2027 ExCEL Program
Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, Vietnam
May 14-26, 2027
Program Learning Objectives
ExCEL features meetings with executives of some of the top companies and businesses in major cities around the world as well as local and national government officials. The goal of the program is for students to meet with business leaders, not just from U.S. companies doing business outside of the U.S., but also joint ventures, and wholly nationally owned businesses. In doing so, the program hopes to:
- Enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of international business.
The program is focused on giving students a better understanding of the complexities of doing business under other economic systems, the scope of business opportunities, and the way U.S. companies operate outside the U.S. - Develop their appreciation of cultural differences.
There is no better way to learn, feel, understand, and see cultural differences than to be immersed in the foreign country for a period of time. - Expose them to foreign business practices.
A good amount of time is dedicated to taking students on company tours, multinational and local corporations, led by a general manager or executive.
Past Programs
Paris, France (May 2026) Focus on Luxury and Fashion. Visits and speakers from Chanel, Saint Laurent, LVMH, Estee Lauder, Sophie Hallet lace, McKinsey, Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne and Snapchat. You can view the Schedule here: ExCEL 2026 Paris Final Schedule Read the USC Marshall News Article on the Program (here)
Manila, Philippines (May 2025) Focus on Developing Economy. Visits included G-Csh, Century Foods, Angkas, Grow Sari, Kickstart Ventures and D&L Industries. You can view the schedule here- ExCEL 2025 Manila Schedule
Barcelona, Spain (May 2024) Focus on Digital Business and Innovation. Visits included Microsoft, Telefonica, HP Enterprise, ABB Robotics, SEAT/Cupra, Glovo and King Digital Entertainment. You can view the schedule here- ExCEL 2024 Barcelona Schedule
Milan and Florence, Italy (May 2023) Focus on fashion industry, including designers, manufacturers, retail, distributing and marketing/PR. Visit included Valentino, Burberry, Manebi, Boemos (manufacturer of Tom Ford and Louboutin shoes) and laRinascente. You Can view the schedule here- ExCEL 2023 Milan + Florence Schedule
Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE (March 2019) Visits included Emirates, Nervora/Vogue Arabia, CBRE, Mubadala, and Etisalat. See a sample schedule - Dubai/Abu Dhabi 2019 Schedule.
London (March 2018) Focus on Brexit and its impact. Visits included Salesforce, Shell Oil, Braintree (Paypal), London Metal Exchange, Q5 Consulting, Microsoft and Double Negative Special Effects.
Milan and Florence, Italy (May 2017) Focus on fashion industry, including designers, manufacturers, retail, distributing and marketing/PR. Visit included Isaia, Salvatore Ferragamo, Manebi, Boemos (manufacturer of Tom Ford and Louboutin shoes) and laRinascente. Milan-Florence ExCEL 2017 Schedule
Yangon, Myanmar and Bangkok, Thailand (March 2017) Focus on comparison of 2 linked developing economies at different stages in development. Visits included- Lazada, Telenor (Myanmar), KBZ Bank, Carlsberg, City Mart, and Yoma Strategic.
Hong Kong; Berlin, Germany; Manila, Philippines; Tel Aviv, Israel; Paris, France; Kuala Lumpur/Singapore; Panama City, Panama; Gabarone, Botswana; Istanbul, Turkey; Havana, Cuba; Rome and Milan, Italy; Copenhagen, Denmark and Stockholm, Sweden; Lima, Peru; Budapest, Hungary; Bangkok, Thailand; Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam; Taipei, Taiwan; Tokyo, Japan; Seoul, Korea; Beijing, China; Shanghai, China
May 2027 Program
After almost 15 years, the Marshall School of Business will be leading a group of undergraduate students to meet with business leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from May 16-26, 2027
Vietnam has been one of the fastest growing economies over the past decade driven by strong manufacturing exports, foreign direct investment (FDI), and infrastructure expansion. It is forecasted that GDP will increase 10% year over year for 2026. The service economy (primarily banking, fintech, tourism, retail and logistics) make up almost 50% of the Vietnamese economy, and are leading the surge in investment and innovation in the country.
The program will explore the advantages and disadvantages of doing business in an emerging economy. Visits to a range of companies and business sectors, meeting with executives, will form the foundation of the program, as students are exposed to thought and economic leaders in one of the fastest growing and dynamic cities in the world, Ho Chi Minh City. In addition, the program incudes a 3 day trip to Da Nang, a beach resort city, that is leading the drive in making Vietnam a tourist destination.
You can view a sample schedule from Spring 2025's program in Manila (2025 Manila Schedule) as well as the Spring 2023 program in Milan and Florence (ExCEL 2023 Milan + Florence Schedule) to gain an idea of what the program may look like for May 2026.
Costs
The cost of the program is $3800, this includes round-trip airfare (LAX to Ho Chi Minh City) on Cathay Pacific (group flight only- departing evening May 14th and returning May 26th), hotel accommodation (we will stay at the Hotel Indigo) airport transfers, breakfasts, lunches during visit days, bus transportation and guide for the week. The cost also includes round-trip airfare from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, and 3 nights accommodation at the Sheraton Grand Da Nang- right on the beach. It does NOT include personal expenses, dinners or any possible visa expenses. (The program costs will be fee-billed to the students’ USC account for convenience.)
Students who wish to stay longer or fly home directly from Ho Chi Minh instead of flying to Los Angeles may book their own flights (they will also be responsible for making their way to the Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City as well as any other expenses associated with their extended stay (such as additional hotel nights, transportation to the airport to return home, etc). The cost for the land portion of the program (no flight) is $3000.
Unfortunately we do NOT have any scholarship funds available for this program.
As the program does NOT include a class, it may not be eligible for USC Financial Aid (you should speak with the Financial Aid office).
Requirements and Qualifications
The program is open to ALL undergraduate USC majors, and Marshall/Leventhal MS students who will have completed 36 undergraduate collegiate units (this includes USC and/or transfer credits. This does NOT include AP/IB credits. All students must have completed at least 1 year of college level coursework by January 1, 2027). MS students need only have completed their first semester by January 1, 2027. All applicants must have a minimum 2.75 GPA.
May 2027 graduates CAN apply to the program. Be aware commencement is May 13-May 15 (the Marshall undergraduate ceremony is the morning of May 15 and the Graduate ceremony is in the afternoon) we depart May 14th 9:20 pm (current schedule). Students wishing to arrive on their own need to arrive no later than 6:00 am the morning of May 17th (Monday) in order to make the first set of visits.
Be aware unlike most Maymester programs there is NO class associated with this program, and credit is not charged nor awarded. We will hold 3-4 meetings prior to departure in order to have students be better acquainted with the culture, economics and business climate of Vietnam and conducting business in an emerging economy.
Apply Here
(Application due December 7, 2026)
(this will take you to the Terra Dotta site- click the Apply Now button)
If you have any questions please contact the Marshall Undergraduate International Programs office at (213) 764-8447 or by email at uginternational@marshall.usc.edu.