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International Education for Graduate Students

2026 GLOBAL BUSINESS EXPERIENCE - APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

Winter Intensive

GBE 790: JAPANESE CULTURE IN EVOLVING BUSINESS AND DESIGN PRACTICES

Japan Flag JAPAN | JANUARY 8 - 17, 2026

Explore how culture, history, and tradition shape modern Japan’s business and design landscapes. Through a unique blend of classroom learning and a ten-day study tour to Japan, students will gain firsthand insight into how Japanese companies and communities balance centuries-old traditions with modern global influences. Eligibility: Graduate students and alumni.

 

FACULTY LEADERS

Bill Gribbons: Professor, Experience Design

Susan Vroman: Senior Lecturer, Management

Applications closed on October 31

Spring Break

GBE 790: DECISION-MAKING FOR A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT

Scottish flag SCOTLAND | MARCH 7 - 15, 2026

Join this transformative Global Business Experience to explore how strategic decisions, cultural values, and leadership drive real impact in building a more sustainable future by discussing current policies and incentives with industry leaders. Through immersive, hands-on learning in an international setting, you will: master decision-making techniques, explore environmental strategies, and experience cultural intelligence in action. Eligibility: Graduate students and alumni.

 

FACULTY LEADER

Iris Berdrow: Professor, Management

Applications closed on October 31

Summer Intensive

GBE 790: INTERNATIONAL CSR & STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT

Switzerland Flag SWITZERLAND | MAY 17 - 26, 2026

Explore sustainability at the source with this immersive graduate-level travel course in Switzerland. Centered in Geneva, Bern, and Zurich, you’ll gain firsthand insights from top global companies, NGOs, and regulatory bodies on how CSR and stakeholder strategies drive business success. Eligibility: Graduate students and alumni.

 

FACULTY LEADERS

Tracy Noga: Professor, Accounting

Jill Brown: Professor, Management

Learn More & Apply By January 31

Dates & Deadlines

January & March 2026 GBE Deadlines

  • October 1, 2025: Early Bird! Apply by this date and save $125
  • October 31, 2025: Program & Scholarship deadline
  • November 14, 2025: Program & Scholarship decision announcements

May 2026 GBE Deadlines

  • January 1, 2026: Early Bird! Apply by this date and save $125
  • January 31, 2026: Program & Scholarship deadline
  • February 14, 2026: Program & Scholarship decision announcements

 

Global Business Experiences

We proudly offer Global Business Experiences, intensive, 3-credit education abroad experiences during semester breaks. GBE courses are open to all graduate students, who can use these courses as electives toward their graduate degree, or, upon approval by faculty, enroll in addition to their regular degree requirement. 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.

Alumni Testimonials

Jamir Gates, MBA '25

Jamir Gates, MBA '25

GBE 790: Evolving Business and Design Practices, Course Location: Japan

"The professors were supportive and knowledgeable, and we had a great group. I would not have gained the physical, immersive, and emotional aspects of being in the country if I were just learning about it in a classroom. The business meetings gave us a strong understanding of what makes a company successful in Japan."

Leigh-Ann Durant, MBA '23

Leigh-Ann Durant, MBA '23

GBE 790: Decision-Making for a Sustainable Environment, Course Location: Scotland

"This program was truly transformative. The business tours and face-to-face interactions with local managers and entrepreneurs offered invaluable insights that simply can't be replicated in a traditional classroom setting. It deepened my understanding of global management and gave me a fresh perspective on how culture influences business strategy.”

Ramya Mahendran, MS HFID '26

Ramya Mahendran, MS HFID '26

GBE 790: International CSR and Stakeholder Management: Case Study of Business, Course Location: Switzerland

"This experience gave me a deeper level of learning that no classroom or textbook could provide. Through company visits and cultural tours, I gained eye-opening insights about professionalism, empathy, and global perspectives. At times, I felt confident and connected — other times challenged to reflect on my own assumptions. It was an emotional, immersive journey I wouldn’t trade for anything.”

Financial Information

Costs vary by program type; please see the course budget sheet in your course's program page for individual program fees. A range of program costs has been listed below:

Budget Item:Estimated Cost Range
Program Fee:$6,000 - $7,000
Airfare:$800 - $2,000
Admin Fee:$125

Hold Up!Bentley merit scholarships do not apply to Global Business Experience courses. 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.

Scholarships

Bentley provides a number of competitive scholarships for students applying for GBEs each year. To apply, students must FIRST create an application in BentleyAbroad for their preferred GBE. After creating a course application, students may use the below link to create a scholarship application. After answering all application questions, students should hit "submit". Please email ga_study_abroad@bentley.edu with any questions. Scholarship deadlines and announcement dates align with faculty-led course deadlines and announcement dates.

Apply for scholarships

Students that apply through Bentley's GBE Funding Application will be considered for ALL of the below scholarships:

  • The Earle and Sloan Travel Fellowship
  • The Global Social Responsibility Fund
  • The Herbert J. and Susan P. Maletz Scholarship
  • The International Citizens Group Fund
  • Kiszewski and Stoner International Travel Fund
  • The Falcons Forward Study Abroad Scholarship
  • Additional scholarships that may be distributed throughout the year

To apply for a scholarship students must meet the following requirements:

  • Intend to participate in a Bentley-sponsored faculty-led international course or GBE
  • Be a United States citizen or US Permanent Resident
  • Applicants mut have a current FAFSA on file and demonstrate financial need
  • Applicants must be in good standing
  • To ensure broad access to study abroad opportunities, students who have previously benefited from a scholarship to attend a faculty-led or Global Business Experience will not be considered for funding.

All students who meet the criteria above are encouraged to apply. Applicants will be prioritized according to the merit of the application, financial need, and any individual scholarship requirements. 

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.

FAQs

Click here for FAQs

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