International Residency FAQ

Read below for answers to common questions about MBA 570 Global Environment of Business/International Residency.

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  • Am I required to take Global Environment of Business/International Residency?

    Yes. Global Environment of Business is a graduation requirement, and the International Residency is a crucial part of the program experience.

  • Where will the International Residency trips take place?

    International Residency locations are announced each fall in late September or early October. The residency period is during the summer session, usually in late May/early June. An email announcing class details and the residency location is sent out each year during early spring semester.

  • Typically, how long does the residency segment of each class last?

    Residency trips typically last one week. The exact time out of the country may vary slightly each year.

  • Besides the trip, what additional time commitment is there for this class?

    Students will be required to attend class prior to leaving the country and after returning. Additionally, student teams will conduct extensive research outside of class to meet the objectives of their International Consultancy Project (ICP) client firms, and they must prepare and submit a detailed written report and presentation for their project.

  • What is the International Consultancy Project?

    The International Consultancy Project (ICP) is the focal point of the course. Students are divided into teams and work with an actual company on an international business issue.

  • What does tuition for the class include?

    Hotel accommodations, breakfast, select lunches and dinners, program-related activities in‐country, transportation for such activities, and the cost of supplemental healthcare and repatriation insurance are included in tuition.

  • What are examples of additional expenses I will incur for the class?

    You will be responsible for the cost of your textbooks, passport, visa if required, airline transportation, round trip ground transportation from the airport, meals not covered, incidentals, non-class related activities, and any vaccinations/medicines required to visit the destination country.

  • Will I need a visa?

    Visa requirements vary by country, by the nature of/reason for the visit, the length of the visit, and your citizenship. The US State Department website details visa requirements for US citizens by country. Check the Entry/Exit Requirements section in the State Department’s Country Specific Information website.

    If you are not a US citizen you must check with the embassy of the destination country. For information on foreign embassies located in the U.S. you can check a site such as www.embassy-worldwide.com or simply do a Google search.

  • What about vaccinations? How do I know if I need any vaccinations or immunoprophylaxis?

    Consult the Center for Disease Control website and a travel clinic. You should discuss your medical needs with your physician.

  • Am I allowed to bring friends and/or family members with me on the trip?

    No. The International Residency is for registered students only. Friends and family members are not permitted during the residency period.

  • Will I be able to extend my trip beyond the residency dates if I want to spend more time exploring the country where the residency takes place?

    Some students schedule time beyond the residency dates in the country visited. This is a personal decision and is not coordinated through the Graduate Programs office. Note that Global Environment of Business usually does not meet during the week following the end of the residency trip. Students should refer to pre- and post‐residency class schedules before arranging extended stays.

  • What if I don’t have a passport?

    Students are required to complete a trip registration questionnaire which will include submitting a copy of a valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the scheduled return from the destination country. Students who are US citizens should visit the U.S. Department of State website for information on obtaining, renewing, or making changes to their passport.

  • How do I obtain a visa?

    Procedures for obtaining visas vary per country. If a visa is required for a residency location, the Center for International Business Programs in the Robins School will provide information regarding visa procedures to the class once the class roster has been confirmed. For non-US citizens staff in the international business office can assist with letters and other information required by a consulate when applying for a visa.

  • Does the class travel as a group to the residency location?

    No. Students are told the date, place, and time to meet in the host country. Students are responsible for making and paying for their travel arrangements to/from the residency destination. Students may travel as a group if desired, but it is not required. The Graduate Programs office does not assist in making travel arrangements.

  • Should I buy trip insurance?

    Students are automatically covered under the University of Richmond’s Study Abroad Insurance when traveling for International Residency unless they are traveling in their home country.