29/07/2026
Business Without Borders: The Final Chapter of Utah Valley University's European Business Programme
Irish College Leuven just said 'So Long' to its most recent visiting educational programme, the 18 wonderful students from Utah Valley University's (UVU) International Business cohort. The programme was a huge success, not only because of the countries visited or the landmarks photographed (although that was also a huge plus for the students), but for the educational opportunities that they had that allowed them to challenge their assumptions, explore a number of influential international organisations, and see the idea of international business leadership—and themselves—from a unique and global perspective.
The students from UVU celebrated the completion of the first half of their programme with a five-day trip to Paris in order to thoroughly explore the famous 'City of Lights'. Upon their return to Leuven, they were ready to continue building on everything they had experienced during their time in Europe. The days that followed became a fitting conclusion to three weeks of learning, discovery, and personal growth.
The week began with an exceptional series of presentations from colleagues at KU Leuven, each offering a different perspective on what effective leadership looks like in today's global workplace.
Sofie Adriaensen, from the Department of Work and Organisation Studies, encouraged students to think beyond traditional management models, exploring how modern leaders inspire trust, build resilient teams, and navigate constant change. It was a timely reminder that leadership is as much about people as it is about strategy.
That theme continued with Annelies Baelus of Truss Motivation, whose engaging session demonstrated how organisations can create environments where employees genuinely thrive. Drawing upon the latest research into motivation and workplace engagement, she showed that successful businesses recognise their greatest competitive advantage is often their people.
The morning concluded with Liudmila Alekseeva, Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship at KU Leuven, who explored the opportunities and challenges of Cross-Cultural Management. For students who had already travelled across several European countries together, her presentation gave academic context to experiences they had already begun living every day. Different cultures bring different perspectives, different approaches, and ultimately better business decisions when leaders know how to embrace them.
Learning, however, rarely happens only in the classroom. A visit to Arion Group, a company literally straddling the Dutch-German border, provided an inspiring example of innovation with purpose. Seeing how the company develops affordable medical solutions for international healthcare markets illustrated the impact that entrepreneurial thinking can have on improving lives while building successful global businesses.
The group's journey continued to the Eurode Business Center, where the Dutch-German border is less a dividing line than a place of collaboration. Here, students saw firsthand how businesses, entrepreneurs, and public institutions used the borders across national boundaries to their own benefit, demonstrating that international cooperation is not simply a concept discussed in textbooks—it is something that happens every day.
Back in Leuven, the students gained valuable insight into transatlantic business through a presentation from AmCham Belgium. Discussions surrounding EU-US trade relations and business advocacy highlighted the importance of diplomacy, partnerships, and policy in shaping the international business environment. For a cohort from Utah Valley University, these conversations were particularly relevant as they considered the growing interconnectedness of American and European markets.
Of course, an international business programme should also encourage students to appreciate the culture and history that shape today's business landscape.
An excursion to Aachen offered exactly that opportunity. Walking through the remarkable Aachen Cathedral and viewing the stunning artifacts in its neighbouring treasury, students experienced nearly 1,200 years of European history while reflecting on how leadership, innovation, and international influence have evolved over the centuries. It served as a powerful reminder that today's global economy and Europe's deep interconnectedness actually has powerful historical roots.
The final full day brought everyone together in Brussels for a traditional Belgian conclusion to any successful programme—a chocolate tasting. Beyond learning the art of chocolate making, students experienced another example of how heritage, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and global branding combine to create one of Belgium's most famous (and tastiest) exports.
Looking back across over the last three weeks, one cannot help but notice how the students rapidly grew as individuals and thrived in a number of foreign countries. They engaged with outstanding academics, innovative companies, international organisations, and historic institutions across Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and France; they asked many impressive and thoughtful questions, embraced new experiences, and represented their university with enthusiasm, professionalism, and genuine curiosity; they developed new friendships and relationships; they celebrated birthdays; ate tons of chocolate and waffles; and even took a moment or two to catch up on some sleep.
As they return to Utah, they take home far more than photographs and souvenirs. They leave with a wider international network, practical business insights, and a broader perspective on leadership in an increasingly connected world.
Thank you to every speaker, partner organisation, and host who generously shared their expertise and experiences with our students. Irish College Leuven would like to particularly thank the group's two great programme leaders, Drs. Maureen Andrade and Eugene Seeley, for their tireless leadership and dedication to their students. Programmes like this are only possible because of the willingness of so many people to invest in the next generation of global business leaders.
We wish the entire Utah Valley University cohort every success in the future and hope the lessons learned throughout Europe continue to shape their careers for years to come.
For academic institutions, educators, or programme coordinators interested in developing bespoke international learning experiences, please visit www.irishcollegeleuven.eu to learn more!
