As 2026 gets underway, we’re already seeing powerful examples of what experiential education can look like when academic theory meets the real world.
One standout experience this year was The George Washington University’s faculty-led program in Morocco, which immersed students in the study of entrepreneurship within an emerging market context.
This program placed students directly inside Morocco’s dynamic and evolving business ecosystem, where innovation, culture, and adaptability shape entrepreneurial success.
Learning Entrepreneurship Where It’s Happening
Throughout the program, students explored how entrepreneurship operates within an emerging economy by engaging directly with local entrepreneurs, startup founders, and industry leaders. These interactions provided firsthand insight into:
- Startup development and scaling in emerging markets
- Market dynamics influenced by local culture and global trends
- Policy, regulation, and economic factors shaping innovation
By grounding academic concepts in real-world examples, students were able to analyze how entrepreneurial ideas move from concept to execution in a global context.
Connecting Culture, Creativity, and Innovation
A key theme of the program was understanding how culture and creativity drive entrepreneurship.
Through site visits, discussions, and collaborative learning experiences, students examined how Moroccan history, traditions, and social structures influence business practices and innovation strategies.
These experiences encouraged students to think critically about adaptability—how entrepreneurs respond to challenges, identify opportunities, and create solutions within complex and rapidly changing environments.
Experiential Learning in Action
This program exemplifies the value of experiential education. Students didn’t just study entrepreneurship—they practiced observation, analysis, and problem-solving in real settings. By engaging directly with Morocco’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, participants gained:
- A global business perspective
- Enhanced cultural competency
- Practical insight into navigating emerging markets
These are skills that extend far beyond the classroom and prepare students for leadership in an interconnected world
Designing Faculty-Led Programs with Global Relevance
Faculty-led programs like GWU’s Morocco experience highlight how disciplines such as business, entrepreneurship, and multidisciplinary studies can come alive abroad. By aligning academic goals with immersive, location-based learning, faculty can offer students transformative educational opportunities.
At Study Abroad Association, we partner with faculty leaders to design customized programs that connect course content with meaningful global experiences.
Thinking About Your Next Program Abroad?
If you’re considering leading a program focused on business, entrepreneurship, or a multidisciplinary approach, now is the time to start planning. Let’s work together to create an experience that gives students real-world context and global perspective.
Start planning your next global experience with SAA.