Studying Abroad in the World’s Fastest Growing Economy

Studying abroad during graduate education lends the opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a foreign culture, extending learning beyond the classroom. During this past December intersession, a group of DePaul faculty, staff and students traveled to India. We asked a few current DePaul graduate students to tell us about their trip: Nathan Chamberlain, Matt Krause and Maria Milutinovic.

Studying abroad enables students to expand and apply knowledge in a global yet practical setting. “Studying abroad put me in a position to actively engage my theoretical knowledge,” says MS in Marketing student Nathan Chamberlain. “I’ve taken courses about marketing strategies and emerging markets, but actually going to India and meeting with the top leadership of companies across several industries was invaluable.”

With a deep cultural history of more than 5,000 years old, India is one of the world’s most diverse countries. It provides students with a truly unique study abroad experience. Second-year MBA student Matt Krause noted, “The trip to India gave me an experience that I never dreamed of. It was my fourth time abroad in my academic career and was by far the most eye opening, meaningful experience of them all.”

Although India has been an open market economy for only 25 years, it is one of the largest and fastest growing economies in the world. The country’s rapidly growing economy and strong entrepreneurship was notable to visiting students. Second-year MBA student Maria Milutinovic recalls, “Business owners have found ways to be innovative. It reminded us that anything is possible with even limited resources.” Chamberlain also noted customized approaches to business while on the trip. “I learned first-hand that some Indian companies are approaching growth creatively in ways that are appropriate for their customers, for their unique cultures and subcultures.”

For students considering a study abroad experience, the advice is unanimous: try it!

●     “Get out of your comfort zone while you have the support of your professors and study abroad staff. Go to a place you wouldn’t normally consider. It’s a short-term commitment that will forever change you. Make the most of it.” – Nathan Chamberlain

●     “Choose a country that you might not otherwise visit because this may be your only chance to experience it.” – Matt Krause

●     “Go for it! As a Double Demon, not taking the opportunity to study abroad while in undergrad is my only regret. It will not disappoint.” – Maria Milutinovic

Nathan Chamberlain is an MS student focused in marketing.

Matt Krause is an MBA student concentrating in business strategy and decision-making.

Maria Milutinovic is an MBA student concentrating in business strategy and decision-making. 

Learn more about the upcoming short-term study abroad trips for DePaul students.