A Transformational Connection Beyond Borders
Baylor Online MBA International Immersion Experience
For Baylor Online MBA student Monica Marcum, the international immersion to Lisbon and Prague became more than a global business experience. It was an opportunity to connect with classmates, Baylor’s mission, and a broader understanding of leadership shaped by culture, history and shared experience.
Marcum’s decision to pursue an Online MBA was years in the making.
“I had wanted to pursue an MBA for many years, but life, timing and career demands always seemed to get in the way,” she said.
When the opportunity finally aligned, Baylor held personal significance beyond academics.
“Both of my daughters completed their undergraduate degrees at Baylor and had such meaningful experiences that I hoped to share in that legacy,” Marcum said. “Living in El Paso and being well‑established in my career made an in‑person program unrealistic, so discovering Baylor’s Online MBA option felt like the perfect way to reach this long‑held goal.”
Reconsidering the Online MBA Experience
Before the immersion, Marcum held common assumptions about online learning.
“I assumed in‑person learning would always be richer with more opportunity for discussion, connection, and access to professors,” she said. “I expected the online MBA to be academically strong but socially limited.”
That expectation ultimately became one of her motivations for enrolling in the international trip experience.
“I wanted the opportunity to meet classmates in person and experience something that felt immersive and memorable,” she said. “I hoped this trip would give me the sense of community and connection that I thought I might miss by being in an online program.”
By the end of the trip, her perspective had shifted.
“This trip completely reframed my assumptions,” Marcum said. “It showed me that an online MBA can offer experiences every bit as transformative as an on‑campus or executive program.”
She described the immersion as rigorous and deeply engaging.
“The depth of company visits, the quality of discussions, and the diversity of professional backgrounds among Online MBA and Executive MBA students made the experience feel like a true executive‑level immersion,” she said.
Global Business Brought to Life
Throughout the immersion, Marcum said company visits transformed classroom concepts into lived experience.
“Seeing strategy, innovation and cultural adaptation in real time made global business feel tangible rather than theoretical,” she said.
Innovation‑focused organizations stood out for their ability to navigate complexity and rapid change.
“Each visit offered something unique, but the innovation‑focused sessions such as Unicorn Factory Lisboa and AstraZeneca expanded my understanding of how global organizations navigate rapid change,” Marcum said.
She was particularly struck by the role history plays in modern enterprise.
“How deeply history shapes modern business decisions; from workforce dynamics to regulatory environments,” she said.
Visits with long‑established global brands reinforced that lesson.
“Seeing companies like Nestlé and Ruckl operate internationally expanded my understanding of global strategy in a very tangible way,” Marcum said.
The experience highlighted the importance of balance in global leadership.
“It reinforced that successful international operations aren’t just about scale,” she said. “They’re about understanding people, respecting context, and building strategies that honor both global standards and local nuance.”
Growth Through Perspective and Leadership
Beyond business strategy, the immersion deepened Marcum’s leadership perspective.
“It broadened my perspective as a leader and reminded me of the importance of cultural humility and adaptability,” she said.
Conversations with executives provided moments of clarity.
“Listening to executives describe how they navigate uncertainty and change helped my view of leadership through a more global, strategic lens,” Marcum said.
She returned home energized and focused.
“I came home with a renewed energy to incorporate what I learned into my current role but more importantly into my future goals and aspirations,” Marcum said.
Community That Transcends Modality
While the global exposure was impactful, Marcum emphasized the relationships built during the trip.
“Traveling together created a sense of camaraderie that’s hard to replicate online and made the Online MBA feel like a true cohort,” she said.
Her arrival in Lisbon marked a turning point.
“When I first arrived in Lisbon, I felt a mix of excitement and uncertainty,” she said. “Almost immediately, though, that uncertainty disappeared. Some of the most meaningful moments were simply sharing meals and stories, discovering the diverse paths that brought each of us to Baylor. In that moment, I felt deeply seen and fully part of the Baylor family.”
Values Across Borders
Marcum said Baylor’s mission and Christian foundation were evident throughout the immersion.
“The emphasis on ethical leadership, service, and global awareness was woven throughout every company visit and cultural experience,” she said.
Listening to her classmates reinforced that sense of purpose.
“So many of our stories reflected faith, purpose, and God’s guidance in choosing Baylor,” Marcum said.
Those shared values strengthened her understanding of leadership.
“It reinforced that leadership is not just about strategy, but also about integrity, empathy and impact,” she said.
A Transformational Experience
Asked to describe the immersion in a single phrase, Marcum was decisive.
“Transformational connection,” she said.
She believes the experience will continue to shape her long after graduation.
“The learning, the connections and the global perspective you gain will stay with you long after the trip ends,” she said.
For future Online MBA students, her recommendation is clear.
“This is an experience you shouldn’t miss,” Marcum said. “It elevates your MBA in every way, academically, professionally and personally.”
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