They came from the first academic institution in the Spanish-speaking world to specialize in business administration for graduate students.

Twenty-four graduate business students from Peru’s Escuela de Administración de Negocios para Graduados (ESAN), a partner in the Chapman Graduate School’s Dual Degree network, participated in an “Introduction to International Business” module at Florida International University (FIU).

“Professors from FIU as well as guest lecturers covered topics including global business strategy, supply chain management, international banking, management and more,” said Victoria Partridge Serrano, program coordinator, Executive and Professional Education (EPE) in the College of Business Administration. EPE hosted the non-credit program, which took place from September 27 to October 1, 2010.

The residency included visits to the Port of Miami, WTDC Logistics and Distribution Center and the Net Access Point of the Americas (NAP).

“These on-site presentations and tours gave the students exposure to different aspects of international business and a chance to learn about operations,” Partridge said.

“The visit to NAP helped me understand how opportunities are identified to expand the infrastructure and how NAP interacts with investors and sponsors for the implementation of new projects worldwide,” participant Zulma Quispe Anaya said.

A similar program for students from Universidad Externado de Colombia will begin November 15.

Peruvians gain positive impressions of FIU.

For many of the ESAN students, it was their first visit to the United States. For all, it was a chance to be introduced to FIU.

“These people are about to finish their graduate degrees in Peru and may be interested in pursuing further studies at FIU,” Partridge said.

Quispe said she was impressed by the international experience of FIU professors plus “their participation in major projects of bilateral relations like Peru-USA’s trade agreements.”

But sometimes the small things make the biggest impression.

“I saw the words ‘Worlds Ahead . . . Global Learning for Global Citizenship’ above the south entrance of the Graham Center,” Quispe said. “This is a great message, and shows FIU’s focus and level of commitment. Plus it summarizes my unforgettable experience at FIU.”

[set_id=72157625073280847]