Posted on September 10, 2025 by Rebekah Alegria
This summer more than 30 business students from the Carlos Alvarez College of Business at UT San Antonio traded traditional classrooms for castles, company boardrooms and cultural landmarks as they embarked on three Global Business Immersion programs in Italy, Prague and South Korea.
Summer 2025 Global Business Immersion Alvarez students in South Korea.
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Led by faculty and staff from the college’s Student Success Center, these 10–12 day immersive experiences offered students the chance to develop global fluency, connect with international professionals and build essential career competencies—all while exploring the economic and cultural fabric of each region.
“Our goal is to give students a deeper understanding of how business is practiced globally and provide transformative learning moments they’ll carry into their careers.”
Genesis Valdez Noriega, immersion chaperone, assistant director of experiential learning
Italy
In the hills of Tuscany, undergraduate students settled into the historic city of Florence, where Renaissance art and modern business collided. The immersion blended academic lectures with hands-on activities and cultural exploration.
Students spent their mornings in seminars discussing global business practices, followed by visits to organizations like Rifo, a circular fashion company committed to sustainable production; and Pierotucci Leather Factory, where they learned about luxury manufacturing, brand storytelling and export strategies from Italian artisans and entrepreneurs.
In between, they sharpened leadership and communication skills through group presentations and cooking classes. One afternoon, the group volunteered at the American Cemetery in Florence, gaining a sobering and reflective perspective on U.S.–Italy historical ties.
For Junior Isabella Bartolomeo, the trip’s impact went beyond business.
“I returned with a new sense of confidence and independence,” she said. “And when I shared a personal story during a class presentation, I realized that authenticity and vulnerability can be powerful communication tools—even in professional settings.”
Prague
The Prague immersion gave students a cultural deep dive into Central Europe. From Gothic castles to centuries-old cathedrals, students explored how history, culture and economics intersect across the Czech Republic.
Highlights included guided tours of Karlštejn Castle, the Koněpruské Caves and the hauntingly beautiful Kutná Hora bone chapel. Students also visited Žleby Castle and spent time in historic towns learning about the social and economic evolution of the region.
Though not tied to formal credit, the learning was profound.
“Being thrown into a foreign country forced me to engage and adapt,” said Senior Samuel Valadez Mora. “Each person I met became a lens into their culture. It made me feel less like an outsider in the world and more like a participant in something larger.”
South Korea
In South Korea, students experienced the dynamic business environment of Seoul and Busan through a combination of company site visits, cultural excursions and academic discussions. 
The immersion included stops at top firms like Samsung, where students learned about Korean corporate structure and technological leadership; Hansoll Textile, where they met with Vice President Tim Lee to explore the challenges of fashion manufacturing in a globalized world; and CJ CheilJedang, a major food and biotechnology company, where conversations centered on innovation and global market expansion.
Outside of company visits, students experienced traditional Korean culture through visits to Jogyesa Temple, Gamcheon Culture Village and a farewell cooking class where they prepared bulgogi and gimbap together.
Graduate business student Jose Gaspar de Alba, a MBA/MD major, reflected on how the trip helped him build cultural competency.
“I made a conscious effort to go beyond surface-level observations. I asked thoughtful questions, learned key Korean phrases and adapted my communication style to fit formal business norms. That cultural fluency is something I’ll carry with me into global health care and business settings.”
A Global Mindset Starts Here
Across three continents, Alvarez students experienced what it means to do business beyond borders. They met with global leaders, collaborated with peers, explored new perspectives and returned with sharper skills and a stronger sense of self.
“These programs allow students to see business through multiple lenses while also building essential career and life skills like adaptability, empathy and global awareness,” said Valdez Noriega.
Want to go global next summer?
Applications for the summer 2026 Global Business Immersion programs open this fall. Be sure to follow the Alvarez Student Success Center for updates, location announcements and opportunities to explore business across borders.
— Rebekah Alegria
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