Being successful business leaders in the 21st century requires global acumen. As such, the School of Business has implemented a global acumen requirement for all undergraduate business majors. UP's School of Business defines global acumen as the ability to identify, appreciate, and understand the cultural, economic and linguistic components of other cultures while reflecting the values and principles of our unifying global communities. Ideally, each student will achieve the Traveler, World Citizen or Sojourner Scholar level according to the Global and Intercultural Learning Outcomes.

The School of Business defines Global Acumen as the ability to identify, appreciate, and understand the cultural, economic and linguistic components of other cultures while reflecting the values and principles of our unifying global communities. As such, the School of Business has implemented a Global Acumen requirement for all undergraduate business majors.

More About the Global Acumen Initiative — Meaningful International Experience

Defining A Meaningful International Experience:

A major component of Global Acumen is the Meaningful International Experience (MIE). The MIE may be different for every student and must be pre-approved by the dean’s office. Students will determine the most appropriate MIE for themselves (1). All students will register for a one credit course, BUS 496- Meaningful International Experience, either during or after they have completed the MIE.

Qualifying Criteria for a Meaningful International Experience

An MIE must be a post-secondary experience. The following qualify:

• Any documented activity abroad that results in University of Portland credit (2). This may
  be through either:
  • Studies Abroad Program (3)
  • Internship
  • Individually directed study or research project with a business or a faculty
    member.
• Any documented meaningful experience, abroad or domestic, that meets one of the
  following criteria:
  • An experiential academic course activity with a significant international component.
  • A work, internship, coaching, or volunteer experience of at least three weeks in duration that intentionally incorporates international objectives
  • Travel of at least one-week's duration within the context of an educational program that includes systematic reflection/processing (4). Personal travel does not qualify.
  • Sponsored research abroad
  • Other experiences that the School of Business has defined as educational and related to collegiate internationalization (5).

1. All expectations and documentation regarding MIEs will be made available to students through the online platform UP - Engage. The MIE proposal form and the Post-MIE Reflection form must be completed before student will qualify for graduation.
2. Credits may be either resident of transfer. Credits may be based on a combination of overseas and on-campus study, such as an on-campus course with overseas component.
3. International students may fulfill the MIE requirement with their studies at the University of Portland.
4. Examples of qualifying experiences include those offered through a University program, such as the Entrepreneur Scholars Program and the Moreau Center.
5. All experiences must be approved through the School of Business.

For more information or questions about the Global Acumen requirement, please email busglobal@up.edu or contact the School of Business office at 503-943-7224.

Student Spotlight

Bhanu Pamma - Class of 2019 Operations and Technology Management

"I had the opportunity to travel to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as part of KPMG's Global Internship Program. It was my first time ever traveling to Asia so there was definitely a culture shock. I interacted with individuals from different cultures, tried a variety of traditional foods, and explored Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Working outside the United States enhanced my ability to adapt to new situations and broadened my perspective while polishing my communication skills. Now I can come back to the United States and be confident in interacting with people who have a different working style than mine as well as be comfortable with taking any opportunity that comes my way."