Program Overview

Singapore view at night
Singapore (Courtesy of eranda/Stockvault)

Participants in this program will have the opportunity to strengthen their global experience by traveling to and learning about business in two of the world’s most innovative and dynamic countries: Singapore and Vietnam. 

The first destination is Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. Here, you will have the opportunity to experience a rapidly emerging global city that remains deeply embedded within its rich and complex cultural heritage. Then it is on to Singapore, a modern city-state that is at the crossroads of global business in the region.  

Over the course of two weeks, students will interact with individuals such as key business stakeholders, business owners, business executives, and government officials. The goal of the trip is to integrate global academic concepts learned in the classroom with the realities and functioning of business in these international markets. 

This business elective course is part of Lehigh’s Global Initiative within the College of Business.

Itinerary

This trip will take place January 6-19, 2023.

  • January 6: Depart JFK Arriving in Vietnam on January 8
  • January 8-14: 7 days and 6 nights in Ho Chi Minh 
  • January 14: Depart Ho Chi Minh arriving in Singapore
  • January 14-18: 5 days 4 nights in Singapore 
  • January 19: Arrive back at JFK

More information on hotels; transportation; company visits; cultural/group events will be made available over the coming months. View a sample itinerary (tentative and subject to revision/change).

How to Apply

To apply, complete this brief application. It should only take a few minutes. 

Additional Application Information

  • Participants are selected via a competitive application process.
  • Students may be invited for an interview (conducted on a rolling basis) as part of this selection process.
  • Only students that have submitted a complete application form will be considered.
  • Deadline: Monday, October 03, 2022.
  • Early applications are encouraged as space is limited!
  • Students will be notified of their acceptance late October, 2022.
People's Committee Building of Ho Chi Minh City
People's Committee Building of Ho Chi Minh City (Courtesy of Daniel Werner, Schwyz, Switzerland/Wikimedia Commons)

Eligibility

Prerequisites

  • Open College of Business students with good academic standing - including IBE, CSB, and CAS students majoring in either economics or the joint International Relations and Economics Program. Also, open to all masters students in the College of Business.
  • Must have either senior standing in the Spring 2023 semester.
  • Participants must comply with all entry requirements as stipulated by the governments of Singapore and Vietnam with respect to COVID-19 vaccination and testing. 

Program Fee

  • The $3,900 (approx.) fee includes; airfare for all flights; hotel accommodation (based on 2 sharing, includes breakfast & wifi) in Singapore and Vietnam; local transportation to company visits; some cultural excursions and some meals.
  • A mandatory $50 study abroad iSOS registration fee will be charged to your Bursar account once you have a confirmed place on the trip.
  • Students will be responsible for organizing and any costs associated with visas (see information below).
  • Students will be asked to consult with their health care provider regarding recommended vaccinations and tests necessary for travel to Singapore and Vietnam. They will be responsible for organizing and any costs associated with any such vaccinations and testing prior to departure. 
  • Group transportation from Lehigh University to JFK Airport and return can arranged at an additional cost.
  • Please note that ALL students must travel as a group. We have a group booking for all flights associated with this program which is included in the cost of the program. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate students wishing to travel to/from Singapore independently (no exceptions).

Visas

US Citizens:

  • You are required to have a valid passport.
  • You are required to obtain a VISA to travel to Vietnam—information pertaining to obtaining the visa will be provided to the program participants.
  • Currently, there are NO VISA requirements for US Citizens to enter Singapore.

Important Information for Non-US Citizens Wishing to Apply:

  • In addition to the passport requirement stated above, non-U.S. citizens wishing to apply for the Global Business Immersion program will need to submit proof that their F1 visa or J1 visa and I-20 or DS2019 are valid beyond the return date to the U.S. from this trip.
  • Non-U.S. citizens will be responsible for arranging their visas and any costs associated with the visa application. You can check any visa requirements based on your citizenship at the relevant Embassy. 

Vaccinations

Students should refer to St. Luke's Travel Clinic to consult about recommended vaccinations for travel to Singapore and Vietnam. The University Health Center DOES NOT administer any of the recommended vaccines.

Financial Support

  • Limited financial support is available to students who demonstrate financial need.
  • To apply complete Travel Grant Request Form. Instructions on how to apply are included on the form.
  • Students may also be eligible to apply for a Student Loan.

Program Leader

Douglas Mahony
Associate Professor of Management
610-758-4935