In May of 2014, students from the Monte Ahuja College of Business at Cleveland State University participated in a study abroad trip to England. Students were organized into groups to work with Cleveland-based companies on real-world marketing problems interested in marketing research in London. The students designed and developed marketing research plans during the spring semester based on their client’s needs.  Then, once in London, the students executed the marketing research.  Research included store visits, packaging evaluations, interviews, surveys, and secondary research collected at libraries.  Throughout the course, CSU students worked with students from CSU’s partner university, Buckinghamshire New University, outside of London. 

Through this course, CSU students were exposed to an unforgettable cultural and business experience by exploring and studying in London.  They developed their marketing research skills by designing and executing marketing research learned about in class.  They also had the opportunity to gain real-world business experience as they worked on a business problem from a local client.  Finally, they enhanced their teamwork skills by working in groups and through their interactions with students from our partner university. 

Each May, between 12 and 15 CSU students have participated in this program. There are undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the course including marketing, international business and business administration majors, as well as MBA students.  While in England, the group stays in High Wycombe, the town where our partner university is located.  Every day the group travels to London to work on research.