Business Consulting in Tokyo builds study abroad experience

Studying abroad offers transformative experiences that influence students’ growth and development.  While Australia, Europe and Latin America remain popular destinations for global experiences, student interests to study in Asian countries have become more prevalent in recent years. To meet this demand, this past summer, the Heavener School of Business launched a new study abroad program in Business Consulting and Cross-Cultural Communication in Tokyo, Japan.

To ensure student access and affordability, the program was strategically designed as a hybrid model (online and in-country) with a focus not only on academic and cultural gains, but also on experiential and project-based learning activities that led to impactful academic, professional and cultural experiences.  

This six-week program in Tokyo began with a pioneering group of 20 students who were enrolled in two courses. While the Business Consulting course was taught by a UF faculty (on-line and on the ground), the Cross-Cultural Communication course was delivered by a Japanese business faculty and practitioner in Tokyo. Through each course, students obtained valuable insight into business consulting concepts and best practices in business communications in a global context.

Students also enhanced their overall understanding of the Japanese history, society, language and cultural heritage by completing individual and team-based assignments, partaking in cultural activities, attending weekly business visits and working directly with a consulting firm on the ground to solve a real-time business challenge for the Japanese National Tourism Organization (JNTO).

The UF in Japan: Business Consulting and Cross-Cultural Communication program is the only Heavener study abroad program that enables students to develop consulting skills by working directly with a Japanese consulting firm, where they deliver solutions to a real business challenge while abroad. Students engage with UF alumni both before departure and in Tokyo, who serve as cultural and business coaches. These alumni help students navigate Japanese business practices and cross-cultural communication while also providing mentorship on the consulting projects. Students also benefit from exclusive access to C-suite UF alumni and global entrepreneurs, who provide valuable insight into the Japanese business environment, career opportunities and strategies for building successful international ventures.

This past summer, UF alumnus David Semaya met students in Tokyo and shared his global business career journey across Japan and beyond. Students also visited PAG Japan, a Real Estate and Private Equity organization, co-founded by former UF student Jon–Paul Toppino. By visiting PAG and meeting with senior leaders, students gained firsthand knowledge of the international real estate market, as well as investment trends and pathways in Japan.   

“By partnering with Warrington alumni in Tokyo and spending a month immersed in project consulting and cultural learning, our student teams delivered best-in-class solutions to a real-world business challenge for the Japanese National Tourism Organization,” said Dr. Erica Studer-Brynes, Assistant Dean and Director of the Heavener School of Business. “Students’ work exceeded expectations as executives praised the students’ poise, professionalism, depth of research, cultural understanding, and strategic thinking. By connecting Warrington’s global network, this program became a proving ground where undergraduate Business Gators demonstrated their ability to deliver meaningful solutions in an international setting.” 

At the Heavener School of Business, our primary goal is to provide a range of academically rigorous and project-based experiential learning programs with the aim of developing future business leaders who are problem-solvers, analytical thinkers and globally competent. The UF in Japan: Business Consulting and Cross-Cultural Communication program is one of the initiatives that is designed to prepare future business leaders and proud Gators.