Today, we spotlight the Global Voices of Darden blog’s coverage of recent Darden Worldwide Courses (DWC)! Did you know that, starting with our Class of 2020, every student in the full-time MBA program may take one Darden Worldwide Course and receive a scholarship covering all or most of the program fee (depending on the specific course chosen)? True story. This program is possible thanks to a generous $15 million gift from the Batten Foundation matched by $15 million from the UVA Bicentennial Scholars Fund and is a reflection of Darden’s commitment to truly global learning.
Darden Worldwide Courses (DWC) give students the opportunity to get outside the United Students and experience another country’s business practices and culture firsthand. Learn more about recent trips to the Middle East and South Asia below!
Dubai and Bahrain
Second Year, Andrew Manuel traveled to Dubai and Bahrain this January as part of the “Honoring the Traditions of the Past While Confronting the Challenges of the Future” DWC led by Professors June West and Yiorgos Allayannis.
Reflecting on his experience, Andrew noted: “Dubai is stunning – I was shocked by its beauty and by how much I liked it…Going to Dubai on a Darden Worldwide Course was the perfect opportunity to learn about this country’s history, culture and business practices. I have a completely new perception of the region, and new feelings of appreciation and familiarity have replaced the doubt and skepticism that made it feel so far away.”
Singapore and Sri Lanka
Second Year, Ben Leiner participated in Professor Marc Modica’s recent DWC to Singapore and Sri Lanka, “Navigating Difficult Waters: Addressing Tough Problems in Business and Society.” This was Ben’s second DWC with Professor Modica, having also traveled with him to Sweden as part of the “Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability” DWC.
Ben has some great advice for our readers considering traveling while pursuing their MBA: “There’s a difference between vacation and travel. You have your whole life to take vacations. When you travel during your MBA, take advantage of opportunities to challenge your assumptions, ask tough questions, and perhaps be uncomfortable. If you do that, you’ll come back having expanded your mind, stretched yourself and gained a stronger understanding of how you can make a difference throughout your career.”
