SI475: Global Management Experience

The Global Management Experience (GME) is a four-credit course that emphasizes analytical work during the first half of the spring semester on campus, and culminates with a field study to Asia during Spring Break. Each year the countries and cities are changed. Pre-travel course work includes exploration of economic, governmental, and social factors that affect the conduct of business, and ethics, in a variety of industries and contexts. During our week abroad, you’ll visit business executives, government leaders and entrepreneurs, observing first-hand the application of management principles and strategies in the global arena. We also host social events with BU alumni in the area!

While GME is hosted in Questrom, the program is open to, and undertaken by, students from schools and colleges across Boston University.  We strive to provide business visits and course content that appeals to anyone who is interested in global experiences, whether that’s business, international relations, hospitality, engineering, or anything between!

COVID-19 Update: Due to Covid-19 and the elimination of spring break, the Spring 2021 version of GME is unlikely to contain a travel component.  Instead, the course will be offered for the full semester, in the evenings, and will include live company visits with organizations in Asia.

If you have questions about the course, please reach out to Professor Greg Stoller at gstoller@bu.edu.

2021 Destinations: Learn from Anywhere

Hear Professor Greg Stoller give an overview of the class for Spring 2021!

For any countries where YouTube might be blocked or is experiencing bandwidth issues, here is a link to the same video on BU’s MyMedia site.

Who can take QST SI475?

GME is recommended for juniors and seniors from all schools and colleges.  In certain circumstances, sophomores may be considered for the program.  If you are interested in Asian business, culture, or industry practices, GME is for you!

Typically, enrollment in SI475 is an application-based process.  For Spring 2021, enrollment will be open to all junior and senior students, no application required!

Applications will resume for the Spring 2022 semester.  The application includes several short and long answer questions, and requires a copy of your resume.

Spring 2020 Timeline

  • October 1

    GME Applications Open

  • October 18

    Applications Due

    Applications close Friday, October 18th at 5 pm

  • November 1

    Decisions Released via Email

  • November 15: Non-refundable Deposit Due

    Milestone Title

    A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your place

  • December - TBD

    GME Meet and Greet

  • January 24

    First Day of Class

  • January 31

    Travel Documents Due

  • March 6

    Field Study Departure!

  • March 15

    Field Study Returns to Boston

Information Sessions

To learn more about GME, come to one of our information sessions!  All info sessions will be held in HAR 114

  • Wednesday, September 25, 4-5 PM
  • Friday, September 27, 10-11 AM
  • Monday, September 30, 12:30-1:30 PM
  • Tuesday, October 1, 5-6 PM
  • Tuesday, October 8, 2-3 PM
  • Thursday, October 10, 1-2 PM

Student Testimonials

“I cannot fully articulate the influence that your program has had on me in one email. It has truly broadened my horizon in a way that no other Questrom course could have.”

“The trip exceeded my expectations (which were already pretty high). I learned so much and had so much fun, my only wish would be that we had a little longer. I am more appreciative of your help and support than I could ever express in words.”

“I have never before taken a class that immersed me so much into another culture and economy as this class did. In addition, it taught me not only practical and analytical skills but also life skills that in my opinion take you much further in your career and life goals.”

“The class was one of the best courses I took at BU… Incredible coordination in planning the trip and invaluable knowledge, experience, and networking opportunities.”

“Thank you for launching this program at BU. It has changed my life in ways that I yet can’t explain. The people I’ve met, the friends that I’ve made, and the places we visited impacted me greatly.”