For the fifth consecutive year, students from the Professional Master’s in Public Administration (MAP) and the Executive Master’s in Business Management (MEX) of FGV’s Brazilian School of Public and Business Administration (EBAPE) participated in an immersion module abroad, organized by EBAPE’s international area in partnership with Warwick Business School (WBS). The business school is part of the University of Warwick – one of the 24 members of The Russell Group (group composed of United Kingdom institutions renowned for academic excellence) – located in Coventry, Warwickshire, in central England.

Between January 29 and February 2, 23 students attended classes with professors of different nationalities on current affairs within both the public and business sectors. Some of the topics discussed include Britain’s post-Brexit situation and uncertainties surrounding the UK’s future, particularly regarding the country’s economy.  In another lecture on sustainable businesses and circular economy, students learned about the main examples of engaged organizations that have grown significantly in central England. Participants also learned about the evolution of the British Health System (NHS) and the increasing challenges in the sector, amidst the uncertain post-Brexit scenario.

Another important component for the international immersion modules are the technical visits, when participants come into contact with major organizations in the region to learn about their management models and strategies. In this edition, students visited the facilities of Volvo Trucks, where representatives presented their sustainability goals and plans for the use of alternative fuels.

Benefiting from one of WBS’s areas of expertise, participants were able to visit the International Manufacturing Group (IMC) – an academic department and research center at University of Warwick, with approximately 600 employees and associates. Several of the projects that have already been carried out in this center are the result of partnerships with global companies to develop new products and seek new ways to improve processes. The students also visited the Digbeth Social Enterprise Quarter in Birmingham, where they saw examples of the so-called ‘social businesses’ which work based on the business models of private companies but on behalf of the community, reverting any profits to the organization itself. After the visit, some of the students came back with the desire to replicate something similar in Brazil based on what they learned.

The last day of the program was held at the executive education campus of WBS in The Shard – the largest building in the United Kingdom, in central London. Brazilian students attended panels with some of Warwick’s alumni, who shared their knowledge and expanded their networking efforts, in addition sharing experiences from their current positions.

“One of the many advantages of studying at an institution such as EBAPE is the opportunity to participate in international programs. We were very well received by Warwick Business School, accessing unique facilities and content that brought us a fresh managerial outlook”, said Hugo Sampaio, MEX student.