International Education for Graduate Students

Click here to see the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for FLICs and GBEs.

Depending on their program, graduate students at Bentley University have a wide array of available international experiences.

Global Business Experiences

We proudly offer Global Business Experiences, intensive, 3-credit education abroad experiences during semester breaks. GBE courses are open exclusively to graduate students, who can use these courses as electives toward their graduate degree. GBE students will travel abroad with a Bentley professor on an immersive learning experience. GBE courses offer students the opportunity to combine cultural activities with business, NGO, or other relevant site visits. Students have the advantage of meeting contacts at overseas organizations they would not likely encounter as a tourist, all while traveling with other Bentley students.

Because GBEs take place during January break, Spring break, or in May after exams, graduate students can study abroad with minimal disruption to their personal, professional, and academic lives.

Physical Activity During the Faculty-Led International Course/GBE
Please be aware that faculty-led international courses/GBEs are not typical classroom experiences, and students may be expected to participate in physical activities during their time abroad. Some of these activities may be quite strenuous. Students may be asked to participate in physical activities, such as walking or hiking, as a part of the experience. Students are expected to participate in physical activities as a part of the course, unless they require any modification and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability. Documentation from the Office of Disability Services will be required in such cases.

Global Business Experience Application Process

Application links are available on each course description page. Applicants must submit a letter of intent and a $500 non-refundable deposit. The deposit confirms that, if accepted, the applicant is committed to enrolling in the course and participating in the entire travel program. If an applicant is not accepted into the course, or if the course must be cancelled, the deposit will be refunded.

Acceptance decisions are at the discretion of each faculty leader. Applicants may be contacted for an interview with the professor and/or co-leader of the course so they can more accurately assess your readiness for the experience. The interview, in conjunction with your letter of intent and other factors such as academic standing, will be used to determine an acceptance decision.

Financial Information

Costs vary by program type; please see the course budget sheet for individual program fees. All GBE program fees include 3-credit graduate tuition in the advertised price. Airfare is billed separately at the exact purchase cost after arrangements have been finalized. On some programs, there may be an additional fee to cover ground costs that extend above and beyond the graduate tuition fee.

Scholarships

• The International Citizens Group Study Abroad Scholarship will be awarded to one student annually to cover the cost of participation up to $5000.
• The Earle and Sloan Travel Fellowship will be awarded to one student recipient annually to cover the cost of participation up to $5,200.
• The Global Social Responsibility Fund assists students with financial need to participate in a short-term, GBE or Faculty-led International Course each year. The GBE must take place in the developing world and address issues of social concern.
• The Herbert J. and Susan P. Maletz Study Abroad Expendable Scholarship Fund is offered to Bentley students who have significant financial need and are seeking their first international experience to participate in a faculty-led international course or GBE. Up to $5000 will be awarded annually.

Additional financial information, including the refund/withdrawal policy for faculty-led programs, is available on our finances page. Please contact the Office of International Education with questions.

The costs of a GBE are not included in the determination of Bentley need-based or merit-based aid. However, it may be possible to obtain loans for these costs.  Please visit the Office of Financial Assistance and speak with a financial aid counselor to discuss these options.