3 Things You’ll Gain From International Exposures During An MBA

It can be tough to know what to prioritize when choosing an MBA. Do you take the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live somewhere new and exciting? Or do you focus purely on your career goals? This was a predicament that Kunio Kure (pictured below), from Japan, had to face. 

Kunio always had a strong curiosity to see the world. This led him to study an undergrad in linguistics in Canada—a global melting pot.

However, while studying abroad he began to feel stifled by his career choices: “I realized that while my studies in linguistics had broadened my perspective, I needed to pivot to a field that would challenge me intellectually and align with Asia’s dynamic economic growth. That’s when I set my sights on the finance industry."

This desire to change paths made it difficult to overlook one of Asia’s top finance cities, Hong Kong, which would open doors to prestigious companies like HSBC and Bank of China. Not to mention it’s also home to world-class business school programs, such as the University of Hong Kong MBA, which would provide Kunio with the skills necessary to switch track. 

“The HKU MBA offered not just academic excellence but also unparalleled access to the financial and entrepreneurial opportunities unique to Hong Kong,” Kunio explains.

But coming to Hong Kong wouldn’t mean he had to sacrifice an international experience. HKU MBA students can participate in several study abroad and cultural immersion programs, involving hands-on (but educational) adventures everywhere from the US to Europe. 

Not one to miss out, Kunio signed up to take part in three of HKU’s international opportunities. So, what did he gain from these experiences and how did they shape his career transformation? 

What can you gain from cultural immersion programs during an MBA?

1. Learn from the world’s top professors

As the finance sector continues to globalize, it’s advantageous to access teaching from a wide scope of viewpoints. 

Fortunately, the HKU program affords students the opportunity to take a study abroad semester via partnership tracks at either London Business School, Fudan University in Shanghai, or Columbia Business School in New York. 

Kunio chose the Columbia track, drawn by its reputation and location in one of the world’s financial capitals.

“I wanted to experience firsthand the academic rigor and culture that make Ivy League institutions so influential in shaping global leaders,” he says.

During his semester at Columbia, Kunio took the Seminar in Value Investing, a course taught by renowned finance expert and Nicusa Investment Advisors founder, Professor Paul Johnson.

“The Seminar in Value Investing was transformative—not just for the technical insights into financial analysis but for the way it challenged me to think critically about investment decisions in a volatile world. Sitting in a room with executives from across the globe, I felt great sense of privilege and inspiration to contribute to the field,” Kunio shares.

While in the US, Kunio also took time to explore the country, fulfilling a personal dream of embarking on a cross-country road trip. Among the highlights were visits to Niagara Falls and Bryce Canyon (pictured right), experiences that left a lasting impression.

“Bryce Canyon, in particular, was a breathtaking reminder of the importance of stepping outside of our comfort zones to see the world differently.”

2. Embrace tradition on cultural immersion programs

Kunio and his MBA classmates exploring different regions of China on the HKU China Immersion Program © HKU

Another travel opportunity that HKU offers is the China Immersion Program, which allows students to deepen their understanding of how business operates in the world’s second-largest economy—while also embracing 5000-year-old cultural heritage. 

Alongside his MBA cohort, Kunio visited major cities like Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing and toured the headquarters of leading companies, including the leading Chinese search engine, Baidu, Shanghai Stock Exchange, Asia Financial Center. This experience allowed them to gain firsthand insights into China’s corporate culture and rapid modernization.

Kunio Kure explores the breathtaking Great Wall of China as part of HKU's China immersion programs ©Kunio Kure

“China’s pace of innovation and development is unparalleled. Seeing how companies operate in this high-growth environment was invaluable for understanding the future of global business,” Kunio explains.

Balancing exposure to China’s accelerative modern development, part of the trip was also spent in the rural Shenzhen area, which is home to centuries’ old architecture and deeply ingrained cultural practices. Students were able to dress in traditional Han-style clothing, partake in printmaking, and learn to appreciate traditional Chinese art and design. 

“The rural immersion was a reminder that while China is at the forefront of modern development, its traditional values and history continue to shape its identity. This balance between progress and preservation is something we can all learn from,” Kunio says. 

3. Discover unique aspects to global businesses 

HKU’s international programs also extend outside of China. MBA students can take part in worldwide business treks organized by the MBA Career Development and Training team to markets like Singapore and Dubai to witness how international businesses operate firsthand.  

Kunio opted to travel to Dubai—one of the world’s most rapidly developing megacities known for its innovation and business-friendly environment. There, he had the opportunity to visit multinational companies, consulting firms, and exciting new Middle eastern tech startups like Careem; one of the Middle East’s leading ‘everything apps' that allows users to order food, groceries, and manage payments. 

Company Visits during Business Trek in Dubai © HKU

“Dubai is a city of contrasts, where tradition meets modernity. Witnessing how businesses navigate these dynamics was fascinating and gave me a deeper appreciation for the importance of adapting to unique market conditions,” he says.

A standout lesson for Kunio was the introduction to Dubai’s employment regulations, which require foreign companies to hire a minimum number of UAE citizens.

“This experience underscored the importance of understanding local regulations and cultural expectations when operating in global markets. It’s a reminder that no one-size-fits-all approach works in business,” he shares

From Cultural Immersion to Career Success

Reflecting on his MBA experience, Kunio acknowledges that balancing cultural immersion with rigorous academic study wasn’t always easy. Yet, the international opportunities he embraced ultimately paid off. 

Upon graduating he secured a role as a credit and public equity associate at the global investment research firm, Third Bridge Group Limited, marking a successful transition into the finance sector.

“The HKU MBA didn’t just prepare me academically—it gave me the confidence to think globally and act decisively in high-stakes environments. It taught me that success is often about taking calculated risks and trusting the process,” Kunio says.

Kunio credits his success to his willingness to step outside his comfort zone and make the most of every opportunity: “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you shouldn’t let fear of the unknown hold you back. Take the opportunities that come your way, and use them as guide to something greater.”