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
- June 5, 2026: Passport Back to Chazen at Reunion
12-1:30 p.m.
Kravis Hall 470
Reconnect with fellow Chazen program travelers; check out highlights from past years' travel photo contests; find out which speakers we hosted; and see what we have in store for next year. Cupcakes will be served!
Upcoming Deadlines
Apply for the Chazen Institute Travel Fund!
Closes: Monday, May 18, 11:59 p.m. ET
How to apply:
*Visit the Chazen Institute Travel Fund page
*Review requirements and submit your application by the May 18 deadline.
*Students who received a Travel Fund Award last year but didn’t use it do not need to apply again; it automatically carries over.*Applicants will be notified during the first week of June in advance of Fall Course Match.
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.
Language Program
Enhance your language abilities with a conversation-based, noncredit course. The Language Program offers students the chance to develop practical communication skills, whether they are picking up a new language or refining existing ones, in a supportive, small-group setting.
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
The Fallacy of Across-the-Board Budget Cuts
Can Machine Learning Detect Political Bias in Economics Papers?
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