Online MBA International and Domestic Residencies

Why study regional or international business?

Online MBA students can choose to participate in an in-person domestic and/or international residency which provide learning experiences domestically (in the United States) or internationally. Without a study of regional or international business, an MBA program simply falls short.

Our regional and global economy is becoming more interdependent. Businesses are faced with societal and cultural challenges when conducting business outside of their city, state, or internationally.

To prepare you for those challenges, our domestic and international residencies immerse you in different business environments through experiential learning experiences. Gain perspective on how economic, cultural, and regulatory environments influence business processes.

Our international and domestic residencies feature a business consulting project. Students traveling are divided into teams to work on real-world projects with companies in the destination city or country. Teams are given an overview of projects and given time to develop a strategy to address them. The conclusion of the business challenge is the final team presentation results to the company CEO and staff.

Many of our alumni say this residency is one of the most memorable, challenging and fun parts of their MBA experience.

Residency Locations

International

International residency locations are rotated across the globe.

  • 2025: South Africa
  • 2026: Switzerland
  • 2027: Hong Kong

Domestic

Domestic residency locations are rotated among cities across the U.S.

  • 2024: Seattle
  • 2025 & 2026: Boston

What’s Included?

The international residency typically spans eight days and a domestic residency is typically four days. Residencies may include:

  • Numerous business site visits
  • Strategic Consulting Project
  • Cultural tours
  • Group dinners
  • Welcome and farewell receptions
  • Free evenings to explore the city
  • Lectures from business experts

Process to Participate

The domestic and international residencies are optional elective courses.  Students interested in participating must apply and meet all payment deadlines. Due to the structured planning required for the residencies, exceptions after deadlines will not be granted for any reason. The program’s timeline is closely coordinated with the Office of Global Engagement and an external travel vendor, each working under strict internal deadlines. Once a deadline has passed, participation in the residency is no longer possible. The residency application requirements and deadlines will be announced to enrolled students in advance of the residencies.

Additional Costs

The optional domestic and international residency costs are not included in tuition and fees. Estimated costs include round-trip airfare, ground transportation at destinations, company visits, planned cultural excursions, accommodations, and most meals. For budgeting purposes, the domestic residency cost is typically $3,000–$4,500, and the international residency is $4,000–$6,500. Students who fail to meet the residency deposit deadline(s) will be automatically dropped from the course.

Kevin Nwogu

Online MBA program, Class of 2027

“10 days in Switzerland for my MBA international residency was the study abroad experience I didn’t get during my undergrad, and it was worth the wait.

Some highlights from the trip:

A visit to the FIFA headquarters, where their commitment as an NGO to global equity and gender parity in sports resonated with my work at Servant Leader Scholars.

Behind-the-scenes tours at Stöckli and an Appenzeller cheese factory, showcasing how these brands balance handcrafted product development with automation to maintain their heritage and brand identity.

Engaging in discussions with industry leaders in pharma, banking, and robotics, as well as presenting a strategic consulting project on Swiss winery logistics, which both expanded my world-view of business…

The trip was also marked by special moments, such as bonding with members of my cohort, using Google Translate to converse with fellow travelers on a train ride back from the Jungfraujoch mountains, and a day trip to Milan, Italy to be in the middle of the Olympics.

Less than a month until I wrap up grad school and I’m leaving with more experiences and knowledge than I came in with. Huge thanks to the OMBA staff, our one-of-a-kind travel guide, and my incredible cohort for making this experience what it was!”