Beyond studies in the classroom, TWU students have the opportunity to join a number of off-campus excursions and interactive learning activities, including travel studies.
This summer, TWU students on the MBA travel study ventured to Kenya and the Netherlands, where they engaged with local business leaders, encountered a wide variety of cultures and contexts, and gained new insights into the global world of commerce.
The 2023 TWU travel study to Kenya and the Netherlands was diverse and dynamic.
Professors Brian Albright and Brian t’ Hart from the School of Business led the trip with nine MBA students. Among the group were members from seven different countries in addition to Canada, with each student bringing with them their unique backgrounds and valuable perspectives from business and academics.
Life within an African economic hub
The travel study's first destination was Kenya, a country that boasts a diverse economy comprised of small street vendors, local retailers and manufacturers, multi-national corporations, and a growing number of start-up companies. Students were invited to engage a wide spectrum of industries and to see how businesses thrive in a global context.
While in Kenya, the study group journeyed from the city of Nairobi to the rural areas of Eldoret. This broad exploration provided students with a fuller view of the country's society and economy.
Learning alongside local Kenyan students
Furthermore, through a partnership with Kenya's Africa Nazarene University, TWU students joined local students for an educational exchange—enriching one another’s learning.
Students from both universities collaborated on group projects. Working in teams, and in tandem with Kenyan startup accelerator Sinapis, the students visited several local startups and acted as consultants, providing advice and insights on growth opportunities to these businesses. Afterwards, the students showcased their work through group presentations, sharing with the class their ideas and recommendations.
'An incredible experience'
Kanav Sharma, TWU MBA student, described the travel study as a “an incredible experience.” He especially appreciated the opportunities to hear from a variety of local business leaders and industry representatives, which provided the students with fresh perspectives on businesses, management, and entrepreneurship.
With a keen desire to deepen his knowledge in the field of international business, Kanav chose TWU's MBA program for its strong academic curriculum and diverse student community, offering valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration. "Additionally," he expresses, "I'm excited about gaining practical experience during my time at TWU, as the campus fosters a culture of continuous learning that keeps students humble and motivated."
Speaking of the MBA travel study to Kenya and the Netherlands, Kanav shares, “It's hard to put into words just how enjoyable and enlightening the trip was." His time in Africa was particularly eye-opening, as he recalls, “Through the guidance of our professors, we discovered the true essence of Africa, which encompasses community, opportunity, sustainability, and so much more.”
Natural beauty of Kenya inspires new perspectives
Against the backdrop of their African surroundings, Kanav and the students shared many memorable moments throughout the trip. From late-night discussions on global issues to lighthearted singing in students' native languages, the class fostered a strong sense of camaraderie.
Moreover, the travel study was not just preoccupied with work. The class also took time to enjoy the country, including visiting Kenya’s Giraffe Centre, where students had the opportunity to feed and interact with giraffes, as well as venturing on a safari within Kenya’s famous Masai Mara National Reserve.
The natural beauty Kenya’s environment left students with much to reflect upon, as Kanav remarks, “Staying close to the river in luxurious camps and observing lions at a close distance truly provided a fresh perspective on life."
From Africa to Europe
As the journey extended into Europe, Kanav and his classmates were brought into the fast-paced business context of the Netherlands, where they visited several global companies. “Witnessing the scale and growth of multinational companies was both fascinating and informative,” Kanav reflects.
The Netherlands is known as the "gateway to Europe." As the world’s second biggest exporter of food and an international hub for both business and culture, the country provides an exceptionally rich learning environment.
Here, the students were introduced to best practices from several businesses. “Notably, we observed the Dutch consumers' socially responsible behaviour, emphasizing environmental sustainability and fair wages. This, in turn, inspired businesses to adopt ethical practices for the betterment of society,” Kanav shares.
Combining on-the-ground experiences with academic work
As part of the MBA travel study, students completed three graduate-level courses: Christian Leadership and Ethics, Comparative International Management, and Managing a Global Organization. Students were able to combine field work in Kenya and the Netherlands and their own international perspectives and backgrounds, together with group discussions among peers and professors, to gain a broad and enlightening educational experience.
As Kanav summarizes, "I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to share this memorable experience with my classmates and professors. It was a fun-filled and enriching learning journey that will remain etched in my heart for a lifetime."
See also: TWU students on the Salt Spring Island travel study engage environmental stewardship
About TWU Travel Studies
Travel studies allow students to be immersed in a different culture. TWU professors lead the courses, joined by guest speakers who provide a local perspective. For many students, participating in a travel study is one of the most memorable experiences of their entire major, if not a life-changing one. Learn more about Travel Studies at TWU.
About TWU's School of Business
As Canada’s premier Christian business school, we offer a rare blend of academic excellence and hands-on experience to prepare students to lead and inspire tomorrow’s world. Learn more at TWU's School of Business.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four locations in Canada: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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