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August 31, 2026
Business Today

Spring Break in Portugal: Global Field Study in Business

Portugal offers our business students an exceptional opportunity to connect global strategy with real-world practice through company visits, cultural immersion, and firsthand exposure to Lisbon and Porto’s dynamic business environments.
Dr. Kathea Smith Assistant Dean
stock image of Lisbon Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal

Global Field Study Portugal

Travel Dates: March 13-22, 2027 (Spring Break)

  • Graduate and Advanced Undergraduates are eligible to participate in the course.
  • Course information can be found below. Information will contunied to be updated as new information arises, like names of companies and specific dates.
  • Applications will review submitted applications beginning October 1 and then on a on-going, weekly basis.
  • Once accepted, students will have two weeks to pay the deposit and submit the required paperwork. 
  • The balance of the program fee will be due by January 1, 2027.
  • Contact Associate Dean Kate Demarest to discuss the course, the fees or your questions and concerns. Email at kdemarest@ubalt.edu.

Go to the Global Field Study Frequently Asked Questions

 

Scholarships

  • All Merrick School of Business students are eligible for a Wright Global Scholars scholarship. 
  • Students who have received a Wright scholarship as an undergraduate and are now pursuing a UBalt Business master's degree, may be eligible for partial Wright Scholars funding.
  • We are inviting students in the other UBalt schools and colleges students to discuss scholarship opportunities with their program's Office of the Dean.

Global Field Study
Portugal

Program Application

 

Cost at a Glance

  • Travel Costs | (airfare, hotel, all activities, local travel, airport shuttles, all breakfasts) = $2,900*.  
  • Course Tuition and Fees | See UBalt's tuition page. ,
  • Additional Costs | Some meals, passport and visa expenses, if applicable, medical vaccination, if applicable, and additional activities of your choosing.

*Scholarship

If you apply and are awarded Wright Global Scholars funds (a value up to $1,600) it will offset a portion of the travel costs. $2,900 minus $1,600 = $1,300 in travel costs to you.

Students enrolled in a Merrick School of Business academic program are eligible for Wright Global Scholars funding. Students may receive one-time funding as an undergraduate and one-time funding as a graduate student.

When possible, we will consider partial scholarship funding for School of Business students who have previously participated in a Global Field Study.

Students not in a School of Business academic program, should check with their school or college's Office of the Dean to see if funding is available to them.

Course: MGMT 498 / MGMT 798 (3 credits)

The Global Field Study in Business, will expose students to the business practices, culture, and people in Portugal.

To better understand and succeed in global business today, there is no better way than direct experience through immersing oneself in a foreign environment. This course will provide an opportunity for lectures and discussion with local experts and students regarding key themes of economic, political and cultural importance to business. The course will engage students in field to companies, government agencies and other organizations located abroad. 

Johnny Ramsey, lecturer in accounting will lead and be the faculty-of-record for the course and Dr. Kathea Smith, assistant dean will co-lead.

This course is being offered during the 2027 Spring semester. Travel dates are Saturday (evening), Mar. 13, 2026 - Monday, Mar. 22, 2027 (early morning).
 
For business students seeking an immersive global experience, Lisbon, Portugal offers an exceptional destination where history, innovation, and global commerce converge. As Portugal’s capital and one of Europe’s most dynamic coastal cities, Lisbon blends centuries of maritime heritage with a forward-looking business environment shaped by entrepreneurship, renewable energy, infrastructure development, tourism, and international investment. From the iconic landmarks of Belém and the legacy of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries to vibrant neighborhoods, contemporary cuisine, and a growing innovation ecosystem, Lisbon offers a rich setting for examining how culture, sustainability, and business strategy intersect in a global market. Students will encounter a city that is both deeply historic and confidently modern—an ideal place to expand their understanding of international business, economic development, and cross-cultural leadership.

 

Note: Company visits and cultural attractions are subject to change. 

 

During the pre-trip meetings, students will gain an understanding of the business environment in Portugal.

Saturday Mar. 13 | Depart for Lisbon, Portugal. Transportation will leave campus at 11 a.m.

Sunday, Mar. 14 | Arrive and check into the hotel. Lunch and Lisbon city tour. Free evening.

Monday, Mar. 15 | Orientation, company visits in the morning with a theme of "Macroeconomic Overview of Portugal," lunch the then company visits in the afternoon with a theme of "Exploring the Energy Sector."

Tuesday, Mar. 16 | Company visits with a theme of "Food and Beverage Manufacturing" lunch then an afternoon a tour of the Belém District and Jerónimos Monastery. Free evening.

Wednesday, Mar. 18 | Transfer locations. Travel by train to Porto followed by a city tour of Porto.

Company visits with a theme of "Logistics and Transportation"

Thursday, Mar. 18 |  A morning learning more about Porto's Heritage industries and the afternoon spent on company visits focused on "Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Portugal." Free evening.

Friday, Mar. 19 | Wine Industry in Portugal and Wine Tasting followed by Six Bridges Cruise. Free evening.

Saturday, Mar. 20 | Free time in the morning. Transfer via train from Porto to Lisbon. Farewell dinner in Lisbon.

Sunday, Mar. 21 | Depart Lisbon for U.S.

Monday, Mar. 22 | Arrive in the U.S. and return to Baltimore in the early hours of the morning.

 

Note: Company visits and cultural attractions are subject to change. 

There will be two mandatory pre-trip meetings and attendance is required for all participants.

