GLOBAL AND EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAMS

Our approach to applied, experiential learning is about more than exposing you to new ideas; it’s about immersing you in the situations, moments and conversations that will change the way you lead and view the world.

In addition to in-person Summits—immersive learning experiences that bring you face-to-face with classmates and faculty in Chapel Hill and international business hubs—you’ll have the option to participate in a range of global, hands-on development opportunities during your time in the program.

Because our students bring a wealth of professional knowledge and perspectives to UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, these opportunities explore the business landscape at an advanced, worldwide level and give participants the chance to network, consult and apply new skills firsthand.

STAR is an experiential learning course that offers students the opportunity to learn by doing as they apply coursework and new skills to a real-world, management consulting project. Students take on the role of consultants to real companies that recruit and employ our students, delivering creative, fact-based and actionable recommendations directly to the corporate partner. The projects are designed to expose you to new industries and roles, while strengthening your complex problem-solving capabilities and teamwork skills.

Teams of five to six students, with one student serving as the Project Leader, are guided by both a faculty  advisor with significant business consulting/corporate experience and an executive from the client organization. Some prior STAR partners include:

For more information, please visit the STAR website.

STAR counts as an elective course, and students who apply to participate must have already completed all their core courses. You should be prepared to demonstrate how your previous experiences and coursework have prepared you for the kind of team problem-solving you will encounter as a STAR participant.

Learn more about the STAR program and the benefits of this consultative, experiential learning opportunity available to MBA students at UNC Kenan-Flagler.

If you are a currently enrolled student or client organization, and are interested in participating in STAR, please visit Kenan-Flager’s STAR website.

The DBI course gives students an opportunity to study abroad at one of UNC Kenan-Flagler’s MBA exchange partner schools.

These one- to three-week courses—which include academic components and cultural experiences—give students an in-depth look at how business is conducted in unique global settings. Students network with other MBA students and faculty from some of the world’s top business schools, giving them the ability to approach complex business problems with a more holistic, globally informed mindset.

We offer over 30 DBI programs, many of which focus on a particular business topic, such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, fintech and many more. Other programs are designed specifically for students who may be exploring business opportunities in a particular region. Recent DBI course examples include:

Some of our partner schools—including Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, School of Business, Chile and Universidad Torcuato Di Tella, Argentina—also offer short intensive electives, which range in length from three days to one week.

DBI Programs are offered throughout the year. Most programs are offered in March, May and June.

Students pay per-credit tuition to UNC in addition to DBI program-related administrative fees to partner schools. Some DBIs provide a package deal with hotel and in-country travel.

For more information, visit the DBI Program website.