Our Mission
Expand your global perspective. At the Chazen Institute at Columbia Business School, we believe international exposure is essential for today’s business leaders. Our global immersion programs give you access to real-world learning opportunities—whether you’re studying industries abroad, connecting with top experts, or building relationships across cultures.
The world moves fast, and leaders without international business experience risk falling behind. Chazen helps you stay ahead by offering practical insights, hands-on learning, and a network that supports your growth. Our global forums bring together top minds to discuss today’s challenges, giving you the tools and inspiration to lead with confidence.
Upcoming Events
- September 16, 2026: Chazen Institute Tabling
12:30-2 p.m.
Kravis Lobby
Learn how to enhance your MBA with the numerous immersive travel experiences Chazen has to offer. Find out about which countries we're visiting this year, upcoming events, advising sessions, and more. Grab-and-go snacks available!
- September 17, 2026: Leading a Chazen Global Study Tour Information Session
12:45-1:45 p.m.
Kravis 880
This session will cover the process for leading a Chazen Global Study Tour, the roles involved, and how to submit a successful application.
- September 22, 2026: Traveling While: Exploring the Hispanic Identity with the Hispanic Business Association (HBA)
12:30-2 p.m.
Geffen 620
- October 12, 2026: Global Markets Update—35th Anniversary Edition
A World in Transition: Perspectives on the Shifting Global Economy
Featuring Professor Abby Joseph Cohen, retired partner and US chief investment strategist at Goldman Sachs; Dean Emeritus Glenn Hubbard, Chazen Institute Faculty Director; and Xavier Rolet ’84, Former CEO, London Stock Exchange. Moderated by Brooke Masters, US Managing Editor, Financial Times- Doors open: 5:15 p.m.
- Global Markets Update: 6 p.m.
Reception to follow at 7:30 p.m.
Registration opens soon!
Upcoming Deadlines
September 15, 2026, 4PM: Chazen Study Tour Matching Closes
You must have your finalized preferences submitted for the January 2027 Chazen Global Study Tours by Tuesday at 4:00PM. The results will be announced on Wednesday, September 16.Please read the general rules about Chazen Study Tours and our non-refundable deposit policy before submitting a deposit. We recommend that international students reach out to ISSO before submitting a deposit if you believe the new U.S. visa rules will impact your ability to travel outside the country.
- September 28, 2026: March 2027 Study Tour Applications Due
Please come to the Leadership Information Session on September 17 to learn how to organize a Chazen Global Study Tour. Complete applications will be due by 9:00AM on Monday, September 28. This will be followed by interviews on Tuesday - Thursday. A required Logistics Training session will take place on Friday, October 2 from 12:30-2PM, so please put a hold in your calendar now.
May 2027 applications will be due later in October!
Global Immersion Program
Expand your global perspective with short-term, high-impact classes through our Global Immersion Program. This program partners with top international schools to give students a unique view of business practices and cultures worldwide. These experiences provide a practical foundation for understanding the complexities of global business.
Global Study Tours
Make the world your classroom and experience firsthand the business culture of a country or region of your interest. Our Global Study Tours are carefully curated to provide insights into the economic and social dynamics of a specific destination, allowing students to meet with executives, government officials, and other leaders who shape global business.
Exchange Programs
Become the foreign student. Gain a unique global perspective by studying abroad for a semester at one of nearly two dozen leading business schools around the world. The MBA Exchange Program offers an immersive experience where students engage directly with local business practices and cultures to deepen their understanding of international markets.
Block Week Classes
In this intense, week-long program, students travel overseas to explore topics unique to the host region. Block Week Classes offer a focused exploration of business issues relevant to industries and markets abroad. These courses provide invaluable hands-on learning by allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings and gain insights directly from industry leaders.
Bridging the American Divides
America’s divides shape business, policy, and communities. Gain a better understanding of the causes and consequences of the American divides — and how to address them as business leaders.
Regional Initiatives
China Business Initiative
China’s influence on global trade and innovation is undeniable. Staying ahead requires more than textbook knowledge—it takes real-world exposure to the strategies shaping its economy. Through immersive experiences, students engage directly with executives, policymakers, and industry experts to explore market expansion, trade policies, and regulatory shifts.
EC-Africa and ECLA
The Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness Programs are for entrepreneurs from small to mid-sized companies in Africa and Latin America seeking to better compete in today’s global environment. The curriculum features classes with Columbia’s world-class faculty, international study tours, and results-oriented projects—all designed to equip entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and network to professionalize and grow their businesses.
India Business Initiative
India’s economic rise brings both complexity and opportunity. Through research-driven analysis, industry collaborations, and immersive experiences, students study the forces driving growth, from digital transformation to infrastructure development. Exposure to India’s regulatory frameworks and investment landscape gives them the insight to navigate one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
The Latest from Chazen
How Markets Can Help Protect Life On Earth
Solving the World’s Most Perfect Problem
The Gender Pay Gap is About More Than Money
AI Can Read the Room Better Than You Think
By The Numbers
- 34
- Years serving students, alumni, and business leaders
- 131
- Number of research grants awarded
- 10957
- Students traveling on Chazen programs