For many students, commuting to class is routine. However, for some business students at Southern Arkansas University (SAU), one course has taken them halfway around the world.
The Rankin College of Business (RCB) offers International Studies and Field Experience as an alternative to International Business. This unique course has taken students and faculty to Italy, Kenya, and Greece, with upcoming trips planned for Costa Rica and a return to Italy in 2025.
“I think it changed their lives. Many students have never left South Arkansas, and traveling
abroad is a life-altering experience for them. Honestly, it changed my life, too.”
Dr. Christie Hough / Professor of Management
Dr. Gerald Plumlee, interim dean of RCB, emphasizes the confidence gained through international travel. “We’ve found that international travel helps students build confidence in themselves when navigating the world around them.”
The initiative was spearheaded by Dr. Robin Sronce, former RCB dean and current vice president and provost of academic affairs. Students spend the spring semester preparing for their trip and later present their experiences to various groups upon returning.
Dr. Christie Hough, professor of management, has participated in both RCB trips to Greece, most recently in 2024 with Ronnie Watson, assistant professor of management. She has witnessed firsthand the impact of international exposure on students. “I think it changed their lives,” said Hough. “Many students have never left South Arkansas, and traveling abroad is a life-altering experience for them. Honestly, it changed my life, too.”
The 2024 Greece trip featured immersive business experiences, including olive oil tasting, winery visits, and meetings with local producers. Students also explored the Hellenikon Project, a “15-minute city” designed for efficiency and sustainability. “The students were super impressed,” said Hough. “They saw generational businesses and how they are passed down within families.”
Beyond business, cultural experiences were central to the trip. Students visited the Acropolis Museum, the National Archeological Museum, the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, the Corinth Canal, and the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology.
During her Kenya trip, Katie Tejeda, an MBA student, recalls its lasting impact. “It was amazing. We saw the country’s economic contrasts—rich, poor, middle class. It shaped my world lens.” SAU’s volunteer coordinator, Tejeda, now appreciates RCB’s efforts to secure donors to make these trips accessible.
Mr. Brian Logan, assistant professor of economics, traveled to Kenya with his wife, Dr. Jeni Logan, professor of economics, and Dr. Stephen Juma, assistant professor of marketing. He noted the stark cultural contrasts, from cows roaming main roads to businesses operating in unique ways. The trip included visits to a coffee plantation, a bead factory, a Maasai village, and safaris.
Through these experiences, students witness global business operations and connect with the people behind them. “You see that people around the world are not so different,” Hough reflected. “There are differences, but also many similarities.”
RCB’s international trips provide more than just business education—they expand perspectives, build confidence, and create unforgettable experiences that last a lifetime.
