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Knauss School of Business

Ahlers Center for International Business

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Ahlers Center for International Business

Global Experiential Learning

Where International Education Meets Hands-On Experience

At the Ahlers Center for International Business at the Knauss School of Business, global learning goes far beyond the classroom walls. Ahlers prepares you to lead across borders through high-impact consulting projects, case competitions, international internships and cross-border immersions in which you will build real-world experience, earn industry credentials and connect to a global network of industry leaders before you even graduate.

#2 Nationally

in Study Abroad Participation

#3 in California

in International Business Programs

89.8%

of USD Undergrads Study Abroad

125+ Programs

in 44 Different Countries

International Business MajorGlobal Opportunities

International Business Students

Prepare for a Career Without Borders

The international business major is an interdisciplinary program which prepares students to work for multinational companies and/or to pursue global business career opportunities around the world. Students gain real-world experience studying abroad, pursuing advanced foreign language study, and participating in up to three international or multicultural consulting projects with local and global companies prior to graduation. International internships are also available at a number of USD affiliated programs abroad.

Why Study International Business at Knauss?

  • 95% of the world’s consumers live outside the United States
  • 75% of U.S companies rated the ability to work with diverse and multicultural groups as very important (AAC & U, 2023)
  • San Diego is a hub for global industries including the Life Sciences, Telecommunications, Aerospace and Defense
  • Knauss is a CUIBE (Consortium for Undergraduate International Business) member, a network of universities committed to advancing best practices in international business education
  • In 2025 the program was awarded by GO-BIZ California a 120k grant for Export Training and Workforce Development

Career Pathways

International business majors may earn the NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) credential, a nationally recognized professional credential that gives them a competitive edge in the global job market. As a NASBITE accredited training program, our Knauss international business curriculum aligns with the competencies tested on the CGBP exam, helping students develop the practical skills employers value in global business careers.

International business majors are encouraged to explore career pathways in international management and consulting, marketing, trade & logisitics or finance.

Program Leadership & Career Advising

Eileen Daspro

Director of the Ahlers Center for International Business, International Business Program Coordinator

The coordinator oversees the academic program requirements and overall student experience of the program. Collaborating with faculty, university offices, and external partners to coordinate the curriculum, experiential learning opportunities and international consulting projects. They work closely with Knauss advising in supporting students to fulfill degree requirements, including study abroad course approvals. Can be reached at edaspro@sandiego.edu.

Gelsey Baez

Business Career Services Manager

The international business career services manager is an employer liaison, and professional development advisor, helping students successfully transition from college to their careers. They provide career coaching, resume and interview prep, internship guidance, and career programming and professional development. Can be reached at gbaez@sandiego.edu.

Knauss Business Students

Experience Global Business Firsthand

Extend your learning beyond the traditional classroom through high-impact, hands-on global experiences. From competing against top business schools in national case competitions to engaging in cross-border immersion trips and joining student-led international organizations, the Ahlers Center for International Business provides Knauss students with real-world exposure, industry connections, and the leadership skills needed to thrive in today’s interconnected economy.

Student International Business Council (SIBC)

Promoting peace through commerce through real-world, student-led consulting projects.

Privately endowed by the M & T Foundation and the Potenziani family, SIBC empowers students to lead impactful consulting projects for global companies—focusing on leadership, international trade, and responsible business conduct.

  • Client Work: Solve real business problems in partnership with regional and global leaders.
  • Travel Opportunities: Travel across the U.S. and abroad to present findings directly to corporate clients.
  • Ethical Leadership: Apply market-driven solutions to foster global positive change.
Explore SIBC Profiles and Blog

CUIBE International Business Case Competition

Solve real-world business challenges and present solutions to industry leaders.

Co-sponsored with San Diego State University, this premier annual competition brings together top undergraduate business teams from across the nation to analyze complex international cases, refine strategic thinking, and build executive-level presentation skills.

