FAQs

How do I apply?
You can access the online application by clicking here.

Who can apply?
The ECLA program is targeted to entrepreneurs from Latin America with mid-size companies who are looking to expand their companies across borders. 

What is the deadline for the application?
The deadline for the 2025-26 program is September 15, 2024.

Is there a maximum number of participants per project/company that can apply?
To participate in the program, companies need to enroll teams of 2 or 3 decision makers (CEO, Founders, Managing Directors, CFOs, etc.).

What are the language requirements?
All program components will be in English: all modules will be taught in English, and all written and spoken deliverables will be in English. As such, participants must be sufficiently fluent in English to complete reading assignments and meaningfully participate in discussions and working groups.

As a guideline, we recommend that participants have a level of English equivalent to a TOEIC score of 700. This score indicates that participants are able to communicate with success in various situations where they have expertise; their vocabulary and grammar may not always be the best choice or completely accurate, but their meaning is understood. Participants do not need to take the TOEIC or submit test scores with their applications, but they should self-assess at this level and demonstrate through their written application materials that their language abilities are at this level.

If you need to improve language skills, we suggest that you enroll in an English language course in your home country with emphasis in spoken English; alternatively, we can recommend English language providers in the United States. Contact [email protected] for more information.

What classes will we take?
You will take core classes that MBA students at Columbia take as part of the rigorous curriculum. You can see the schedule from the ECLA 2017 class, Module 1 here. Please note that the schedule is subject to change. Final schedules will be distributed prior to the start of each module.

Who are the professors who will be teaching the classes?
Classes are taught by the Columbia Business School faculty. 

Is the work done individually or in teams?
All project work will be done in company teams. Each team should expect to devote five hours per week to the Process Improvement Project, Business Growth Plan, and Case Study that they are preparing for their company.

How will we be assessed?
Since all project work is done in company teams, assessment and evaluation will be for the team, not for the individual. It is expected that company teams will successfully demonstrate the skills, tools, and perspectives introduced in the program through three program deliverables: a Process Improvement Project, which involves the creation, implementation, evaluation, and presentation of actionable strategies to improve company performance; a Business Growth Plan, which outlines steps for cross-border expansion; and a final Case Study, which reports how students attempted to grow their businesses throughout the program. Teams will receive continuous feedback on their work through consultations with their faculty advisers and industry coaches. No examinations or grades will be given. Teams that cannot demonstrate impact on their companies as the result of their Process Improvement Projects will not be asked to continue the program after Module Four; decisions about program termination will be made by the Faculty Director in consultation with faculty and other program contributors.

How often do we meet during the online modules?
During the online modules (Module Two and Module Five), classes will meet synchronously (in-time) on Zoom for 2-3 hours (depending on the session). Students will also have access to online course materials throughout the full program period, which they can review asynchronously (on their own time).

Where and how do we attend online classes?
These classes take place in an invitation-only web-based learning environment that supports case instruction and allows students to participate in real-time with the instructor and other students. A customized link for access will be provided prior to each class.

What if I have to miss a class?
Attendance in all six program modules is mandatory, since absences will prevent students from being able to successfully complete program deliverables. However, for firms sending two participants, this attendance requirement can be loosened for the international study trip: although both students are encouraged to participate in Module Three, only one representative per firm is required to attend.

What is the role of the faculty advisor?
A faculty advisor from Columbia Business School will be assigned to each student to provide direction, suggest relevant materials and/or resources, and ensure academic rigor for the Process Improvement Project. Faculty advisors will communicate with students at the beginning, middle, and end of the project period.

What are the exact dates for the program?
The next ECLA program runs from January 2025 through January 2026, and follows two phases:

• Phase I: Process Improvement: January 2025-July 2025
• Phase II: Business Growth Planning: August 2025-January 2026

In-person classroom learning at Columbia Business School in New York City takes place during these dates:

• Module I: Foundations of International Business and Project Definition, Columbia Business School, New York: January 6-15, 2025
• Module IV: Global Expansion and Value Creation, New York: August 18-22, 2025
• Module VI: Challenges of Growth and Business Plan Presentations, Columbia Business School, New York: January 5-9, 2026

The international immersion trip to Germany will take place during these dates:

• Module III: May 5-9, 2025

Modules II and V are distance learning. Classes will meet synchronously (in real time). Exact dates will be determined once the program has started.

