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In September, the Weekend MBA class of 2020-21 set off on a trip of a lifetime to the spectacular country of Iceland for their Global Experience Week. This hands-on, cultural immersion module exposes MBA candidates to a new culture and business market. In today’s global business environment, it’s important for students to adopt an international perspective, and the Global Experience Week is a chance to develop this important skill.

Iceland: a sustainable business hub

Every year our students head to a different country for the Global Experience Week: in 2021 the destination was Iceland. Renowned for being a leader in sustainability, Iceland was the perfect place to learn about the latest innovations in renewable energy and green business practices.

Meeting their classmates at the airport, along with some students from the Global Online MBA (this module is an option part of their programme), the group boarded the flight for a week-long adventure. Spending an entire week with their classmates is a great opportunity for the class to step away from the business of working while studying for their MBA part-time, and get to know one another better.

Throughout the week, students heard from some of the most inspiring minds in Iceland. From business leaders, industry experts and politicians, these presentations shared insight into the shape of the business landscape in the country. They then had the chance to see some of these innovations in practice:

"We started one of the days by looking into the future of sustainable fishing and it involved having fish grown on land in a controlled environment. Every step of the process was really detailed in terms of energy use, wastage and planning."
Phillip Phrakaysone
Weekend MBA 2020-21
Phillip Phrakaysone, Weekend MBA 2020-21, student at Imperial College Business School

Outside of talks and networking, the students experienced the stunning natural environment of Iceland. Walking through ice caves, climbing volcanoes and relaxing in the Blue Lagoon were all on the agenda.

The Global Experience Week isn’t just a trip to explore a new business market, but also a time to reflect and apply the knowledge learned over the course of the MBA:

"It’s been quite impressive to see how everything that I’ve learned in the past year and a half has contributed to a better understand of a business community."
Weekend MBA 2020-21
Ioana David Weekend MBA 2020-21

The Global Experience Week is part of the Weekend MBA programme and an optional module for the Global Online MBA. Modules may be converted to remote delivery subject to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Are you interested in joining the next Weekend MBA cohort?