COB Students Study Abroad in Amsterdam

Thirty students studied abroad in Amsterdam from May 13 to 31, 2024. During this time they visited many historical sites and international businesses, while they earned course credit hours toward their degrees.

Students could enroll in multiple classes (up to 6 hours) and earn credit toward a supply chain, marketing, or management degree.  Students could also choose classes that would fulfill critical inquiry, diversity, and responsible living lower-division core requirements.

Highlights of the trip included:

    • a visit to the Port of Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe
    • a walking tour of Amsterdam as well as a canal boat tour and a castle tour
    • a tour of the Intel distribution center, where they learned about microchip production, storage, and distribution
    • a visit to Anne Frank House, where the family hid from the nazis
    • a train to Zaanse Schaans to a tour of a working windmill, observe a craftsman producing wooden shoes, and learn how the Dutch make cheese
    • a guided tour of the Van Gogh museum
    • a lesson about the Dutch Resistance in WWII
    • many cultural cafes and restaurants

The trip was led by two outstanding faculty leaders:

  • Dr. Denise Demers, CHES, Associate Professor and Department Chair in the Health Sciences Department
  • Dr. Doug Voss, COB, Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Scott E. Bennett Arkansas Highway Commission Endowed Chair of Motor Carrier Management

If you missed this trip, be sure to stay tuned for the multiple trips planned for 2025!

Delwin Portillo Shares Recent Study Abroad Experience

Related: Education Abroad Opportunities – Upcoming Deadlines

My semester abroad visiting The Hague, Netherlands was easily the most enriching semester of my undergrad. I learned so much about being a leader, diversity, self confidence, personal growth, and of course I learned a lot about business and marketing!

I was able to take a Purposeful Marketing course which had many different components to it. There was a leadership component, in which I learned different leadership skills and how to flesh out and improve these skills. There was a Project Management component where I learned how to use SCRUM Methodology in order to complete a project. And then the Marketing Component in which I worked with a real life charity in brainstorming a new marketing strategy for their upcoming projects.

Over the course of the semester I was able to travel to multiple countries and experience a variety of cultures. I was able to meet many people that I am now able to call mentors and friends. It is an experience that I will never take for granted, and I feel has given me a renewed appreciation for education and traveling. Thank you UCA for this fantastic opportunity.

  • Delwin Portillo | Senior | marketing major