For instance, International Comparisons of Health Systems students study the health systems of eleven countries, not including the U.S. They learn about financing, payments, service delivery, human resources, pharmaceutical decision-making and pricing, health outcomes, system advantages and disadvantages, and coverage.
International Marketing students learn that global vision is the process of recognizing and reacting to international marketing opportunities, using effective global marketing strategies and being aware of threats from foreign competitors in all markets. A group project involves teams of four students introducing an American product into a foreign market.
Each group is also assigned a real-world case study where they put themselves in the shoes of a U.S. manager/marketer and make tough decisions in foreign markets that usually involve tradeoffs.
“One of the most valuable things I’ve learned from my International Marketing class is the critical importance of building relationships and understanding culture, especially in a global context,” said Greta Feist, a Graphic Design Studio major who has a Marketing minor. “This insight has deepened my appreciation for how culture shapes communication, aesthetics, and consumer behavior. In Marketing, success isn’t just about selling a product; it’s about connecting with people, and that connection looks different across countries and regions.
“This class inspired me to stay curious and to continue learning about global trends, cultural aesthetics, and how design can bridge gaps between people. As I move forward in my career, I want to keep this global perspective at the heart of my work, using design not just to make things look good but to connect, communicate, and contribute to a more inclusive world.”
Also a student in the International Marketing class, Omar Almosa, a Marketing and Graphic Design major, added, “This class helped me become more aware of how to effectively approach international markets and respectfully engage with diverse cultural norms. I now feel more confident in adapting my communication and strategies to align with different cultural expectations when doing business overseas.
“As a Middle Eastern college student studying in the United States, I find it especially meaningful to connect with globally engaged individuals. These interactions make me feel included and valued, rather than like an outsider, and they enrich my overall college experience.
“This class will be especially valuable for my career, as I’m primarily interested in international business. I gained a great deal of insight, which helped deepen my understanding of global markets and cross-cultural interactions.
“I really enjoyed this class, especially seeing my classmates learn more about foreign cultures—including mine—which created a more open and inclusive learning environment.”
For over two decades, students have been able to take the International Human Resource Management class, studying issues faced by international organizations across government, non-profits, and business sectors.
The course utilizes case studies and problem-solving exercises to prepare students to identify critical problems, evaluate various courses of action and their repercussions, and design appropriate business strategies. These experiences help develop students into globally engaged citizens who can think critically and act effectively in international environments.
“Understanding the differences in cultures and countries can have a huge impact on what exactly should be done within the work environment,” said Sam Welchance, a Human Resource Management major.
“Understanding what may be different can go down to the finest detail that may not even be brought to light without deep consideration. This class made me even more culturally aware than I was and was partially why I chose to add an International Studies minor to my time here at UMD.”
Being a globally engaged citizen is important in today’s world.
“You can't understand why things are the way they are, even within your own background or culture, without understanding what is going on all around the world,” said Welchance. “Once you understand the differences that exist, you appreciate the challenges that certain groups face, and the successes that can come from challenges, and you empathize with others.
“International Human Resource Management was a wonderful way to begin to think differently as an HR major. Yes, there are laws and regulations to be followed, but there are still people in the equation no matter the scenario. I have to give a deserved thanks to Dr. Lin Xiu for a wonderful time in this class.”
The International Management course explores cultural, historical, and resource differences in the context of managing global businesses and workforces. Specifically covered is how cultures differ across societies and nations. Students learn how to navigate not only international business management but also cross-cultural management. They analyze real-life examples that involve these challenges via case-studies and a role-playing game in the class.
With the interconnectedness of businesses operating across national borders driven by globalization and international trade, LSBE continues to educate students to become global business leaders. These are just some of the specifically focused international classes LSBE offers.