For Undergraduate Students

Careers Crossing Borders is a series of events that helps undergraduate students learn about global career opportunities. Through events featuring industry professionals and experiential learning, students can explore global career paths, hear real-world examples, and learn how to develop and use their global mindset to their advantage.

The Careers Crossing Borders series may include:

• Keynote and Speaker Series – Talks and panels with business professionals who work across borders, offering insight into international career journeys.
• Case Interview Competition – A chance to practice problem-solving and teamwork through providing recommendations to business cases with a global focus.
• Dinner Networking Conversation – Small-group dinners where students can connect with professionals and ask questions in a more relaxed setting.
• The Trek – Visits to international companies or organizations to see how global business works in action.

Learn more about upcoming Careers Crossing Borders events.

The Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) Student Pathways in International Business course is a one-credit winter term program designed to help students earn the prestigious CGBP certification, highly valued by employers nationwide. As part of the CGBP Student Pathways Program, this course offers an in-depth exploration of global business topics and prepares students to excel in the CGBP exam. More information about the certification is provided below.

Info session presentation

The Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP), managed by NASBITE International, is a nationally recognized certification sought by employers around the country. It confirms applied knowledge in international trade and export management and shows potential employers that the holder brings the level of global expertise and professionalism that is required in today’s competitive environment.

The center offers the CGBP Student Pathways Cohort Program, a structured program intended to prepare a cohort of students for the CGBP exam and introduce them to and engage them with NASBITE International.

The program is comprised of a mix of four synchronous sessions and asynchronous study to prepare students to take the CGBP exam. The program offers facilitation by a CGBP professional, access to take the CGBP exam, networking and relationship-building opportunities, and NASBITE International Membership (a $75 value) which includes:

• CGBP study guide
• Preparation support
• Expert Helpline
• LinkedIn Student Group
• CGBP Practice Exam
• Other networking opportunities

Enrollment, requirements

• All interested students are eligible to register.
• Students enrolled in the program will have the option to take the CGBP exam at any point during their program at Smith or up to six months after graduation.
• Students will have to enroll themselves to take the exam and pay upfront.
• Students will be obligated to submit their results to CGB to verify their passing of the CGBP exam.
• If a student passes, CGB will reimburse them the exam fee of $195.00.
• If a student does not pass the exam on the first take, the student will not be reimbursed the fee for the exam.
• If a student does not follow through with exam commitment, the student will not be reimbursed the fee for the exam.

Structure

• The course will be held synchronously and asynchronously over the winter term and a student must take the course before they can sit for the exam.
• Synchronously: Students will meet with a CGBP professional four times over two weeks for two hours. The confirmed course schedule is below.
• Asynchronously: Students will be assigned readings and other assignments correlated to each of the four domains of the CGBP exam.
• The final content provided and how each session is devised is ultimately up to the CGBP professional.

Suggested calendar/content:

The Business International Studies Network (BisNet) helps connect business schools that focus on international business to opportunities for students to better understand business in a global context.

Compete with other business students across the country in this international market challenge and provide recommendations to an international company.

Competition is November 6 through 12. Learn up-to-date information about the competition.

Apply to compete on the team from the Smith School of Business through the Center for Global Business by September 21.

For more information, please email us at smithglobal@umd.edu.

CGB Presents: NASBITE International Student Case Competition

NASBITE is the leading authority and industry standard for global business education, trade credentialing, training and practice.

The competition provides an opportunity for both undergraduate international business students as well as graduate business students to solve a real-world challenge posed by a U.S.-based international business. The goals of the NASBITE International Student Case Competition are:

• To provide college and university students the opportunity to work collaboratively on a creative solution to a real-world international business challenge, and to put their research, presentation and networking skills to work.
• To provide the sponsoring company access to the very best international business students presenting potential solutions to their international business challenges.
• To provide a solid foundation for student involvement and participation within NASBITE International.

The Center for Global Business (CGB) will cover any associated fees for participating. This is supported in part by CIBE, a Title VI grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Embassy Day

Date: Friday, Feb. 20, 2026
Time: 8 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (tentative)
Location: Departing from Van Munching Hall; transportation to and from embassies provided
Lunch: Provided

About the Event:
Embassy Day is a signature Smith School event that immerses business students in global cultures and practices. Through visits to various embassies, participants gain firsthand insights into international markets and develop the global mindset essential for future business leaders.

Registration:
Opens in January 2026. Participating embassies will be announced at that time.

