IU Kokomo students gain global business experience through study abroad in Poland

Fourteen Indiana University Kokomo students recently returned from an immersive 10-day study abroad program in Poland, where they explored one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies while gaining firsthand insight into international business, culture, and history.

The program was led by Gloria Preece, assistant professor of personal financial planning and marketing and campus coordinator for IU Education Abroad, and Adam Smith, associate professor of management. Together, they guided students through an academic experience that combined classroom concepts with real-world business engagement in Warsaw and Kraków.

During the program, students met with executives and professionals from leading organizations, including PwC, LeverX, Volvo Tech Hub, Jacobs, the American Chamber of Commerce in Poland, and the University of Warsaw. Discussions focused on global business strategy, innovation, sustainability, leadership, and workforce development, and Poland’s remarkable economic transformation over the past three decades.

In addition to corporate and university visits, students explored Poland’s rich cultural heritage through visits to Warsaw’s Old Town, the Warsaw Rising Museum, Polin Museum, Wawel Castle, and the former Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau concentration and extermination camps. These experiences provided valuable context for understanding Poland’s history, resilience, and its role in shaping modern Europe. For many students, the visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau was among the most profound and impactful moments of the program, offering an opportunity to reflect on the importance of human dignity, ethical leadership, and the consequences of intolerance.

“This program allows students to experience international business rather than simply read about it,” said Preece. “By engaging directly with business leaders, faculty, and policymakers, students gain a deeper understanding of how culture, history, and economics shape business decisions across the globe. It is an experience that builds confidence, broadens perspectives, and prepares them for careers in an increasingly interconnected world.”

Smith emphasized the value of experiential learning in developing future business leaders.

“Some of the most meaningful learning happens when students step outside the classroom and immerse themselves in another culture,” Smith said. “Seeing how organizations operate in a different economic, cultural, and historical environment challenged our students to think more critically, ask better questions, and appreciate the importance of adaptability and global collaboration. Experiences like these develop not only stronger business professionals but also more informed and compassionate global citizens.”

Sophomore Caroline Wise, West Lafayette, said the experience helped her reconsider her career plans.

“I am a finance major who was solely focused on banking,” she said. “Getting to go overseas opened my mind to a corporate setting. I’ve never seen a corporate setting shine in this way. It was cool to see that I have so many options and directions available for my future career, not just staying local in Indiana, but globally.”

Opportunities like the Poland experience helped her decide to attend IU Kokomo.

“I went on a study abroad in high school and it started a big travel bug in me,” Wise said. “Part of the reason I chose IU Kokomo was I knew there were lots of opportunities for students, including travel.”

Kokomo resident Ty Frazier was excited to visit a European country for the first time, and he especially enjoyed seeing the castle ruins during their drive to Kraków. He appreciated the opportunity to network and meet students from outside his finance and human resources majors.

“I connected with a lot of people I might not have talked to otherwise,” he said. “Meeting people and exploring someplace new together is a cool way to bond. Now that we’re home, these people are my friends. I’ve hung out with them for 10 days in a country 4,000 miles from home. I don’t think you can beat that kind of connection.”

Throughout the program, students also completed a field experience project, working in teams to analyze Poland’s business environment, economic development, and consumer marketplace. They collected firsthand observations throughout the trip before presenting their findings and reflecting on how the experience broadened their understanding of global business.

The Poland study abroad program reflects the campus’s commitment to experiential learning and preparing students for success in the global marketplace. By combining academic coursework with international travel and direct engagement with industry leaders, students develop the cultural competence, professional skills, and global perspective that today’s employers increasingly value.

IU Kokomo plans to offer the Poland study abroad program again in 2028, continuing its partnerships with international businesses and universities while providing future students with transformative global learning opportunities.

The trip was offered as part of the IU Kokomo Experience and You (KEY) program, which offers transformative learning opportunities through a wide variety of hands-on experiences — from faculty-mentored research internships and retreats, to overseas study, domestic field trips, and project-based learning.

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.