  • Build Your Network: Connect with national peers and top global executives.
  • Career Launchpad: Gain high-impact experience for resumes, interviews, and grad school.
  • Proven Success: Proud home of the 1st Place (2024) and 3rd Place (2023) winning teams.

Upcoming Event: November 5–7, 2026 | Host: Knauss School of Business

Cross-Border Immersion Trips

Gain firsthand insight into the economic engines driving the U.S.–Mexico border region.

Hosted every fall in collaboration with CETYS University, this hands-on trip connects Knauss students with Mexican peers to explore cross-border trade, supply chains, and dynamic regional business landscapes.

  • Field Experience: On-site corporate visits across manufacturing, logistics, and tech startups.
  • Cross-Cultural Learning: Participate in joint workshops and collaborative networking sessions.
  • Regional Expertise: Understand the unique challenges and opportunities of doing business in Baja California.

International Business Club

Your gateway to global career paths, alumni networks, and industry leaders.

Open to all Knauss students and IB majors/minors, the International Business Club provides the tools, exposure, and mentorship needed to launch a successful career in multinational business.

  • Industry Access: Attend alumni panels, guest speaker talks, and site visits (including past visits to Dr. Bronner's & San Diego International Airport).
  • Mentorship & Community: Connect with experienced peers and professionals in global fields.

Faculty Advisor: Gelsey Baez (gbaez@sandiego.edu)

Knauss Business Students

Study Abroad & International Internships

125 Programs across 44 Countries — Open to Undergraduate and Graduate Students.

Knauss undergraduate students may choose to study abroad during January intersession, summer or in an academic semester. Knauss students may gain hands on experience abroad by pursuing an international internship in locations such as Spain, Czech Republic, Italy, Germany, Austria, France and Japan.

Study abroad opportunities are open to Knauss graduate students in the MBA, MSBA, MSF, MACC and MTAX programs.The Knauss MBA offers short-term, faculty led study abroad programs in locations around the world as well as semester long exchange programs for full time MBA students.

Knauss Business Students

Scholarships & Global Leadership Awards

The Ahlers Center for International Business is proud to celebrate student excellence and expand access to global education. Through prestige awards and legacy-driven scholarships, we empower Knauss School of Business students to develop global leadership competencies, attend international conferences, and participate in transformative study abroad experiences around the world.

CUIBE Global Leadership Conference Awards

Each spring, the Ahlers Center sponsors two outstanding Knauss School of Business student organization leaders to attend the annual Consortium for Undergraduate International Business Education (CUIBE) Global Student Leadership Council conference, a week-long immersive program featuring academic workshops, corporate visits, and cultural excursions.

This program provides undergrad students opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration and global leadership development among fellow student leaders from CUIBE schools around the world.

  • 2026 Award Recipients: Maren Bronson & Nyla Brown, Universidad EAFIT | Medellín, Colombia (May 16–24, 2026)

“This program made me look at leadership in a different light… I’m so grateful for the friendships, memories, and experiences," - 2026 recipient, Nyla Brown ’27.

Haley Takeda Scholarship

The Haley Takeda Scholarship honors former international business student Haley Takeda by helping make study abroad experiences more financially accessible for Knauss students.

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to undergraduate business students who are actively involved in campus extracurriculars, planning to study abroad and have a 3.0 GPA or higher.

“Haley was a young woman of grace, remarkable intelligence, and kindness and is remembered by all as a person of unparalleled light. She was also fearless and inquisitive — fascinated by world cultures. Like many other students at USD, she looked forward to spending a semester abroad, an experience that never came to be due to both the pandemic and her tragic passing in a fatal car accident close to campus. Her loss impacted all of us at USD profoundly.” - Eileen Daspro, Director Ahlers Center for International Business

To honor Haley's legacy here, please consider making a gift to the Haley Takeda Scholarship fund, making study abroad possible for highly deserving students.

Ready to Start Your Global Journey?

Whether you are eyeing a major, a minor, or an internship abroad, our team is here to help you chart your path.

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