PULLMAN – Beginning in fall 2007, Washington State University students will be able to complete course requirements for an international business major or minor degree during one semester in Europe under a global initiative unveiled recently by the WSU College of Business and its partner institution, the University Centre Cesar Ritz in Brig, Switzerland.
The initiative reflects the college’s continued commitment to develop globally competitive graduates. Open to all qualified WSU students, the new Brig program will play a key role as the college strives to double the number of business students studying abroad from 60 to 120 per semester.
International programs in the College of Business have sent nearly 500 students to locations including Thailand, Vietnam, and Norway since 2002.
“Every student should have the opportunity to experience the life-changing benefits of studying abroad. International learning dramatically broadens students’ perspectives by showing them the global nature of business,” said College of Business Dean Eric Spangenberg.
“This program is innovative and important for Washington State University,” said Associate Vice Provost for International Programs Lance LeLoup. “The College of Business is leading the way as the university strives to make international learning more accessible to students and provide them with the global competencies that they need to succeed. Just as significant, the program in Brig allows students from other colleges, after a prerequisite or two, to earn an International Business minor in just one semester abroad.”
“Educating leaders for a global society is a central objective for Washington State University,” said WSU President V. Lane Rawlins. “My own experiences abroad have given me a deeper understanding of the challenges our graduates will face in a globally competitive world and of the importance of meaningful international experiences for our students. The WSU-Brig International Business program will enable all WSU students to benefit from the college’s international partnerships and will advance the university’s efforts to prepare tomorrow’s leaders.”
The initiative was developed with the help of faculty, alumni, and friends. To find out more about the college’s global priorities or become involved in this initiative, contact College of Business Senior Director of Development Rueben Mayes at (509) 335-6611 or mayes@wsu.edu.