How does the payment for the program work?
The cost of the program is $45,000 for 2 participants. This program fee covers the tuition of two participants from the same company, books, case materials and accommodations. Airfare to program locations and some meals are not included.

Companies that apply by June 20 are eligible for early bird pricing, $35,000 for 2 participants (up to 8 accepted companies).

Once participants have been selected, they must make an initial deposit of $5000, 30 days after they are accepted to the program, to guarantee their place in the program. If you have been accepted into the ECLA program, you can make your deposit payment by clicking here.

Deposits will be applied toward the ECLA program fee. First payment toward the program fee will be due on December 15, 2024, and second and final installment will be due on June 1, 2025, half-way through the program. Additional information about how to make payments will be sent to participants prior to the start of each program phase, when invoices are distributed and payments are due.

What is the deadline for the payment of the ECLA program fee?

Payments for the current program were made according to the following schedule to avoid late penalties:

What are the cancellation policies?
All notification of withdrawals and substitutions must be sent in writing to the Chazen Institute. Up to 30 days before the start date of each phase of the program, payment is refunded in full. If written notification is not received prior to 30 days before the start of the program phase, 30% of the amount due for that phase is assessed to cover irrecoverable costs paid to service providers on the participant’s behalf. Any withdrawals, substitutions, and transfers after the start of the program are subject to the sole discretion of the Faculty Directors of the ECLA program and may result in relinquishment of up to 100% of the amount due for that phase.

• Withdrawals. Notification of withdrawal must be received at least 30 days prior to the start date of each program phase to avoid penalty. Within 30 days of the start date, withdrawals are subject to 30% of the amount due. After the start of the program phase, any withdrawal will result in forfeiture of the full amount due.
• Substitutions. All substitutions of participants are subject to the sole discretion of the Faculty Directors of the ECLA program. Requests must be submitted with an application and will be reviewed based on applicant qualifications and time required to complete preparatory work. Substitutions within the same firm may only be made with the prior approval of the Faculty Directors.
• Transfers. Applicants cannot make transfers to any other Columbia Business School Executive Education or Endeavor program. No transfers of ECLA program fees will be considered valid.

What is the deadline for booking flights to program locations?
Each person will be in charge of booking his/her own flights and covering his/her own airfare.

Where will we stay?
Since accommodations in all program locations are included in the program fee, participants will not be responsible for arranging or covering the costs of lodging. Participants should expect accommodations in all program locations to be double occupancy rooms in mid-range hotels in close proximity to classroom or meeting spaces. Information about travel, accommodations, and other program logistics will be circulated a few months prior to the start of each module.

How do I get a visa?
If you require a visa, we recommend the B1 business visa for our programs. Note that some embassies may ask that you apply for a student visa. Since our programs are non-degree and our participants are visiting the United States on business, however, the B1 is the appropriate visa. We follow U.S. State Department guidelines. It is against university policy for a representative to contact the embassy directly for a participant. However, we do have a standard letter that we can send to you to present to the embassy if needed. If you would like to request this letter, please contact us at [email protected].

Will I get alumni benefits?

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive The Certificate in Business Excellence (CIBE).  The CIBE is a recognition of your achievement and the investment you and your company have made in your education and development. You will have been taught by Columbia Business School's world-class thought leaders, and you will have benefited from your exposure to their cutting-edge, results-oriented research. Earning a CIBE grants you select Columbia Business School alumni benefits:

• Invitations to alumni events and programs around the world
• Global networking opportunities
• Lifetime Columbia Business School e-mail address
• Access to Columbia Business School Alumni Career Services resources
• Subscriptions to all Columbia Business School alumni publications, including Ideas at Work and Columbia Business
• Eligibility to join a Columbia Business School alumni club