Clemson MBA celebrates 10 years of study abroad at Oxford University

By Drew Henry

This upcoming summer 2025 semester, the Clemson University MBA will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its study abroad program at Oxford University. Hosted at one of the most prestigious universities in the world, this program offers more than a chance to learn and experience another culture. It goes the extra mile (or airline miles) to give students real-life experiences in international business strategy and global leadership that they can immediately apply in their careers.

A decade of hands-on learning abroad

Most traditional MBAs don't offer a study abroad program. However, Clemson's approach to learning is anything but traditional. "When designing this program, we didn't want to replicate the conventional undergraduate study abroad experience," explains Director of Academic Programs Jane Layton. "Like our MBA coursework here in Greenville, we wanted to blend both academic theory and professional application so students could take lessons learned abroad and immediately apply them in their current workplaces."

The program launched in 2015 after building off of the already established relationship through the Clemson Undergraduate Business program at Oxford University. "It has been an absolute privilege to have been involved in the partnership spanning now 10 years between Clemson and Oxford," says Charles Addison, Business Director of Ox-Academic Summer Schools and Director of the Made in Group. "The lasting legacy of this program is evidenced by our host company leaders, who talk about the students and Clemson years later, showing the impact the students have on their enthusiastic hosts."

This legacy applies to the students who have experienced this unique immersive experience as well. "As a first-year student, there was an added level of excitement and novelty with everyone exploring Oxford together that made it extra special," explains Meg Patel. "The relationships I gained through the program and international experience opened professional doors for me that directly propelled my career while also giving me confidence marketing to international audiences."

A curriculum with a global focus

The program hosts a small cohort of up to 20 students at Oxford University for two weeks of interactive coursework, international business tours, guest speaker series, cultural excursions, and formal Oxford University High Table Dinners with lectures from resident professors. The two courses include International Business Management and Global Leadership.

"International Business Management brings that practical experience into play for the students," explains Professor Stephen Layton. In this course, students analyze international business opportunities, develop sound strategies, and launch an execution plan. "Every student group is assigned a real-world consulting position at a company without knowing the existing problems or areas of opportunity," continues Stephen. "It's up to them to ask questions, lead research, and pitch a plan of action." One year, students worked with a company looking to expand into the United States. Students researched workforce and supply needs for consideration, and the company ultimately decided to follow recommendations to base its expansion in South Carolina. Over the last decade, the program has worked with international companies, including Brompton Bikes, Hadley Group, Marshall Amplifiers, Morgan Motors, Eastend Foods and Triumph Motorcycles.

Students pitching their consulting plans to their assigned company.

However, a successful plan can't be implemented without a strong sense of leadership rooted in self-awareness and cultural understanding. "The Global Leadership course starts by identifying your personal leadership style and how it challenges or complements other styles within the group," says Jane. "We also discuss how cultural practices influence our work to understand how to address nuanced communication differences when conducting international business. It comes down to learning how to best work with others, which students can immediately apply in their own workplaces when they return home."

Additionally, students in the program have the opportunity to learn from international leaders directly through speaker series lectures. Distinguished guest speakers through the decade include Dr. Rhodri Williams, Head of International Public Policy at AIG; Dr. William James, Research Fellow and Senior Associate of the Oxford Changing Character of War Centre; Shelly Montgomery-Johannessen, a former US Diplomat; and executives from Jaguar-Land Rover and London Electric.

Lessons learned outside the classroom: Culture, networking and more

"Oxford Study Abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime travel and learning experience," says Stephen. "Whether you missed out on undergraduate study abroad or haven't yet had the chance to travel, it offers the opportunity to sightsee on the weekends and experience another way of life."

Students have taken excursions to Broughton Castle, Sulgrave Manor, and Blenheim Palace, which not only offer a look into the culture but also insight into the business of operating and preserving these pieces of history. "The experience was nothing short of life-changing for me," says year nine student Victoria Powell. "I had such a magical experience with fellow students who became family - surrounded by stunning architecture and rich history."

The experience also offers an unsurpassed networking opportunity, especially for part-time online and hybrid students. "Many MBA students are working professionals with daily obligations that don't afford them the luxury of creating a strong bond with their classmates," says Jane. "This two-week trip adds a deeper meaning to the educational experience."

Oxford Study Abroad mainly attracts professional working students. This is a testament to its success, as these students have to work even harder to dedicate two weeks of their schedule to the experience. Powell adds, "This program paved the way for me to find freedom and purpose that I will carry forward into my future."

Oxford University and Clemson celebrate 10 years of partnership when the next MBA cohort visit in July of 2025.

The impact after the trip home

After the program, students have gone on to implement new training in their current workplaces, move to international companies, and leverage a new way of viewing the world to advance their career success. Year eight student Greg Massullo says, "My favorite part of the study abroad experience was immersing myself in how business is conducted through the lens of a different culture. This international perspective allows me to approach problem-solving creatively and brings added value to my career by enabling me to think more strategically and innovatively."

Clemson MBA looks forward to another decade of continued success for students developing in the world of global business.

Learn more about the Oxford Study Abroad program and apply.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.