Internationalizing The Business Curriculum: A South Korean Case Study

Abstract

Accrediting agencies for Colleges and Schools of Business such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB) and the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) require that business programs incorporate both an international dimension and an active learning component in developing their business curriculum.  One avenue business schools can use to accomplish both of these goals is to provide abbreviated study abroad programs for students and faculty.  Rather than spending an entire semester abroad (which many smaller schools cannot afford to do financially), one approach is to take 10 – 15 students and spend 7 – 10 days in a country.  This paper presents one case study using this approach - An 8 day Study Abroad Trip to South Korea - and discusses the following areas:  logistics, pre-trip preparation, trip activities, and post-trip activities.  While this case study focuses on South Korea, it provides a model for international study abroad that helps business schools meet accreditation standards and internationalize their curriculum.