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#KelleyGBI2016 – Recap of Week 1: “Full Hearts, Open Eyes, Can’t Lose”

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#KelleyGBI2016 – Recap of Week 1: “Full Hearts, Open Eyes, Can’t Lose”

July 11, 2016
 
Post by #KelleyGBI2016 Cultural Liaison Ria Upadhyayula and edited by IIB Program Manager Sara Ko
 
As we start to get into the meat of our program, there are lots of memories and good times to feast on.
The first full week of the program kicked off to a great start with introductions to faculty coaches, teamwork, first case presentations, and so much more.
Going into the week, teams were asked to created a new Coca-Cola product for a country other than their own and present their ideas a few hours later. Team-building activities at Bradford Woods also helped participants understand one another differently, and at the very least, made for some pretty great selfies!
#KelleyGBI2016 students pose for a group selfie at Bradford Woods
More importantly, this past week included Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and for the most of the students, was the first time they weren’t home for the celebration. We can only that students had as good of a time as Team Algeria looks in this photo below!
#KelleyGBI2016 Team Algeria at the Eid Celebration Dinner

 

The fun didn’t end there, as the weekend brought about more activities such as bowling, a tour of the Bloomington Farmer’s Market, Tours of Bloomington, bridge painting, and move night–all evened out a long week of work with a whole lot of play!
This week (Week 2), students will have an etiquette dinner, entrepreneurship panel, karaoke and game night, as well as Habitat for Humanity builds, and Culture Night! It’s going to be another week with some of the best people in the best city in the world–follow along on our adventures!
P.S. What are YOU most excited for?
Also stay up to date about #KelleyGBI2016 on Twitter (@KelleyIIB), Facebook, and kelleygbi2016.tumblr.com

#KelleyBIG2016 – Participant Reflection for Week 1

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#KelleyBIG2016 – Participant Reflection for Week 1

BIG 2016 students conclude the first half of their program–here’s what one participant thought about week 1

July 11, 2016

Post by BIG 2016 Participant Aaryan Morrison from Kokomo, IN and edited by IIB Program Manager Sara Ko
 
As of Sunday July 3rd, I could not tell you what International Business is, not could paint Chinese characters or successful network for myself. Halfway through BIG and I’ve come very far.
Bridge painted by #KelleyBIG2016 students
“Business Is Global” is a two-week introduction to business fundamentals, varying culture’s practices, and three different languages. By the end of the program, the other high school participants and I should be able to understand how business, culture, and language coexist on the International Business stage. Each morning starts with a business class taught by a Kelley professor, followed by a language class taught by a native speaker. Our afternoons are split between learning different cultural activities and working in small teams to develop a theoretical business model for our own vending of food in a foreign market. All the while, we get to experience the life of a college student; walking the campus, navigating the food court and exploring all the hidden gems on campus (all closely supervised by our wonderful PA’s).
#KelleyBIG2016 participants in Chinese class
Week 1 started with a three-day crash course of Mandarin and opportunities to try our hands, and feet, at Chinese pastimes like calligraphy, Mahjong, Chinese jump rope, table tennis, and tai chi. I found lots of luck and fun playing Mahjong, a game using tiles and the luck-of-the-draw. During the Mandarin classes, we are also given advice and tips to observe when conducting business in China. I am now able to correctly introduce myself to senior business officials and properly present them with my business card! The morning business classes have surprised me; I entered the program concerned that the information would be too far over my head and too intensive to grasp and apply in two weeks. The marketing, operations, and finance professors have done a great job of making the classes simple, interactive, and interesting. They teach in relatable ways that resemble my high school classrooms. Many other Kelley professionals have also offered their time to teach us about skills we will need through college and later life.
#KelleyBIG2016 Swahili class
For me, the best day of BIG has been Friday; the day we started Swahili and went networking. As one with an African family, one who has spent time on the continent, one who aspires to work on the continent, and one who wholly loves the African way of life, I really loved learning words to songs I had listened to as a child and trying my own tongue. Our professor’s energy and mannerisms reminded me of many people I had met on my travels. For me, the class acted as a bridge connecting memories of past experiences to the knowledge that I may need for my work in the future. Swahili class was followed by a networking lunch. My friends and I had the opportunity to sit down and have conversations with college students from various Middle Eastern countries, professors from Kelley, and board members from the Kelley Institute for International Business. I gained valuable insight about life as an International Baccalaureate student, shared conversation and thoughts with young business enthusiasts, and forged connections that I can utilize even after I return home.
The first week of BIG has pushed me to explore new concepts, cultures, and ways of understanding and open-mindedness. It’s all been quite different from what I expected but in a good way. I’ve been able to enjoy learning in a new environment with a group of like-minded peers. I look forward to what Week 2 has to offer!
Stay tuned for more #KelleyBIG2016 updates on IIB blog, Twitter (@KelleyIIB & @IU_CIBER), and Facebook!

