Driving Global & Local Business Impact
Community and industry partnerships are fundamental to our mission of preparing students to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. Through purposeful collaborations with global and local organizations, the Ahlers Center creates transformative learning experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.
These partnerships provide students with experiential learning opportunities and professional skills needed to thrive in today's dynamic business environment. By fostering a network of collaboration that benefits students, faculty and our community, the Center drives economic and societal impact at both the local and international levels.
Global Partnership Networks
The Ahlers Center for International Business maintains a robust network of global and local partnerships that enables us to connect students, faculty, and industry to global learning, research, and impactful industry engagement opportunities.
International Custom Programs
Get Ready To Level Up On a Global Stage
The Ahlers Center delivers tailored, high-impact learning experiences that connect learners with San Diego’s dynamic innovation economy and internationally engaged business community. Designed to meet the unique goals of corporate partners, universities, and international delegations, these customized programs combine academic expertise with real-world business engagement. By fostering cross-cultural collaboration and practical learning, Ahlers International Custom Programs strengthen global partnerships, advance professional development, and prepare participants to lead in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
Executive Educational Programs
Flexible global training (1-day to multi-week) held on the USD campus, at your organization's office, or online/hybrid. Tailored combination of Knauss faculty lectures, guest speakers, company visits, and cultural immersion.
Global Business Immersion Programs for University Partners
Designed for international university partners bringing students to San Diego (several days to 1 month). Features specialized USD faculty lectures, company visits, student networking, and city tours.
Benefits of a Custom Program
- Maximize your group's learning with content focused specifically on your learning goals and objectives
- Hold custom programs on-site at your organization or at the University of San Diego
- Receive personalized instructor feedback for immediate application of learning material in the workplace
- Get interactive with company site visits, workshops and networking receptions
- Develop a global mindset for identifying opportunities and challenges in the marketplace
- Receive post-program assessment and evaluation of learning outcomes
Program Features & Customizations
Academic Sessions at Knauss School of Business
Corporate Site Visits & Executive Speakers
Cultural & Recreational Excursions
Transportation, Meals & Receptions
Summer On-Campus Housing Options
Official Certificates of Program Completion
Custom Program Group Activities
Whale Watching • USS Midway Museum • Old Town • Balboa Park • Wine & Craft Beer Tasting • San Diego Zoo • SeaWorld • Surfing Lessons • Padres Games • Sandbuilding Competition • Golf • Hiking • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Harbor Cruise • Shopping
Why Study in San Diego
San Diego is one of the nation's leading centers for innovation, entrepreneurship, and global commerce, making it an exceptional destination for business education. Participants gain valuable insights through exposure to thriving industries including biotechnology, technology, defense, healthcare, tourism, and international trade.
Global Market Navigator
Is your business ready to level up its exports? The Global Market Navigator Program gives San Diego-based businesses with at least one year of export experience the tools needed to diversify into new international markets.
Former Clients & Industry Partners: Surf Loch, Cymbiotika
Academic Conferences & Industry Engagement
Through our signature academic conferences and industry forums, the Ahlers Center fosters meaningful dialogue on emerging global opportunities and challenges. These events bridge cutting-edge academic scholarship with practical industry insights, creating collaborative platforms for faculty, students, and global partners.
Industry Conference
Managing Global Uncertainty Conference
The Ahlers Center for International Business advances global business engagement through its annual flagship conference, bringing together students, faculty, and industry leaders to examine critical issues influencing the global marketplace. Focused on timely and relevant business topics, the conference bridges academic expertise and industry practice, creating opportunities for dialogue on critical issues impacting the global business environment. Through these connections, students gain direct access to business perspectives while organizations engage with emerging talent and cutting-edge insights from the academic community.
Contact Us
Reach Out to Level Up
To discuss your strategic goals or to request a custom program proposal, fill out the below inquiry form, or contact Diane Ice, Associate Director of Custom Programs, at dice@sandiego.edu.