The arrival of students from Universidad Externado de Colombia for an Inbound Study Tour provided a clear sign that the relationship between the College of Business Administration at Florida International University (FIU) and the Colombian university is strengthening.
“Universidad Externado is a leading Colombian business school with which we will be signing an undergraduate dual degree agreement,” said Jerry Haar, associate dean for international programs for FIU’s business school. “This group of graduate students came to experience our highly popular inbound study tour of classroom instruction and business site visits with a focus on international trade and commerce.”
The graduate students, all bilingual, participated in the “Introduction to International Business” program held on the Modesto A. Maidique campus. This non-credit study module, designed by Haar, was developed and administered by the Office of Executive & Professional Education (EPE).
During the weeklong event, FIU business professors covered such topics as Latin American energy markets, media and information in the world economy, international banking, human resource management, marketing in global villages and more.
Guest lecturers offered additional perspectives. For instance, consultant Mariana Ferrari gave participants an “Introduction to Innovation and the Decade Ahead” and consultant Mario Suarez presented a program of particular interest to this group: “Colombia Pro Expo Trade and Latin America.”
Students visit venues in one of the premier business centers in The Americas.
“The students toured the Port of Miami, and learned more about the operation of the complex,” said Victoria Partridge Serrano, EPE program coordinator. “They also visited Terremark, an international Internet routing company, and explored the Miami Free Zone, a unique area where companies sell their goods tax free.”
Not surprisingly, the Colombian students reported that the entire program was “an amazing experience,” and said the faculty and university were “impressive.”
The participants also said they enjoyed experiencing the FIU campus and academic life. They took a campus tour and received important information from Francisco Marquez, assistant director, admissions.