The Start of BIG 2016 & Fourth of July Celebration

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The Start of Business Is Global (BIG) 2016 & Fourth of July Celebration

BIG 2016 kicked off on Sunday, July 3, and 34 high school students enjoyed July 4th celebrations in Bloomington

July 7, 2016

Post by BIG Program Assistant (PA) Sarah Joos

BIG 2016 students at Bloomington’s Fourth of July parade

This year’s Fourth of July was very different from any other experience the students have had before. We walked as a group to the Bloomington Fourth of July parade at 10a.m. The weather was a little rainy, but thankfully, the Poplars building had a large enough awning for us to sit under and enjoy the parade. The students were able to collect candy, Chick-fil-A sandwiches, and American flags as a variety of groups from Bloomington walked past. Among the PAs, our favorite group was the “Raging Grannies.” The parade was a great representation of the small-town culture that so many IU students love about Bloomington.

Later in the evening, the BIG students gathered with students from GBI to celebrate. Students from both groups played card games, took photos, and listened to music. The skies eventually cleared up, and we were all able to venture outside for dancing and frisbee. Food wasn’t served until sunset in honor of Ramadan, but it was well worth the wait. The combined barbecue was a great opportunity for the BIG students to meet and interact with the GBI students and learn about their cultures.

BIG 2016 students celebrating Fourth of July indoors with GBI participants
Stay tuned for more #KelleyBIG2016 updates on IIB blog, Twitter (@KelleyIIB & @IU_CIBER), and Facebook! 

2016 GBI Kicks Off

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2016 Global Business Institute (GBI) Kicks Off

All 100 college students from the Middle East, North Africa, and Near Asia arrived on July 2 to begin this year’s GBI program

July 6, 2016
Ten-plus travel hours and thousands of miles later, IIB’s 2016 GBI participants arrived in Bloomington safe and sound on Saturday, July 2. IIB staff and GBI program assistants (PAs) welcomed the tired yet eager students and assisted with their registrations and room assignments.
2016 Kelley GBI students registering with IIB staff and PAs upon their arrival
Southern Indiana’s infamous summer humidity, rain, and jetlag greeted the GBI scholars on their first official day at IU-Bloomington–Sunday, July 3. Rest of the day was spent attending various orientations–learning the ground rules of on-campus dorm (Teter) life, adjusting to U.S. academic classes, the culture of Bloomington, intercultural mindfulness, and IU’s technology access and use.
2015 Kelley GBI students enjoying downtime and away from the rainy outdoors
Monday, July 4, being a national holiday here in the U.S. (Independence Day), GBI students braved another day of rain, attended their first-ever Fourth of July Parade in downtown Bloomington and indulged in selfies and group pictures. After another round of procedural orientations, GBI scholars joined the “Business is Global” (BIG) high school program participants in an indoor Fourth of July BBQ and activities.
Starting Tuesday, July 5, the real classes began–with the Coke case introduction, presentation slide decks, and teamwork activities. As the Kelley GBI students enjoy, explore, and learn, IIB will be sure to trace their journey every step of the way!
Also stay up to date about #KelleyGBI2016 on kelleygbi2016.tumblr.com—made possible by GBI Cultural Liaison Ria Upadhyayula.

