Marshall Learning about International Commerce (LInC) Program

Learning about International Commerce

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

Trip Locations 

Travel Dates:

LInC Student Testimonials

Click here to read from students’ perspectives about their LINC experiences from past years.

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 2025 LInC program is due by September 29th, 2024. 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 2024 or Spring 2025)
You must submit an application and the following supporting materials online:
	ESSAYS You will be asked to answer 2 essays: Why do you believe you are prepared to participate in this program? (500 words max.) What challenges do you expect to encounter during your time overseas? (500 words max.)
	SCHOLARSHIP If you are applying for a Scholarship, you will need the following: A copy of your Financial Aid Statement (for those who receive need-based financial aid and not simply a merit scholarship) A print-out from Oasis/MyUSC is sufficient OR a Letter of Financial Need (see 'Scholarship' section for what is required to be included in the letter) For more information about scholarships, please click here.
	PASSPORT If you do not have a passport or your passport is not valid through the end of November 2025, 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 September 29, 2024.

Click the button 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