A group of 19 DePaul students traveled to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland/UK over Spring Break to better understand Brexit (the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union). Led by Economics Professor Tom Mondschean and Christa Hinton, assistant dean and director of the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, the experience offered students the opportunity to learn about Brexit from two perspectives: Ireland and the United Kingdom. The trip also offered students the opportunity to visit cultural venues to learn about Irish history, the troubles in Northern Ireland, the role the Titanic played in Belfast industry and the business history of Guinness and Irish whiskey distilleries.
Students had the opportunity to experience local culture, such as Dublin’s famous Temple Bar.
“This trip was a fantastic way for students to comfortably experience two countries and cultures in one week and learn about a topic that will directly affect businesses and individuals,” said Mondschean. “By meeting with business and government officials from both countries, students were able to begin to understand the complexities of Brexit and how people continue to grapple with the uncertainty.”
Hilary Perschke, a Kellstadt part-time MBA student, said, “The opportunity to study abroad in Ireland has given me a perspective that is invaluable to my career growth and a chance to differentiate myself in a competitive market. I have gained knowledge from both a business and cultural standpoint that has set me apart from my peers in my field. The connections I have made helped me expand my network to view business dynamics from an international lens.”
Part-time MBA student Jory Nelaimischkies also described the benefits of the experience. “I knew I wanted to take advantage of a Study Abroad program while at DePaul, and as a working student I was incredibly excited by the idea of a ‘Spring Break’ trip,” said Nelaimischkies.
Nelaimischkies and Perschke, both J.P. Morgan employees, had the opportunity to visit their firm’s Dublin office.
“Visiting international businesses, talking with local governments, and hearing firsthand how people will actually be impacted by Brexit was far more informative than a book or a lecture. Not only did I get to travel to a new country, but I was also able to envision the potential of a career with travel outside the United States.”
This trip to the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom was just one of the many opportunities Kellstadt students have had this year to experience education on an international level. DePaul students have countless opportunities to set themselves apart in the job market by utilizing study abroad and other experiential learning.
Learn more about:
- Study Abroad Options at DePaul University
- DePaul’s Graduate Business Programs
- Admission to Kellstadt
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