The world is bigger than you think

Some lessons can’t be learned in a classroom.

Just ask Kennedy Burns, a senior marketing major from Whitehall, Mich., who traveled to the United Kingdom as part of a faculty-led summer course led by BIS faculty member Shelly Bartosek.

“I always knew I wanted to study abroad, but I didn’t think it was going to happen,” Burns said. “I’m not really one to go outside of my comfort zone. But when I heard about a shorter program in an English-speaking country, I was like, ‘Oh, maybe I can do that.’ So, I said yes—and it ended up being one of the best experiences of my life.”

For Bartosek, that’s exactly the point.

“Students don’t always realize how life-changing it can be to step into another culture,” she said. “Sadly, I didn’t travel internationally when I was young, and I always wonder— if I had done this program at Kennedy’s age, how different would my life have looked?”

BIS 342WI – Special Studies in Business Information Systems is a faculty-led course focused on cultural immersion and global communication. Bartosek previously co-led the program with course creator Jerry DiMaria and recently led her own iteration.

Students meet on campus before traveling to England and Wales for two weeks of hands-on learning and faculty-led discussion. While there, they explore everything from ancient castles to modern marketing, comparing cultural norms, team communication styles, and consumer behavior.

“We’re not just sightseeing,” Bartosek said. “We’re helping students build confidence, independence, and cross-cultural skills that will serve them in any business setting.”

Lessons that stay with you

For Burns, the course offered more than academic credit—it offered perspective.

“I paid attention to the marketing everywhere we went,” she said. “Even their promotions and advertising are so different in the UK. You don’t see billboards or ads slapped all over the walls. It’s not overly promotional. It kind of lets you just take it in.”

She also remembers the small moments that helped her grow.

“There was one night we walked on the beach and explored sea caves with Jerry. That wasn’t something that we had to do. He just offered it to us,” she said. “That was the moment where I stepped back and realized where I was and what I was doing. It just felt very surreal.”

By the end of the trip, she said, everything felt different.

“I left with so much more confidence than I had before,” she said. “You gain skills that I think set you apart. Even in my internship now, I work with people from all over the world—and it’s easier to connect with them because I’ve had that experience.”

An immersive, guided experience

Unlike direct-enroll programs where students study at a foreign university for a full semester, faculty-led programs offer a structured, short-term option. That makes them ideal for students who have never traveled abroad, are nervous about language barriers, or simply want a guided first step.

“This isn’t just a vacation,” Bartosek said. “We’re helping students navigate unfamiliar environments and build cultural intelligence in a supportive setting. It’s immersive learning with built-in mentorship—and that makes all the difference.”

The UK program starts in a small town and gradually expands to busier areas like Cardiff and London, with students journaling, reflecting, and engaging in group debriefs along the way.

“We help them become more than tourists. We teach them how to be travelers—how to be learners,” she said.

Cost, scholarships, and support

Many students worry that study abroad will be too expensive, but there’s good news: scholarships are available. The College of Business Administration offers dedicated support for study abroad, as does CMU’s Office of Global Engagement. Students are also encouraged to explore additional funding opportunities, including scholarships offered by local organizations in their communities.

“It’s something I think every student should do,” Bartosek said. “Not just think about. Not just consider. Go. Immerse yourself. You’ll never regret it.”

Where to start

Whether you’re ready to travel or just starting to explore your options, CMU’s Office of Study Abroad can help you find a program that aligns with your academic goals, interests, and timeline.

“If you're new to international travel or looking for a shorter, more structured study abroad program that allows you to deepen your connections with your professors and classmates, a faculty-led study abroad programs is the way to go,” said study abroad advisor Sydney Hutchinson. “These programs are far from the typical classroom experience. You will be immersing yourself in your learning in a way you never could have imagined." 

Before making any decisions, students should talk with their academic advisor to understand how a study abroad experience fits into their degree plan—then connect with the Office of Study Abroad to explore programs, financial aid options, and travel logistics.

Ready to take the next step? Start by talking to your academic advisor, then visit the Office of Study Abroad in Ronan Hall or explore programs online at studyabroad.cmich.edu.