Exchange students Anna, Monica and Claudia from the ESADE Business School in Barcelona shared Spanish culture with Mathews Elementary School students

During the Spring 2011 semester, BBA students participated in “Around the World in Six Weeks” as part of the BBA International Programs’ education outreach efforts. The six week after-school program run by the Prime Time grant at Mathews Elementary school, and funded by CIBER, allowed the chance for McCombs students who had either studied abroad, or are visiting as exchange students, to engage with the Austin community, and share their experiences about travelling overseas. The goal of the program was for kindergarten, first and second grade students to enhance their understanding of world cultures and cultivate interest in study abroad.

During the lessons, the elementary school students would “travel” to a new country with their own “passport”. There, students would read books, partake in a craft projects, and participate in an activity related to that country’s culture. Countries visited included Egypt, Brazil, China, Spain and Australia, and therefore Mathews students had the opportunity to learn about pyramids, dance to samba music, use chopsticks, make castanets, and explore Australia’s fauna.

“The experience was very rewarding. I had a very fun time interacting with the students,” said exchange student, Anna, Yuen Tung Chan. Anna, a student visiting from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, was one of nine McCombs students who helped create and implement experiential learning opportunities for the Mathews students. BBA International Programs and CIBER applaud McCombs students for their participation in this program!