Digital Exchange Program Delivers Immersive Global Learning Experience

Virtual study in prestigious international business schools is expanding QUT MBA students’ boundaries during a period of COVID-enforced travel restrictions.

Nelson Ferrett couldn’t travel to the United States, but he could immerse himself in a cultural learning experience with Harvard Summer School though QUT’s online, short-term international exchange program.

Nelson dived into Digital Marketing: Foundations and Framework for Success, which was one of many courses offered to students to provide international experiences, make connections from around the world and achieve credit points towards a QUT MBA.

“The professor was based in Boston and there was a big mix of students from the United States, Europe and Australia,” Nelson said.

“It was really interesting to see 30 faces from all over the world and everyone had a chance to talk and express themselves.

“You also go into the virtual breakout rooms with smaller groups to solve particular problems with each other.

“You can meet everyone in your cohort, it was very dynamic, and you could learn from people from different cultures.”

The majority of the courses through Harvard take place over a seven-week period, with two classes per week lasting three hours, via Zoom.

“At first I was daunted by the idea of sitting through a Zoom meeting for three hours,” Nelson said.

“It surprised me that I absolutely loved it. The exchange was one of the best experiences I’ve had so far in my MBA.

“It gave me a worldly perspective that I really appreciate. Plus, a course from Harvard is an excellent addition to the CV.”

International Business Schools Accessible Through Online Exchange Program

QUT Business School provides students with the option to undertake 36 credit points from a specific area of interest in a discipline such as Marketing, Healthcare or Accounting. Students can also pursue short-term exchange opportunities at at partner institutions and other global universities which can go towards their MBA.

In addition to Harvard, QUT MBA students have participated in exchange opportunities through:

• Germany – WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management
• Germany – Kempten University
• France – Grenoble Ecole De Management
• Finland – Aalto University
• Denmark – Copenhagen Business School

Nelson said his learnings from the online international exchange program and the MBA would help him on his future career journey.

“I’m very entrepreneurial and a lot of my career so far has been based on my own trial and error,” Nelson said.

“My most recent endeavour was in the international education sector in Chile.

“I wanted an academic background to complement the practical skills I’ve developed up until now, and that’s where the QUT MBA came in.

“The QUT MBA has been great because it’s taught me both big picture thinking combined with hands-on experiences, like the international exchange program.”

The next QUT MBA program begins in September. Visit the QUT Business School website for more information.