MBA students deepen understanding of global business and government through Croatia consulting experience

This March, MBA students gained a more practical understanding of international business problems and practices while exploring the Croatian business and government environment in Zagreb, Croatia. The week-long Global Immersion Experience included company visits, a consulting project, city touring—and even a marriage proposal.

When the students first arrived in Croatia, they had the opportunity to tour Zagreb’s rich history and culture, stopping at some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, including St. Mark’s Church.

MBA students, including Full-Time, Online, and Weekend Part-Time students, had the chance to socialize and meet face-to-face, some for the very first time.

“I was surprised at how much the group meshed together,” Gregory Bishop (MBA ’26) said. “I made connections with people from my cohort and others that will last a lifetime.”

The historical tours and time spent exploring the city helped students better understand Croatia’s cultural environment before they began engaging with Croatian businesses and industry leaders.

J. Roy Duggan Professor, Senior Associate Dean & Director Gary A. McGill served as the faculty advisor on the trip, designing the academic assignments, assigning and reviewing industry research reports ahead of the trip, coordinating real world case study activity, and reviewing individual student learning journals after the trip.

To McGill, the most impactful and valuable part of the GIE experience is the “exposure to the context of doing business in different parts of the world and the sometimes unique challenges and opportunities” that come with it.

Throughout the trip, students visited companies across industries, including AmCham Croatia, Zagreb Innovation Centre (ZICER), Tvornica Tekstila, HAHN Automation Group, Roche and Sofascore.

“When we heard about some of the challenges that the Croatian business leaders are facing, it was important to be patient and understand the environment first, before rushing to [give] advice based on our experience,” explained Michael Morin (BSBA Finance ’21, MBA ’26)

On the trip, students were immersed in a consulting project with FOREO, a Swedish beauty-tech company founded in 2013 that combines Scandinavian design aesthetics with advanced technology to create products that disrupt traditional beauty routines.

The students spoke with FOREO executives and were tasked with presenting solutions in teams that supported the company’s business practices.

“[FOREO was] having trouble trying to figure out which marketing efforts were working,” Bishop shared.

His team presented an idea that aligned with discussions the company was already having, showcasing the students’ ability to apply classroom concepts to real-world business challenges.

“I saw that the quality of our education here at Warrington is high and will prepare us for the corporate world,” Bishop said.

Before leaving Croatia, students had the chance to attend an optional day trip to explore nearby landmarks and the city of Ljubljana.

Morin had researched some of the most scenic spots in the area, found a Slovenian photographer and invited his girlfriend to join him at the end of the trip.

While at the Bled Castle in Slovenia, Morin popped the question!

“It was quite the adventure. She had a feeling that I would be proposing soon but she was very surprised,” he said. His peers were, “so excited and supportive! They even helped me practice the day before the ‘big’ day.”

“I didn’t know a single person that was going on this trip when I signed up. We immediately bonded over our experience and passion for the University of Florida,” Morin explained. “This experience has helped me grow as a professional and gain confidence in myself.”