Pamplin School of Business: Global Business Study Abroad Requirement
Global business majors are required to study abroad in a summer, semester, or year-long program. The University does not guarantee that the students who wish to major in global business will be chosen to participate in a program abroad. The selection process is competitive and is based on factors which include, but are not limited to, academic performance, disciplinary record, maturity, flexibility, and potential for success in the environment abroad as judged by faculty, staff and others who have come into contact with the applicant. Global business majors are responsible for maintaining strong academic credentials, as well as a positive profile in the other areas, to position themselves to be selected for a study-abroad program. Ultimately, it is solely the student’s responsibility to fulfill this requirement.
During the sophomore year, the dean’s office will use the aforementioned factors to evaluate students intending to major in global business. During this process, students may be called in to discuss these factors and their plans for study abroad. Students who do not meet the requirements to be selected for a study abroad program will not be allowed to graduate with a global business major. Students who apply to transfer into the Pamplin School of Business Administration, either from within or outside the University, may undergo this evaluation immediately upon their request to transfer, depending on the percentage of curriculum they have already completed.
Finally, students who intend to study abroad are encouraged to begin researching programs and planning ahead during their freshman year. Application deadlines fall well in advance of most programs’ start dates, and students who plan ahead usually can integrate overseas study into their four-year plan without delaying their graduation. After narrowing down their choices, students should meet with business school staff to plan their remaining course schedules so as to avoid duplication of courses offered abroad and to assess any additional ramifications (for example, the need for summer school).
