Learning how businesses operate beyond the United States
Ivy College of Business MBA students took their studies abroad last spring, venturing to Italy and Croatia on a 10-day study tour. Accompanied by Sekar Raju, chair of the Department of Marketing, and Sarah Wilson, director of professional master’s student services, this trip provided students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in diverse cultures while learning how businesses operate beyond the United States.
The trip was off to a sweet start, beginning with a business visit and tour of Antica Cioccolateria Artigiana Croci, a family-owned chocolate factory established in 1930 in Turin, Italy. Hosted by Guido Croci and his daughter, the group experienced the traditional processing techniques of artisanal chocolate making and left with a fan favorite – the chocolate-covered cherries. The group then headed to Maranello for a tour of Ferrari where they participated in a formula marketing workshop, learning all about the iconic Ferrari brand.
Jumping from Turin to Parma and Florence, students dove deeper into Italy’s culinary traditions.
The visit to Parma included an insightful trip to Borgo del Gazzano, a family-owned Parmigiano Reggiano factory. Students observed the entire production process, from the milking of cows to the aging of cheese wheels. Next, the students visited Acetaia Malpighi in Modena, another family business with deep roots dating back to 1850. There, they learned about the traditional processing of balsamic vinegar and sampled a range of aged vinegar. The tour of Italy’s rich cuisine concluded with a visit to the Museo della Pasta.
In Florence, the students explored Scuola del Cuoio, a renowned leather school that showcases the enduring Italian tradition of leather craftsmanship. This was another excellent example of Italian traditions being passed down through generations and supporting the local community.
The adventure continued with a 14-hour overnight ferry ride from Ancona, Italy, to Split, Croatia – a memorable experience in itself. Once they arrived in Croatia, the group journeyed through the cities of Trogir, Ston, and Split. Along the way, they stopped to visit Stella Croatica to learn about olive oil production and explored Solana Ston, home to Europe’s oldest salt pans, which have been in operation for over 4,000 years. They even tackled the challenge of climbing the Wall of Ston, the second-largest wall in the world, and treated themselves to fresh oysters straight from the Adriatic Sea.
The group rounded out their travels in Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, where they met with Antonio Prebanda, the general manager at Hotel Corner. Prebanda provided an engaging learning experience, sharing his insights into the hospitality industry.
This study tour not only provided students with the opportunity to experience the rich cultures of Italy and Croatia, but also gave them a chance to connect classroom knowledge to real-world applications and expand their view of global business operations.
Learn more about graduate study tours at the Ivy College of Business.
September 13, 2024