Recap of the Three-year-run GSEI Program

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Recap of the Global Social Entrepreneurship Institute (GSEI) Program

IIB looks back at the dynamic summer program for college students from Europe filled with success stories

July 1, 2016
Despite being busy with last-minute preparations to host two summer programs this year, IIB remembers the three-year run Global Social Entrepreneurship Institute (GSEI) program.

While the program is not scheduled to continue this year, GSEI certainly left positive impacts in many of its alumni’s academic, personal, and professional lives. Since its inception in 2013, 60 undergraduate students from 21 countries–stretching from Iceland to Russia–completed the program.

The program was a collaboration between the IIB and the U.S. Department of State’s Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI). This multifaceted, immersive program gives selected college students from Europe the opportunity to learn about and gain practical experience with social entrepreneurship and basic business skills and gain an introduction to U.S. business practices in the context of American culture.

GSEI participants came to IU Bloomington for a month of coursework, site visits, and service learning in social entrepreneurship. They worked with local organizations, businesses, and professors in the Kelley School of Business and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs to learn how to use business knowledge to advance the greater good. The program culminated with a week of travel to New Orleans, Louisiana, and Washington, D.C., where participants met with social entrepreneurs, participated in community service activities, and, most importantly, presented an individual social entrepreneurship project to U.S. Department of State officials.

The following are the alumni’s personal responses about how the GSEI program affirmatively influenced their lives:

Inaugural 2013 GSEI Cohort

“I am a member of the Young Enterprise Nottingham Area Board. Young Enterprise is the United Kingdom’s largest business and enterprise education charity. It gives students and young people a chance to create their own business and gain entrepreneurial skills… My ambition to create my own social enterprises in the future… has grown.” – Rachel Edmonds (U.K.), 2013 GSEI alumna

2014 GSEI Cohort

“I’m a Board Member and Head of Communication of the Young Ambassadors Foundation. Young Ambassadors is a foundation with the vision to inspire and motivate youth to fulfill their potentials, to promote positive development in society… I was a selected Norwegian representative at the Young Leaders for Tomorrow’s Europe Conference in August 2015.” – Juliet Young (Norway), 2014 GSEI alumna

2015 GSEI Cohort

“I carried on developing my enterprise (Bizplay) that I worked on in the GSEI program. I also participated in the biggest pitching competition in my university [and won]. The result of the competition, my enterprise is participating in the Founder Institute for four months, [and] will most probably develop the enterprise even further.” – Uku Lillevali (Estonia), 2015 GSEI alumnus

These are only a few of many success stories. IIB is excited for every one of GSEI alumni and their accomplishments, honored to have been a part of a wonderful journey, and looking forward to seeing and hearing all the phenomenal work the participants will do locally, regionally, and globally.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” – Steve Jobs

D-5 to GBI 2016 Kick-off

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D-5 to Global Business Institute (GBI) 2016 Kick-off

One-hundred college students from the Middle East, North Africa, and Near Asia to participate in a month-long multi-faceted, immersive business program at IU

June 27, 2016
With five days to go before the start of the 2016 Global Business Institute (GBI) summer program, IIB is busy with last-minute preps to welcome 100 college students across the Middle East, North Africa, and Near Asia.

Coming up on its fifth year in running, GBI is a multi-faceted, immersive program giving participants the opportunity to learn about business and entrepreneurship in the context of North American culture. This has all been made possible thanks to The Coca-Cola Export Corporation of the Middle East and North Africa Business Unit (Coca-Cola) and the U.S. Department of State.

GBI 2015 participants at The Coca-Cola Headquarters in Atlanta, GA

Hosted by IIB here at IU Bloomington, participants undergo an accelerated month-long program teaching and giving students the tools to start their own businesses and become change agents in their home countries–in hopes of creating a better future and cultivating tomorrow’s leaders.

This year, a total of seven countries will be represented–Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, and Tunisia.

GBI Scholars will not only engage in academic learning from top IU Kelley School of Business faculty, but also partake in company visits, global networking, and mentorship sessions, business competition, as well as travels (to Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, GA).

