Last month, eight ambitious business and administration students from the University of Córdoba, a public university in Spain, came together in Richmond, Va., to learn about American culture and complete an intense two-week consulting project, thanks to the VCU School of Business’ International Consulting Program (ICP).“
Above the obvious benefits of increased awareness of different cultures, practices and perspectives, students who work and study abroad gain exposure to unique challenges and opportunities,” said Elena Olson, Ph.D., associate professor of Information Systems for VCU Business.
As the faculty lead for the ICP Spain group, Olson served as both the project and student advisor, teaching the students how to conduct a consulting project and setting clear expectations for both students and the client. She and Jose Antonio Lopez Castro, Ph.D., a professor from the University of Córdoba, supervised the project, ensuring its success and creating an immersive educational experience.
The students were paired with the local nonprofit performing arts organization, The Latin Ballet of Virginia, whose mission is to “enrich and connect communities through Latin/Hispanic cultural dance experiences with a commitment to education, diversity and accessibility.”