to go to as many other European countries as I can. I hope to check off at least 10 countries off my bucket list!
What about the UVA partner school where you’ll be studying are you most looking forward to?
I am most excited about the different courses I will be taking at The University of Edinburgh. I will be in classes with both Edinburgh and exchange students, so I am very excited by the prospect of working alongside people from a vast range of backgrounds. I am taking a Contemporary Cinema course, which is unlike anything I’ve ever studied, and I cannot wait to expand my academic horizon.
What global issue or topic connected to your destination are you passionate about and hoping to explore more deeply during your time abroad?
With the recent election and political turmoil, I am excited to reside in a different political environment and learn about Scotland’s governance.

Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo by Kate Bielinski on Unsplash
Annika Yu (McIntire ’26), IT and Management

Annika Yu
Why did the opportunity to study abroad appeal to you?
I have always loved learning about new cultures and exploring different cities. The idea of living in a completely unfamiliar environment is both daunting and exciting, and that challenge is what ultimately drew me in. Having lived in Northern Virginia all my life, I’m eager to break out of that bubble. Studying abroad offers the opportunity to immerse myself in new ideologies, traditions, and cuisines, broadening my perspective in ways that nothing else can. I also knew that I wanted to travel someplace besides Europe—while I can visit Europe at any point in my life, the chance to live on the other side of the world is rare.
Where are you headed, and what about that region are you most looking forward to experiencing?
I’m headed to Hong Kong, and I’m most excited to explore how its traditions and cultures differ from Mainland China. As an American-born Chinese and an East Asian Studies minor, I’m passionate about understanding the nuances of East Asian cultures. Hong Kong’s unique history as a British colony has shaped it into an international hub, blending Eastern and Western influences in a way that’s unparalleled. I’m eager to experience its distinctive identity firsthand.
What global issue or topic connected to your destination are you passionate about and hoping to explore more deeply during your time abroad?
I’m eager to delve into the political tensions between Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Hong Kong’s more liberal stance often contrasts with Mainland China’s conservatism, and experiencing these dynamics firsthand will offer invaluable insight into this complex intersection of ideologies. In addition, Taiwan plays a crucial role in this geopolitical landscape, as it operates with a democratic government and a distinct cultural identity, despite Mainland China’s claim over the island. Understanding the relationship between Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mainland China will provide me with a deeper perspective on the broader struggle for political autonomy, national identity, and sovereignty in the region.

Hong Kong, China. Photo by Florian Wehde on Unsplash
McIntire recognizes the generosity of our alumni, parents, and friends who support travel award funding and make transformational experiences like these possible for our Commerce students every year. To learn more about opportunities to support global experiences for McIntire students, please contact Darci Spuck, Director of Global Advancement, at dds6w@virginia.edu.