Most notable impacts of the program are seen through GBI alumni’s willingness to successfully apply and implement the positive aspects they’ve gained from the program. Some of their accomplishments include the following:

  • Some 30% have started a business in various industries including agriculture, business, engineering, and technology
  • More than 65% are engaged in entrepreneurial activities, including entrepreneurship communities and start-up competitions
  • Many have won prestigious state and international competitions, awards, and scholarships, including Fulbright Scholarship, Thomas Jefferson Scholarship, British Council Scholarship, and the U.S. Emerging Young Leaders Award
HERE is what GBI 2015 alumni thought about their eye-opening, unforgettable experience!

D-6 to 2016 BIG High School Summer Program Kick-off

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D-6 to 2016 Business Is Global (BIG) High School Summer Program Kick-off

More than 30 high school students to explore business, cultures, and languages from July 3-16, 2016

June 27, 2016

This year marks the fourth anniversary of IU CIBER and IIB running the BIG high school summer program–bringing to life the phrase “Business is global.” With less than a week before the start of 2016 BIG, IIB is eager to welcome our record number of 34 participants from 10 different States and one foreign country (Brazil).

On Sunday, July 3, BIG students will be crowding into IU Bloomington campus by plane, bus, and car. IU CIBER and IIB staff will be assisting the participants and their families for proper check-in and orientation.

Interested in experiencing a taste of college life and exploring the dynamic intersection of business, language, and culture? Be excited about BIG! It’s an intensive, two-week program for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who want to partake in such unusual yet life-changing journey.

The program’s curriculum is supported by area study centers and departments in the IU School of Global and International Studies and introduces students to less-commonly taught foreign languages and their associated cultures, including Mandarin Chinese (East Asia), Swahili (East Africa), and Turkish (Turkey & Cyprus).

Students also gain a basic understanding of business vocabularies and a general overview of how businesses operate through an accelerated curriculum based on the Kelley School of Business’ top-ranked Bloomington undergraduate program. Don’t forget the fun activities too–from team-building exercises, scavenger hunt, international cuisine cooking lessons, to “culture night,” the program offers both academic and leisure learning!

The highlight and grand finale of the program is the business competition. Students present a team business plan to a panel of judges comprised of Kelley faculty and international business professionals. Taking place on the morning of the last day, Saturday, July 16, an awards ceremony and reception will follow to congratulate not only the competition winners but all the students’ accomplishments with their families and program guests.

HERE is what last year’s BIG alumni thought about the program and their transformative experience!

IU CIBER Awards 11 Scholarships for Student Travel

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IU CIBER Awards 11 Scholarships for Student Travel

IU Kelley School of Business students explore eight countries thanks to IU CIBER travel scholarship

June 23, 2016
Every year, IU CIBER offers $1,000 scholarships to students participating in one of the Kelley School of Business’ innovative short-term study abroad courses. CIBER scholarships are awarded to students who are U.S. citizens and have demonstrated financial need by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Priority is given to students who have never traveled outside the U.S.
This year, IU CIBER received a record-high of 67 applications. After careful consideration, 11 scholarships were awarded to students traveling to Argentina, Australia, China, Costa Rica, Greece, Hong Kong, India, and Switzerland as part of their global business courses (X-272, M-360, and P-256) this summer.
As it was most of the selected students’ first time out of the country, the eye-opening, tremendous impact through their travels are best expressed through some of their thank-you letters.
IU Kelley Sophomore Laura Messerschmidt in Argentina (far left)

“Between the experience of working with a local entrepreneur and meeting with the non-profit, I was able to see firsthand how microfinance can serve a global solution to poverty… I had the experience of a lifetime… and am even more excited about international business.”  – Laura Messerschmidt


IU Kelley Sophomore Alejandro Argamasilla in China
“It was truly an incredible experience. I was able to learn so much about not only the Chinese culture but also myself and have since grown as a humbler person… Without the help of CIBER, I would not have been able to afford this incredible study abroad experience.” – Alejandro Argamasilla
 
 
 
 
 
              
 




These experiences and IU CIBER’s continued support for students to explore international destinations and businesses contribute to the overall objective of strengthening and promoting international education, language training, and research capacities of U.S. enterprises and universities.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

