Baylor Business in Scandinavia Program Expands Horizons

The Hankamer School of Business launched its new Baylor Business in Scandinavia program in June, offering students an opportunity to study abroad in Denmark and Sweden. The program, facilitated by the McBride Center for International Business, offers students transformative experiences that foster academic, cultural and personal growth, said Christina Iluzada, assistant director of the McBride Center. 

During the four-week program, students took courses on business law and business communication and learned about cross-cultural communication differences through company visits. Students utilized their courses and experiences abroad to develop cultural intelligence and global acumen.  

Carly Camacho, a senior Entrepreneurship and Marketing major, was one of the first students to benefit from this program. Camacho’s experiences in Scandinavia broadened her horizons in unexpected ways.  

“Studying abroad has drastically changed how I view the world and unfamiliar cultures,” Camacho said. “This was my first time outside the United States, and experiencing how others live was truly eye-opening. It was fascinating to see how different their lives are from mine.”  

Camacho originally visualized rituals, religion and language when it came to culture but soon realized it encompasses so much more. She was particularly intrigued by the difference in daily life and sustainability practices she encountered.  

“Most restaurants use wooden utensils and paper products. When discarding waste, trash cans are labeled so customers can sort their trash by material,” Camacho said. “This practice is not common in my culture. I was unaware that Scandinavian countries were making significant efforts to be so environmentally friendly.”   

Camacho also experienced significant professional and personal growth during the program, which she credits to the company visits to businesses such as Sweco, Arla Foods and Startup Tools.   

“Through these visits, I learned that they prioritize sustainability,” Camacho said. “This heightened awareness of humanity's impact on the planet inspires me to integrate these practices into my professional and personal life. Without this program, I would never have realized how important these practices are.”   

Carly’s experience in the Baylor Business in Scandinavia program is a testament to the transformative power of studying abroad. This program not only enhances students’ academic knowledge but also promotes personal growth and a broader global perspective.  

"It's great to see how much each student grew both professionally and personally," Iluzada said. "We look forward to continuing to grow this program and connecting more students with the world around them." 

For those interested in exploring similar opportunities for academic, cultural and personal growth, visit the McBride Center for International Business webpage.