This past summer, 14 students from the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University took experiential learning to new heights through the Global Entrepreneurship Experience, an immersive three-week study abroad program set in the picturesque South of France.
The program seamlessly blended academic rigor, applied learning, and cultural discovery. Students took courses in entrepreneurship and international business research, collaborated directly with a French technology company on a real-world consulting project, and explored the vibrant regional culture—from its historic towns and cuisine to its dynamic approach to business and innovation.
“It’s hard to summarize the experience of being immersed in another culture,” said Dr. Seth Cockrell, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Marketing at the Barton School, who co-led the program. “Everything—from food to mannerisms to societal norms—shapes how people live and do business. Our students didn’t just study these concepts; they lived them.”
As part of the program’s applied learning component, students partnered with Action Digitale, an IT solutions company based in Pau, France. They conducted market research focused on French-speaking regions of Canada and developed strategic recommendations to help the company expand internationally.
“Our goal was to create an experience that would be both academically rigorous and deeply personal,” said Dotty Harpool, Executive Director of Engagement and Prominence and Senior Educator at the Barton School. “By planning the program in Pau this year and teaching in it, I had the privilege of watching students grow into more confident, curious, and globally-minded individuals in real time.”
In addition to their coursework, students visited a French winery to learn about global supply chains and brand storytelling, and explored the scenic beach town of Biarritz on the Bay of Biscay—experiencing firsthand how culture, creativity, and commerce intertwine.
“It was an incredible opportunity—not only to experience another country for the first time but also to gain real business experience that will help me in my career,” said Andrew Cook, a senior majoring in Digital Marketing. “I was sad on the flight home because I didn’t want it to end.”
Plans are already underway for the next Global Entrepreneurship Experience, which continues to expand opportunities for Barton students to learn, lead, and connect internationally. Once finalized, applications will open to interested students, and scholarships will be available for eligible participants.
“All businesses are influenced by global dynamics,” added Dr. Cockrell. “The more our students immerse themselves in understanding those forces, the better prepared they are to innovate, adapt, and lead in a connected world.”
For more information, visit the Barton School’s Global Entrepreneurship Experience website.