Global Student Leadership Council Program

This is a fully funded scholarship to attend the week-long Global Student Leadership Council Program in Colombia, hosted by the Consortium for Undergraduate International Business Education (CUIBE) and the Center for Global Business at UMD Smith.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a current undergraduate student at the Robert H. Smith School of Business.
• Be available and able to travel to Medellín, Colombia, in late May 2025 (official dates to be announced soon).
• Demonstrate student leadership experience.

Program Highlights

• Academic sessions
• Networking opportunities
• Professional development
• Cultural activities

If you have questions, please email us at smithglobal@umd.edu.

Grand Global Challenges Competition

Friday, March 6, 2026

Registration coming soon.

Earn a chance to compete virtually in the Loyola Marymount (LMU) International Business Ethics and Sustainability Case Competition (IBESCC).

In collaboration with the Center for Social Value Creation and the School of Public Health, the Center for Global Business presents the Grand Global Challenges Competition, a new internal competition open to all students, undergraduates, and/or graduates at the University of Maryland interested in how ethical and sustainable solutions can be applied to the Sustainable Development Goals and global business challenges.

The winning team will earn a spot and will be provided the opportunity to compete virtually on behalf of the University of Maryland in the IBESCC. Stay tuned to learn more.

The Grand Global Challenges Competition will provide a similar structure to that of the IBESCC as a means to help prepare the team that will compete in the IBESCC. The GGCC will test a team’s ability to apply ethical reasoning to practical global issues and recommend solutions to sustainable development in an international setting.

Competition details: 

• Each team that registers to compete must confirm its intent to compete (if selected) in the IBESCC at LMU in LA, CA, from April 13 & 14, 2026.
• Each team chooses its own business-related topic on which to present. The topic should have an ethical component and be related to one of the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Please refer to this list of examples as context when choosing your topic.
• The presentation consists of a 15-minute live, virtual presentation, and will be followed by a 5-minute Q&A and feedback session.
• Teams should explain the legal, financial, and ethical dimensions of the business problem and then recommend a solution that would be viable on all counts. These might include:
  • Identify the financial impact of the problem and the financial implications of the solution. A detailed financial analysis is not necessary if there is an explanation of how (and to what extent) the problem raises or lowers the company's costs or profits; the costs of your solution; whether the company can afford your solution, etc.
  • Identify laws, regulations, or court cases that effectively restrict or regulate what the company may do. Significant fines or settlements may affect the financial analysis.
  • Teams will be expected to utilize a secular, philosophical framework that discusses ethics in terms of the tangible good and/or harm experienced by those affected (human or otherwise). Because this is a business competition, DO NOT use technical, philosophical terminology or cite philosophers. The ethical analysis is geared towards business and should refer to the organization's mission statement, code of values/conduct, etc. as well as the SDGs impacted by these issues.

Team makeup:
Teams can be made up of 3 to 5 students each. Teams can be made up of any mixture of graduate and/or undergraduate students from any program at the University of Maryland. Teams are encouraged to be multidisciplinary. 

Registration:
One student will register for the entire team. Each team registration should include details (contact, resume, etc.) for each student on the team.

The International Business Student Organization strives to foster professional relationships, connect students with international opportunities, and enhance the mindsets of students at the University of Maryland to prepare them to become global leaders. Through regular meetings, professional development activities, professional speakers, community service, and social activities we seek to develop a network of students with the guidance of the faculty advisor and the Center for Global Business.

Find out how you can become a member

IB Trek in Maryland

The IB Trek in Baltimore is intended to expose undergraduate and graduate students to concepts in international business while highlighting industry right here in Maryland. Students who participated in the IB Trek in Baltimore heard from companies that range in size, industry, and sector and were introduced to the various ways a company does business across borders, business culture, and life as a business professional.

Read about last year's IB Trek as part of International Education Week.

Student Global Leadership Board

The Student Global Leadership Board (SGLB) is a student organization consisting of 4 undergraduate, 1 master’s, and 1 MBA student who work closely with the Center for Global Business to represent the student voice in global programming. SGLB members will work closely with CGB, Smith faculty, and students to help shape and promote programs that align more closely with students’ needs and interests. 

The purpose of the Student Global Leadership Board is to:

• Represent the student voice: Act as a bridge between the student body and the Center for Global Business to ensure programs align with students’ needs and interests.
• Enhance Global Opportunities: Bring forward new ideas to expand and improve global experiential learning, including international business treks, case competitions and global networking events.
• Foster Leadership Development: Offer students a hands-on leadership role, where they develop project management, communication, and collaborative skills.
• Create Lasting Impact: Work together to shape programs and initiatives that will leave a legacy of enhanced global learning experiences for future students.

