Learning about International Commerce
Spring 2026 In-Person Information Session: | Spring 2026 Zoom Information Session: |
| Date: September 17, 2025 | Date: September 18, 2025 |
| Time: 5:00-6:30 PM | Time: 8:00-9:30 PM |
| Location: JFF 416 | Location: ZOOM |
Marshall Learning about International Commerce (LInC) Program
Globalization is an important force shaping businesses around the world. In an increasingly globalized world, it is critical that business professionals learn about international business practices and how to operate internationally. This course will provide a hands-on learning experience that broaden your global competence and help you gain an appreciation for how business is conducted across national boundaries. The centerpiece of this course is a week-long field study trip to another country to learn about the business, economic, and cultural environment in that country. In addition to the experiential education during the international field study trip, the course will consist of a set of class sessions leading up to the trip, in which major themes related to international business and the business environment of the country you will visit will be discussed.
Program Details
In the Spring semester (March and May trips), students admitted to the program will enroll in a two-unit course and spend approximately 9 days overseas. During the course, they will learn about the culture, history, politics, as well as economic and business conditions in the country they will be visiting.
During class sessions, students will:
- learn how the business context of a country impacts business practices, business functions, and industries
- develop an understanding of how culture affects doing business in a country
- learn about the ways in which businesses can be responsible global citizens and the opportunities for social entrepreneurship in global business
- develop a deeper appreciation of career options in various functional areas and industries, in both domestic and international contexts.
Develop and Strengthen Essential Business Skills
CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS
PROJECT MANAGEMENT & CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
TEAM BUILDING & MANAGEMENT SKILLS
Trip Locations
Approximate Travel Dates:
March | May |
Madrid: March 13-21, 2026 | Seoul: May 15-23, 2026 |
Singapore: May 14-23, 2026 | |
| Tokyo: May 15-23, 2026 |
LInC Student Testimonials
Click here to read from students’ perspectives about their LINC experiences from past years.
"Each presentation had something unique and different that gave me a better insight to their industry and the future business. I can definitely apply my learnings from presentations in the future."
"I enjoyed listening to the diverse companies that we went to and liked that they covered many fields so they could apply to students of all interests."
"Learning more about the industry and their day-to-day tasks as a business professional in their position [was valuable]. I also found the international scope and viewpoint to be more valuable in order to broaden our horizons from just simply seeking opportunities in the US."
Program Costs
The cost of the travel portion of the program will be $3850 and will cover the following:
 Airfare |  Ground Transportation |  Hotel |  Some Meals |
Program prices do NOT include: visa application costs, evening meals, international insurance, incidentals, personal expenses, and residence hall extensions (May trips only).
Additional funds will be available in the form of need-based scholarships for those students who require additional financial support
Please note: For safety, students MUST arrive and depart with the group. Students may NOT plan their own schedules to and from the destination.
Application
The application for the 2026 LInC program is due by October 3, 2025. Admission is NOT on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to take your time in completing the application.
Application Requirements
 | QUALIFICATION Students must be Marshall or Leventhal Majors, who are true first-year freshmen students (started college Fall 2025 or Spring 2026) |
You must submit an application and the following supporting materials online: | |
 | ESSAYS
|
 | SCHOLARSHIP
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 | PASSPORT If you do not have a passport or your passport is not valid through the end of November 2026, you need to apply for a new passport or renew your passport as soon as possible. |
 | RESUME An electronic copy of your resume (which you will upload as PDF document). Please make sure your resume is UPDATED to included USC (under education) and not more than 1 page in length. |
The application is due by October 3, 2025.
Click below to apply!
Click here for FAQs for admitted students.
Program Participant Timeline
*Transfer students should apply to the Transfer International Experience (TIE) program instead of LInC.
If you would like to discuss your options in person, please contact the Marshall Undergraduate International Programs office at (213) 764-8447 or by email at uginternational@marshall.usc.edu