Reumo
This applied research assesses students’ perceptions of a short-term international learning experience offered as part of a Brazilian EMBA program. The study tour, held in partnership with a prestigious university in the United States, included lectures by renowned faculty, visits to world-class organizations, and cultural exposure. Through a focus group with participants comprised of both students and alumni, this qualitative research identifies key themes associated with participants’ perceptions, including the relevance of content to professional practice, the value of integrating academic and corporate visits, and suggestions for improvement. Findings reveal that even brief, well-structured immersion programs can generate transformative learning outcomes when aligned with participants’ professional context and challenges. The study contributes to the literature on experiential and executive education and offers practical implications for the design of impactful international study tours in executive master’s and doctoral programs.
Abstract
This applied research assesses students’ perceptions of a short-term international learning experience offered as part of a Brazilian EMBA program. The study tour, held in partnership with a prestigious university in the United States, included lectures by renowned faculty, visits to world-class organizations, and cultural exposure. Through a focus group with participants comprised of both students and alumni, this qualitative research identifies key themes associated with participants’ perceptions, including the relevance of content to professional practice, the value of integrating academic and corporate visits, and suggestions for improvement. Findings reveal that even brief, well-structured immersion programs can generate transformative learning outcomes when aligned with participants’ professional context and challenges. The study contributes to the literature on experiential and executive education and offers practical implications for the design of impactful international study tours in executive master’s and doctoral programs.