By being a member of the SGLB, you will gain:

• Skills in international education and student services
• Experience in program development and coordination
• A deeper understanding of international business teaching and learning
• A broader international education network
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Access to leadership training workshops
• Recommendations for other opportunities

Required skills and expectations:

• Previous leadership or involvement in coordinating with students is required
• Self-starter and ability to work independently toward project goals
• Ability to pitch in fresh ideas to increase awareness amongst the students
• Effective communication (verbal and written)
• Project management skills
• Organizational skills
• Ability to meet every month

The International Business Agility Labs are immersive, short-term global case competitions hosted by the Center for Global Business at the Smith School. These virtual programs bring together students from the University of Maryland and partner universities around the world to tackle real business challenges faced by international companies. Participants collaborate across cultures, strengthen their problem-solving and presentation skills, and gain hands-on experience in global business decision-making. 

The next lab is tentatively scheduled for April 16–23, 2026, offering students the opportunity to engage directly with a real-world company case and connect with peers and professionals from across the globe. 

Learn more

Apply for the #SmithGoesGlobal Fund Scholarship to help reduce the out-of-pocket costs of study abroad such as airfare and personal expenses.

How to Apply

• Check to ensure eligibility (see eligibility section below).
• Apply to a study abroad program in MyEA AND apply to the Education Abroad Fund Scholarship. Make sure to check the study abroad application and Education Abroad Fund Application deadlines.
• Complete the #SmithGoesGlobal Fund application below by the deadline.

Apply for the scholarship

Students will be considered for a scholarship based on their responses in the application form, the Education Abroad Fund Scholarship application, and their study abroad program information. Applying for this scholarship has no bearing on a student's study abroad program application.

Application Deadlines and Notification Dates

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, students must:

• be a current business major.
• have applied or are in the process of applying to their first study abroad program at UMD.
• have completed a FAFSA and received financial aid.
• have completed an application to the Education Abroad Fund Scholarship (deadlines: September 26 or March 1).

Scholarship Amounts

Questions? Contact smithglobal@umd.edu.

Semester study abroad is great way for students to expand their global mindset.

The study abroad process includes a number of factors including financing, course transfer, choice of destination, and more. Students must speak with their academic advisor and the Center for Global Business before committing to a study abroad program.

Business Exchange

The Smith School has set up agreements with universities around the world that offer business courses in English each semester. Smith students pay the University of Maryland tuition to participate in these programs.

Learn more about business exchange partners

Engage in an experience that will broaden your global mindset by fostering cultural curiosity and adaptability. The Smith School's short-term programs provide students with the opportunity to apply a comparative international lens to their business education and professional careers.

Winter Break Courses

The application deadline for all winter programs is September 30, 2025.

Leading Innovation and Design in a Cross-Cultural Setting (Spain)

Faculty Leaders: Gerald Suarez and Christina Hnatov
Program Dates: January 4–15, 2026
Program Locations: Madrid and Barcelona, Spain
Program Fee: $3,975

APPLY NOW

Embark on a transformative journey through Barcelona, Madrid, and Segovia, where the worlds of art, science, and business converge! This immersive course invites students to experience the power of timeless design through the lens of Spain’s rich cultural heritage. Through visits to iconic landmarks and cultural institutions, students will experience the impact of design that centers on experiences, senses, or emotions; gain insight into how cultural perspectives shape creative problem-solving; and develop new skills and mindsets for innovating in their own lives.

The Global Commercial AI Space Industry (Australia)

Faculty Leaders: Kevin McGarry and Justin Reyna
Program Dates: January 11–24, 2026
Program Location: Sydney, Australia
Program Fee: $4,550

APPLY NOW

This course explores Australia’s transition to a commercial space economy and its growing partnership with the U.S. under the Artemis Accords. Students will explore the space industry in the Sydney region, examine the role of artificial intelligence in space innovation, analyze cross-border legal & regulatory issues, and gain a greater appreciation for the cultural and strategic dynamics of the global space business.

Marketing, Design, and Innovation in the Middle East (UAE)

Faculty Leader: Mary Beth Furst
Program Dates: January 4–17, 2026
Program Locations: Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE
Program Fee: $3,925

APPLY NOW

This course explores the UAE’s transition to a knowledge-based economy and its role as a U.S. trading partner. Students will engage with Emirati and U.S. businesses, addressing global challenges in energy, construction, and technology, and how they change marketing strategies with regional and international partners. Through company visits and cultural experiences, students will gain insight into innovation, sustainability, and the importance of cultural understanding in global business.

