Developing Future Global Business Leaders Through International Experiences

The interconnected exchange between countries and continents requires a global perspective and awareness that includes international knowledge and competence. Educational programs abroad are designed to provide students with opportunities to develop these global competencies linked to numerous beneficial outcomes. Due to the large variety of outcomes and inconsistencies in their measurement and assessment, it is necessary to review the existing literature to systematically categorize these outcomes and their impact on students. This chapter discusses the main types of international learning programs and their characteristics. The literature on the outcomes of these programs is then reviewed by focusing primarily on the experiences of business schools. The factors which might improve the outcomes of the international experiences for the students are also discussed. Finally, implications for future research in international programs assessment and evaluation are suggested and practical advice is offered for faculty and administrators involved in program design and implementation.