Twelve students from Wichita State University’s Barton School of Business expanded their understanding of entrepreneurship and global business during a two-week study-abroad program at Geneva Business School in Barcelona, Spain, in June 2026.
The students completed an entrepreneurship course focused on social entrepreneurship while learning alongside students from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Through classroom collaboration, company visits, conversations with international executives and cultural immersion, participants examined how businesses can address complex social challenges while creating sustainable economic value.
“This program represents the kind of transformative student experience we strive to provide at Wichita State University,” said Alexander H. Ziegler, Associate Professor of Marketing and Executive Director of External Relations and Partnerships the Barton School of Business. “Students were able to apply what they have learned in the classroom in an international environment, build relationships with peers and business leaders from around the world, and see how entrepreneurship can be used to create meaningful social impact.”
During the program, students visited and interacted with executives from global companies Alstom and Nestlé, gaining firsthand insight into global business operations, leadership, and innovation. They also explored Barcelona’s history and culture through visits to the city’s Gothic Quarter and several renowned buildings designed by architect Antoni Gaudí.
For Barton School student Tajzmarae Bowie, the experience provided a new perspective on both business and personal growth.
“Studying in Barcelona gave me the opportunity to experience business in a completely different cultural environment,” Bowie said. “Working with students from another university, meeting international business leaders and exploring the city helped me become more confident, adaptable and open-minded. It also showed me how entrepreneurship can be used to make a positive difference in people’s lives.”
A central component of the course was a collaborative project with Homeless Entrepreneur, an organization that works with unhoused individuals to develop personalized plans promoting economic empowerment, poverty reduction, employment and active citizenship.
Students applied entrepreneurial concepts to a meaningful, real-world challenge and developed ideas intended to support unhoused individuals. The project encouraged participants to consider how entrepreneurship, innovation and community partnerships can create pathways toward long-term economic stability.
“International collaboration is essential in preparing students to lead in today’s interconnected business environment,” said Jordi Rey, director of international partnerships at Geneva Business School. “The partnership brought together students with different backgrounds and perspectives while allowing them to address a genuine social challenge. Experiences like this help students develop the creativity, cultural awareness and sense of responsibility required of future business leaders.”
The June program marked the first Barton School study-abroad experience offered in partnership with Geneva Business School in Barcelona. It also created opportunities for future academic collaboration between the institutions.
By combining academic instruction, experiential learning and cultural immersion, the program supported the Barton School’s commitment to preparing students to become globally aware, entrepreneurial and socially responsible leaders.
Students interested in participating in a future Barcelona study-abroad experience are encouraged to stay tuned for updates and application information for next year’s program. You can learn more about this opportunity to study abroad at https://www.wichita.edu/barcelona.