For   several   years,   I   led   a   12-day   adventure   to   Brazil.   Students   learn   from   businesses,   Brazilian   peers,   and   each   other! Business   experiences   range   from   large   companies   and   start-up   firms   in   Brazil’s   business   hub,   São   Paulo,   to   developing areas in beautiful São Luís. Students experience four distinct locales in Brazil. Our   trip   typically   begins   with   a   visit   to   São   Paulo-   Brazil's   vibrant   financial   center.   São   Paulo   is   among   the   world's   most populous cities with numerous cultural institutions (e.g., Natura ) and a rich architectural and artistic tradition (e.g., Beco do Batman "Batman Alley" is   an   open   air   gallery   of   street   art).   Second,   we   visit   São   Luís,   a   city   in   northeastern   Brazil   on   São   Luís island   in   the   Atlantic   Ocean.   In   the   city's   historic   center   is   the   neighborhood   of   Praia Grande,    around    Portugal    Street,    which    is    marked    by    colonial    buildings    with distinctive   Portuguese   tiles   and   cast-iron   balconies.   Third,   we   travel   to   a   small village   in   the   Amazon   called   Santo   Amaro.   We   spend   a   glorious   day   in   the   3-story sand     dunes     (!!)     and     fresh     water     lagoons     (e.g.,     Blue     Lagoon)     in     Lençóis Maranhenses   National   Park.   Finally,   we   wrap   up   our   adventure   with   a   trip   to   Rio de   Janeiro-   a   huge   seaside   city   famous   for   its   beaches   (e.g.,   Copacabana   and Ipanema) and the iconic world wonder- Christ the Redeemer statue.

Study    abroad    programs    around    the    world    were    cancelled    due    to    COVID-19.    Understandably,    my    students    were    very disappointed.   In   response,   I   created,   with   the   team   at   Via   Mundo,   a   Zoom   teleconference   with   Brazilian   college   students, business   owners,   and   cultural   educators   (see   flyer,   below).   Trip   participants   enjoyed   a   visual   presentation   about   areas   of Brazil   including   the   beautiful   Lençóis   Maranhenses   National Park,   the   historical   city   of   São   Luís,   and   other   landmarks.   All participants,    which    included    students    and    colleagues,    were able   to   ask   questions   and   learn   more   about   Brazil’s   amazing people, businesses, and culture. This   “virtual   trip”   turned   out   to   be   a   perfect   opportunity   for those   of   us   in   the   U.S.   to   see   and   hear   about   the   wonders   of this   beautiful   country.   It   was   also   heartwarming   to   see   the delight   the   Brazilians   had   in   discussing   their   home   country. We    could    see    the    pride    they    felt    as    they    discussed    their favorite   places   to   visit   and   things   to   do.   It   was   an   incredible experience    and    I    am    extremely    grateful    to    Via    Mundo    for helping me make the “virtual study abroad trip” a reality! Below are a few excerpts from participants: “ I   can't   wait   to   go   next   year!!   This   looks   so   fun! ”   (D.J.,   WVU   B&E student) “ This    place    looks    amazing!    Thank    you    so    much    for    the presentation!    It    makes    me    miss    Brazil! ”    (B.G.,    WVU    B&E student) “ Thank    you    so    much    for    putting    this    together!    This    was awesome :) ” (S.G., WVU B&E student) “ That's   my   favourite   place   in   the   world   by   far!! ”   (A.P.,   Brazilian student) “ Thank   you   so   much!   This   was   so   enjoyable! ”   (E.J.,   WVU   B&E student) “ I    LOVE    this    virtual    trip.    Learned    amazing    things.    This    is definitely   the   highlight   of   my   stressful   week.   LOL.   Thank   you Laurel   and   thank   you   the   Team   Via   Mundo ”   (Dr.   W.,   WVU   B&E professor) “ We    all    can’t    wait    to    start    traveling    and    visiting    again.    You made   this   so   enjoyable!! ”   (B.C.,   Director   of   Robbins   Center   for Global Business & Strategy)

Undoubtedly,   study   abroad   experiences   play   an   important   role   in   shaping   students’   college   outcomes   (e.g.,   academic performance,   satisfaction)   and   communication   skills   ( Luo   and   Jamieson-Drake   2014 ).   There   is   also   a   natural   link   between these   experiences   and   employability   ( Curtis   and   Ledgerwood   2018 ).   Importantly,   I   have   found   study   abroad   programs   to also serve as wonderful tools for retention and recruitment. 2024   marks   the   first   year   that   I   will   lead   a   Study   Abroad   trip   to   Japan.   Areas   that   we’ll   explore   and   activities   we’ll   enjoy include   the   following:   the   National   Museum   of   Emerging   Science   &   Innovation,   Imperial   Palace-   Meiji   Shrine,   Shibuya,   Cat Café,   Tokyo   Skytree,   Harajuku   Tour,   Sensoji   Temple,   Tokyo   National   Museum,   Japanese   Cooking   Class,   Yamashita   Park,   and Yokohama   Chinatown.   Important   parts   of   our   trip   include:   Japan’s   Manufacturing   Sector,   Navigating the   Japanese   Market   Company   Culture   in   Japan,   Supply   Chain   Innovation,   and   completing   a   Service Learning Project with Oberlin University. During   the   trip,   students   will   (1)   gain   a   global   perspective   in   business   (e.g.,   Japan   has   a   unique   business culture   deeply   rooted   in   respect,   hierarchy,   and   formality.   Experiencing   this   firsthand   can   provide invaluable     insights     into     cross-cultural     communication-     a     critical     skill     in     a     global     business environment),    (2)    learn    about    technological    advancements    (e.g.,    Japan    is    a    global    technology    hub, known   for   its   contributions   to   robotics,   electronics,   and   automotive   industries),   and   (3)   gain   personal growth   and   travel   savviness   (e.g.,   Living   in   Japan   allows   us   to   immerse   ourselves   in   a   culture   that   values   discipline,   precision, and   harmony.   Adapting   to   a   different   lifestyle   fosters   personal   growth,   resilience,   and   the   ability   to   thrive   in   diverse environments.