By Samantha Thurman, BA’26, BBA’26
Thanks to the support of Kelley Global’s IU CIBER and the Chinese Flagship Program, three IU teams participated in this year’s Business Language Case Competition at Brigham Young University (BYU). The teams showcased their language proficiency and business acumen against teams from across the United States.
IU’s Mandarin teams at BYU.
The 2025 competition challenged students to develop a global expansion strategy for a Utah-based luxury shoe company, encouraging creative problem-solving and in-depth analysis of the European footwear market. Over the course of two weeks, students refined their case with guidance from their coaches, culminating in an exciting trip to Utah, where they put their preparations to the test.
Upon arriving in Utah, IU students were welcomed by BYU’s hospitality and immersed in the beauty of the region. A visit to Bridal Veil Falls offered a breathtaking glimpse of Utah’s mountainous landscape. The nine IU delegates also had the chance to network with fellow competitors and faculty over dinner, fostering connections beyond the competition. Additionally, they attended a thought-provoking book talk on the economic impact of immigration, providing valuable insights into Utah’s distinct culture and broader national trends.
French team perfecting their presentation while at BYU.
On competition day, anticipation ran high as IU teams made final preparations, perfecting their presentations before facing the judges. Their hard work paid off, as the two IU teams competing in the Chinese language category placed first and third, while the French team secured second place. These outstanding results are especially impressive given that many participants were tackling their first case competition.
Beyond the awards, students departed Utah with a renewed sense of confidence in their global business expertise and language skills. The experience reinforced the powerful connection between multicultural competencies and technical knowledge: an essential combination that will enable these students to develop innovative solutions, excel in international markets, and shape the future of global business.
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