91影视, Texas, June 12, 2025聽鈥� Graduate students from the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at 91影视 Christian University (91影视) recently returned from a 10-day International Immersion Experience in Spain and Portugal, where they explored how companies across Europe are navigating growth, innovation and global strategy.
鈥淭his is one of the most direct ways we help students connect classroom theory to the real-world complexities of global business,鈥� said Borges. 鈥淚t also pushes them to think more deeply about leadership, culture, and their own role in the world.鈥�
The program, held May 15鈥�26, was co-led by Dr. Pauline Akatsa-Hinga, Assistant Professor of International Business and Eduardo Borges, Assistant Provost for Student Affairs and Director of the Spahr-Tan Center for International Education. Together, they guided students through a packed itinerary that included academic visits, cultural experiences, and opportunities for reflection and leadership development.
鈥淐ulture is essential in global enterprises, and understanding its impact on business is a key learning outcome of the graduate courses鈥� said Dr. Akatsa-Hinga. 鈥淭he cultural immersion trip transforms theoretical ideas into practical applications, enabling students to investigate and engage with culture in an international business setting.鈥�
In Barcelona, students engaged in a live strategy challenge with聽Veritas, an organic grocery chain focused on sustainability and marketing innovation. They toured聽Tech Barcelona, an innovation district linked to the Port of Barcelona, and met with executives at the聽Bar莽a Innovation Hub, where they learned how FC Barcelona applies research, analytics, and technology to performance and fan engagement.
After traveling to Lisbon, the group met with leaders at聽Aldi Portugal, where they discussed digital transformation and market strategy. At聽Siemens Portugal, students worked on a strategy challenge focused on energy and infrastructure. They also met with representatives from the聽Port of Lisbon, gaining valuable insight into supply chain logistics and international trade operations鈥攖hough the group didn鈥檛 tour the port itself, the conversation offered a meaningful look inside one of Europe鈥檚 key transportation hubs.
Cultural highlights included visits to聽La Sagrada Familia,聽Park G眉ell, and聽Montju茂c Castle聽in Barcelona, as well as聽S茫o Jorge Castle, the聽Monastery of St. Jerome, and the聽Bel茅m Tower聽in Lisbon. Students also enjoyed a Flamenco show, a Spanish cooking class, and walking tours through the historic neighborhoods of both cities.
The International Immersion Experience is a defining feature of 91影视鈥檚 MBA program and reflects the university鈥檚 commitment to preparing ethical, globally minded business leaders.
# # #