IU CIBER Supports Governors State University’s Second Summer Faculty Development Workshop

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IU CIBER Supports Governors State University’s Second Summer Faculty Development Workshop

One of IU CIBER’s model minority-serving institution (MSI) partners Governors State University (GSU) successfully hosts its second annual summer faculty development workshops

June 14, 2016
 
Governors State University conducted a two-day “Faculty Development in International Business” workshop from June 8–9, 2016. These workshops were offered to regional community college faculty, as well as for those working at four-year institutions. A total of 17 faculty from Moraine Valley Community College, Joliet Junior College, Kankakee Community College, City College of Chicago, South Suburban College, College of DuPage, Governors State University, and Harris-Stowe State University attended the sessions. 
 
With keynote presenters, Dr. Stephen Wagner and Dr. Carlos Ferran, the main focuses of this year’s workshops were “Business and Labor Management in the Global Environment” and “Accounting in the Global Context.”
Harris-Stowe State University faculty at GSU “Faculty Development in International Business” conference
 
The first day of the seminar covered the following topics:
  • Five global areas of communication
  • Labor practice and employee laws
  • Cutting-edge findings in science and global management
  • Change management in multi-national organizations
  • The business of global sustainability
The second day specifically addressed the following issues in global accounting:
  • Integrating accounting with international standards
  • Main differences between International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
  • Accounting and international ethics
Workshop participants expressed enjoying their time learning from the two main speakers, as well as interacting with other attendees. One particular faculty member said, “‘The Faculty Development in International Business’ was very informative and engaging.”
 
This is the second year GSU offered summer faculty development workshops with the support of Indiana University CIBER grant. IU CIBER also sponsored two Harris-Stowe State University faculty Dr. Joyce Eisel and Dr. Robert Kamkwalala to attend the conference.
 
Click HERE to read more about IU CIBER’s faculty development initiatives and works.

IIB Insider: Celebrating Indiana’s Burmese-American Community

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IIB Insider: Celebrating Indiana’s Burmese-American Community

IIB staff Jonathan Crum and Tim Smith attend the Fifth Annual Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) Awards Ceremony held on Saturday, June 4, 2016, in Indianapolis

June 8, 2016
Post by IIB’s Tim Smith
 
I had the great pleasure of joining my IIB colleague Jonathan Crum in Indianapolis this past Saturday evening at the Fifth Annual Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) Awards Ceremony Dinner. The celebration was held at the University of Indianapolis with over 200 community members attending the event. Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard greeted guests and offered opening remarks, “What the Burmese American Community Institute is doing for Burmese refugees in Indianapolis is remarkable.” He continued and cited how vital the Burmese Chin population is to the city of Indianapolis, and praised BACI for their outstanding advocacy efforts and commitment to educational programming for the Chin community. 
 
Traditional Burmese Chin dance performance
Currently, there are over 13,000 Burmese refugees living in Indianapolis.
The important annual event is primarily held to offer recognition awards to community partners, businesses, educators, and friends of BACI who have supported the Burmese Chin community in Indianapolis. The evening’s festivities also included Chin cultural dances, songs, music, and Burmese food. 
 
Mr. Elaisa Vahine, Executive Director of BACI, spoke of his vision to build a thriving, self-sufficient, and sustainable, integrated Burmese Community in Indianapolis through advocacy, education, and employment. 
 
BACI was established in 2011 to proactively respond to the growing needs of the Burmese refugee population in central Indiana. 
 
“Many of you did not believe I would stay for one-year; I have now been here for five!” Vahine said and smiled. 
 
Since its inception, BACI has assisted more than 2,000 individuals through its various programs. BACI’s main source of funding is grants from governmental agencies and local foundations.
Dr. Ro Dinga, Board Chair of BACI, challenged the community members and leaders, “All community members including the educated and leaders, let us continue to build a strong and self-sufficient community here, and if we are strong here, we can also rebuild a strong community in Burma.”

 

IIB is actively working in Myanmar (also known as Burma) to build its business and education systems. Learn more about our capacity-building work HERE.
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