It’s apparent that international business programs aren’t always in touch with the “real world” requirements of the business community and the needs of their graduates. All too often, students are trained in business theory and formal language skills, but are left unprepared for immersion in and appreciation of different cultures.
The Bachelor of Science in International Business (BSIB) program offered within the College of Business Administration at Northeastern University is a unique program designed to prepare students in developing foreign language proficiency, gaining technical competence and professional confidence, and thoroughly adapting to new cultures, thus broadening their horizons for success in the global business community.
Kiette Tucker, a senior BSIB student at the College of Business Administration, recently returned from Mexico to share her international experience through an extensive photo exhibit scheduled to open January 16 at Northeastern University’s Curry Student Center. Kiette’s exhibit, entitled Solderas (literally the feminine of “soldiers”), depicts and contrasts the lives of Mexican women of all ages and walks of life, from urban to rural areas.
“The difference in quality of life from one area of Mexico to another can be quite stark,” said Kiette, commenting on her observations while working with the women’s and children’s department of the Human Rights Commission of Puebla, Mexico. “Some of the photos show urban subjects who are practically indistinguishable from women here in the United States; the rural women, however, can appear like those of a developing third-world nation.”
As part of her work in her degree emphasis of Social Entrepreneurship, Kiette worked closely with the Human Rights Commission of Puebla during her BSIB experience, and in the process acquired an understanding and appreciation of the language, the people, and the culture. For any BSIB student, this is a vital key to successfully navigating the global business community.
The BSIB at the College of Business Administration provides a significant career advantage for those interested in global business, and creates international, multicultural and experiential management oriented programs that augment the capacity of students and faculty to operate successfully in a global economy.
Students enter a program track, complete their first three years of study at Northeastern in foreign language courses and culture and international business courses, focusing on a principal field of business: accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, human resources management, management, management information systems, marketing or supply chain management.
Completion of a domestic co-op is required in the third year of the program. Then, students fulfill their junior year academic requirements overseas at one of the College’s partner institutions, followed by a six month co-op placement in the host country. In their senior year they return to the US to finish up their course requirements. Kiette was able to craft a co-op program for herself that uniquely suited her focus on Social Entrepreneurship.
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