Fox graduate students during a global immersion in Barcelona, Spain. 

Are you interested in learning more about how business operates around the world? Get your passport ready!  

Global Immersions through the Fox School of Business are more than just short international study trips—they are a dynamic extension of an in-person class.  

Immersions provide undergraduate and graduate students with an opportunity to see their coursework come to life and experience global business in person–whether touring factories in India, meeting with business executives in France or learning how business is conducted from locals in Ghana. 

Are you set to pack your bags? 2025 offers an exciting lineup of destinations for undergraduate students—Dubai, Paris and Seoul. 

For a behind-the-scenes look at what’s involved in planning a global immersion, we asked Amy Kumpf, senior associate director of international programs at the Fox School, to provide insight into the process—as well as the benefits to students who choose to participate. 

Undergraduate students in Ayutthaya, Thailand

How are destinations selected? 

Each year, the Fox international programs team makes a call for proposals in which Fox faculty identify a destination with relevancy based on the course focus and the learning outcomes. The selection process is based on factors such as each faculty’s availability, destination safety, travel time and costs. This process begins over a year in advance. 

What goes into immersion planning that students may not be aware of?  

It is never a cut-and-paste process. I work with many vendors to set up logistics and customize an immersion based on the destination. Alongside Fox faculty, we organize the business visits and the final itinerary. 

I also meet with every student who applies. Sometimes, the destination that they selected isn’t a good fit, or the class will delay their graduation plan. It is always important to talk with your academic advisor about any study abroad or immersion class as early as possible. 

What destinations are most popular with undergraduate students?  

This depends on the student. Sometimes students are traveling abroad for the first time, while others are crossing a country off their bucket list or have studied abroad at one of Temple’s campuses.  

We aim to offer a range of destinations and regions that appeal to a variety of students. Since we change destinations each year, students can select a global immersion based on their interests starting with their first year through graduation.  

Undergraduate students Cape Town, South Africa

What have been some of your most memorable immersion moments? 

There are many!  

• In South Africa, we went on a game drive and had elephants striding next to us inches away.  
• With MBA students in Peru, we hiked to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu, which was the gate to enter or leave the Inca fortress.  
• I frequently say that India is my favorite country; the entrepreneurial mindset that exists there, in addition to its food and architecture, is incredible. Seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise will always be a favorite moment. 
• Recently in Japan, the faculty-lead, Michael Leeds, organized a football (soccer) game, and we had seats next to the home team’s section. Seeing and hearing them really brought out my Philly sport enthusiasm! 

What is most rewarding about being an administrator who organizes the trips? 

All of it! I am always so amazed by the students who participate in our immersions and feel honored to be a small piece of their journey at Temple.  

I had the opportunity to study abroad both as an undergraduate and graduate student. That  made a big impact on me, personally and professionally, and I want to give our students the same experience. 

Can you share the top three reasons why students should consider a global immersion? 

1. Travel beyond your day-to-day life. Learning and experiencing something different can give you a new perspective. 
2. Globalize your degree. Remaining competitive and agile is a skillset that can be achieved through an immersion.   
3. Build relationships. Within a week, you will make connections in the business world of the destination, alongside your peers and make lifelong friendships. 

Graduate students in Machu Picchu, Peru

What next steps should students take to participate in a global immersion—and do they fill up quickly?  

Applications open Aug. 1 and are considered on a rolling basis. Applying early is recommended. 

The application deadlines are: 

• Dubai, UAE: Sept. 15 
• Paris, France & Luxembourg: Oct. 15 
• Seoul, South Korea: Nov. 1 

See what these undergraduate students have to say about their global immersion to: 

• Ghana 
• Italy 
• Portugal 
• South Africa