Two Cities, One Unforgettable Journey

Twenty‑nine Ole Miss students spent part of their winter break earning business credit through a 10‑day study abroad program split between Prague, Czech Republic, and Munich, Germany. Participants ranged from freshmen to seniors and represented a wide variety of majors, creating a diverse learning environment both inside and outside the classroom.

The group arrived in Prague on January 4 and spent their first day settling in before embarking on a walking tour of the city. The tour began with sweeping views from Prague Castle, continued across the historic Charles Bridge, and concluded in Old Town near the famous Christmas Market.

Once students became familiar with the city, their business visits began. They toured Impact Hub, a collaborative workspace for small business owners; Crystal BOHEMIA, a renowned crystal glass factory; and Škoda, where they explored both the car factory and museum. Students were given a free day at the end of their stay to explore Prague independently before departing for Munich.

Upon arrival in Munich, students again started with a walking tour to get acquainted with the city’s layout and history. Their business itinerary included visits to Allianz Arena—home of FC Bayern Munich—BMW Welt and Museum, Erdinger Brewery, the Faber‑Castell factory, and Celonis, a global process‑mining consulting company.

Throughout the trip, students engaged directly with both local and international businesses, learning about industry practices, government regulations, and strategies for long‑term success. To reinforce their learning, each student completed journal entries reflecting on the key insights from every business visit.

In addition to business-focused activities, the program offered rich cultural experiences. In Prague, students enjoyed a traditional folklore dinner featuring local food, music, and dance, and visited the Museum of Communism to better understand the country’s political history. In Munich, they explored the city’s historical sites, took a day trip to Dachau and Nuremberg to learn about past political injustices, and concluded their stay with a traditional Bavarian dinner at a beer hall.

Maggie Blanke, a junior Management major, participated in the program. It was her first time traveling outside the United States. While stepping out of her comfort zone was challenging, she found traveling with peers created a supportive environment.

Maggie shared that Prague was her favorite stop due to its vibrant, welcoming atmosphere and deep historical roots. She especially enjoyed the walking tours, hands‑on business visits, and cultural dinners, noting how immersive experiences helped her connect with the people and daily life of each city.

“Seeing how companies balance tradition, innovation, and community impact helped me understand business concepts beyond the classroom,” she said.

The School of Business continues to prioritize global learning opportunities that take students beyond campus and into real‑world business environments. Because many programs occur outside the fall and spring semesters, students can travel without sacrificing their on‑campus experience.

This commitment to accessible, experiential learning ensures that students return not only with academic credit, but with broader perspectives, new skills, and a deeper understanding of global business.