Comparing Economies and Business Environments of Malaysia and Singapore

Faculty Leader: Julie Pavlovsky
Program Dates: January 4–17, 2026
Program Locations: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Singapore
Program Fee: $3,925

APPLY NOW

This course will be an engaging examination of the differing economies and business environments of Malaysia and Singapore. By exploring these contracts, you will gain valuable insights that can deepen your understanding of Asian markets and business strategies.

QUEST: Brazil on the Move- Examining the Energy, Automotive, and Manufacturing Sectors (Brazil)

Faculty Leader: David Ashley
Program Dates: January 4–15, 2026
Program Locations: Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Program Fee: $3,725
Note: Open only to QUEST Students

APPLY NOW

The course will examine the foundation of Brazil’s culture and explore how countries and cultures rooted in tradition have transitioned to world economic leaders in South America. This program will explore the energy, manufacturing, and automotive sectors in Brazil and how Brazil leverages the BRIC alliance to further its economic influence.

IBH Switzerland: A Global Leader in Business, Culture, and Politics

Faculty Leader: Jui Ramaprasad
Program Dates: January 10–21, 2026
Program Locations: Geneva and Zurich, Switzerland
Program Fee: $4,300

APPLY NOW

The course will explore the driving forces behind Switzerland’s success as a global leader in business, culture, and politics. Through this course, you will gain practical knowledge from Swiss businesses, leveraging innovative strategies and develop a global perspective on sustainable economic and political development.

Information Session

Read about previous short-term study abroad programs:

• Undergrads Reflect on 2020 Winter Study Abroad
• Smith Undergraduate Students Explore the World

If you have questions about study abroad programs please contact CGB at smithglobal@umd.edu.

The Global Summer Internship Program

Gain professional experience abroad and earn 6 credits

Spend the summer of a lifetime working in Sydney, Singapore, Auckland, Madrid, Dublin, Prague, or Buenos Aires at a for-credit internship. Students travel abroad for a 6-credit internship.

Experience first-hand the challenges and opportunities of working in another country and with people from different cultural backgrounds. Based in one of seven exciting locations around the world, the internship program gives students an international experience that is invaluable for professional development and building one's resume

How to Apply?

Applications open November 1, 2024, and are due February 1, 2025.

Program Fees

The program fees below reflect what will be charged to the participant's UMD student account. The program fees below do not include the non-refundable Education Abroad Fee ($700) and required international health insurance ($92 estimated). The program fee does include housing (shared apartments or similar), and instructional costs (6 credits, cultural activities, some group meals, and on-the-ground support). Housing and instructional costs vary by location.

Program Dates

Eligibility

• Open to all undergraduate UMD majors who are second-year sophomores and above.
• Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA.
• Students must be in good academic and judicial standing with the university.

Scholarships

#SmithGoesGlobalFund Scholarship – up to $2,700

Smith students can apply for the #SmithGoesGlobalFund Scholarship to help reduce the out-of-pocket costs of study abroad such as airfare and personal expenses. Learn more about the #SmithGoesGlobalFund Scholarship in the ‘#SmithGoesGlobalFund Scholarship’ section on this page.

Questions?

Contact CGB at smithglobal@umd.edu.

In collaboration with the UMD Summer Language Institute through the UMD School of Language, Literature, and Culture, the Center for Global Business may award up to $5,000 of tuition, room and board to participate in either the Arabic, Persian, or Korean Summer Language Institute this summer.

To be eligible for the Global Business Summer Language Institute Scholarship you must be a current business (major or minor) student enrolled in a U.S. academic institution. It is recommended to apply to the Summer Language Institute before applying for the scholarship. Check back in Spring 2025 to apply for the 2025 Summer Language Institute Scholarship.

While English is a universal business language, acquiring and mastering a foreign language can often give professionals a competitive advantage when doing business abroad. Language competency can often be the gateway to understanding cultural and societal norms that a business person would otherwise not know. For these reasons, CGB partners with the University of Maryland School of Language, Literature, and Culture (SLLC) to encourage Smith School undergraduates to enroll in language programs.

SLLC offers an array of programs in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish as well as programs that bring together language and business.

If you are an undergraduate interested in learning more, please see the SLLC website or email CGB at smithglobal@umd.edu.