  • pre-travel meeting dates are pending
  • An optional pre-trip visit to the Portuguese embassy will be scheduled in the spring of 2027. All participants are strongly encouraged to attend.

The total student cost for airfare, lodging, most local transportation, and trip organization is approximately $2,900.

In addition to travel costs, normal semester tuition and fees will apply for this three-credit (3 cr) course.

You are registering for the Spring 2027 term. For more information, contact Assistant Dean Kathea Smith.

Travel Fee Payment Schedule:
  • Expected Initial Deposit: $500 due one week after being accepted.1
  • Expected Final Payment: $2,400 due by Friday, Jan. 1, 20272
  • Course Tuition Due: Monday, Dec. 14, 2026. See the academic calendar.

Note:

1 All payments are completely non-refundable. In addition to the travel costs, students are responsible for meals, incidental expenses and the tuition and fees associated with this three-credit hour course in the Spring 2027 semester.
2 Final payment amount is dependent upon individual scholarship award.

The Wright Global Scholars fund will provide scholarships up to a maximum of $1,600 to eligible students.

 

In addition to travel costs, normal tuition and fees will apply for this three-credit course.
Course Tuition Due: Monday, Dec. 14, 2026.

Students will be given permission to enroll in MGMT 498/798 for Spring. Registration for the for the Spring semester begins Oct. 27, 2026. Approved students will be given permission to enroll in this course and will receive registration instructions after the initial deposit is collected.

 

To obtain approval for this Field Study you must complete the Global Field Study Application Form. 

  • Submit application and check your UBalt email daily.
  • Within two weeks of the date of the acceptance email, complete required information that appears in the message and pay your deposit.
  • Register for the MGMT 798 (or 498) for the Spring 2027 semester.
    • Course Tuition Due: Monday, Dec. 14, 2026.

Global Field Studies offered through the Merrick School of Business are immersive learning experiences where you will visit companies and cultural sites over the course of 7 to 10 days. Participants should expect to participate in full days of activities and often walk more than 10,000 steps in a day. It is not unusual when traveling abroad to encounter physical obstacles such as stairs with no ramps or elevators and uneven walking surfaces.

 

For more information about specific trips, please contact the Assistant Dean Kathea Smith at ksmith@ubalt.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Admission Process

  • Anyone! All students are welcome to apply for the Merrick School of Business Global Field Study program. However, students are responsible for ensuring they understand how the course will apply to their program of study.
  • Undergraduate Students: A global field study course will satisfy a general elective for all programs. It may qualify for program electives depending on your program of study. Speak to your academic advisor for more information.
  • Graduate Students: It may qualify for a program elective depending on your program of study. Speak to your academic advisor for more information.  
  • We will communicate with you via UBalt email and UBalt email only. Please check your ubalt.edu email regularly.  
  • Students accepted to the GFS will be notified by UBalt email with clear deadlines for response and completion of initial paperwork. Lack of response assumes withdrawal of your application.
  • Students placed on any wait list will be notified as such via UBalt email with next steps and deadlines expected. 
If accepted: 
  • Students will be required to submit a valid passport that expires six months post-travel dates.
  • Depending on the location, you may need to provide a copy of your entry visa. 
  • We do not require immunization documentation, but we encourage you to speak with your doctor before you decide to travel.

 

Preparing for the Course and Travel

  • Yes. If you don’t have one at the point of application, you should be prepared to immediately apply.  
  • Potentially. It depends on the location and your country of citizenship. We will be able to advise you on that and provide documentation. In some cases, where everyone needs a visa, we will work as a group.  
  • This varies from country to country, and you should speak with your primary care physician and the CDC website for recommendations. 
  • Students will be notified if the country requires any vaccinations for travelers or documentation.
  • BSchool Travel is our vendor. 
    • They handle all payment for trip costs. 
    • They arrange all the travel, academic and cultural activities.  
    • They provide our transportation and guide. 
Trip insurance is provided by UBalt at no cost. The coverage is for emergency medical and evacuation insurance. This is not trip cancellation insurance. 


Expectations During Course and Travel

  • We will work with you to support your academic, physical or other accommodation. We can ensure airport transport support or hotel rooms that meet needs. You just need to tell us early and work with us.  
  • Please inform leaders immediately if you’ll need airport or airplane boarding assistance.  
  • You will have free time during the trip. It’s not 100% work. The expectation is that during any free time that you are staying with at least one other group member and staying safe. You are to stay in contact with the group and leaders via WhatsApp communication tool.  
  • You may not travel away from the city where the trip is located.  
  • You are adult students and trusted to make smart choices with your time but also recognize that you are representatives of UBalt. 
  • We love to promote our GFS experiences on social media. Two students will be selected as social media ambassadors and work with UBalt social media teams to do a “takeovers.” This will require significant work in terms of content and timely communication.  
  • Tag @ubaltbusiness and @ubaltmain on any of your posts.


Post-Travel Expectations

  • See the syllabus or the faculty of record with questions pertaining to the final project.
  • We will coordinate with the UBalt Office of External Relations to share "thank you" notes to Mr. Wright.


Travel and Lodging-Related

  • For all travel for our Global Field Studies, students are required to depart from UBalt and return to UBalt on the shuttle.  
    • Exceptions should be communicated EARLY with faculty.  
  • Your ticket will be purchased as a part of a group reservation. 
  • All seats are economy.  
  • You have one checked bag, one carry-on bag and one personal item. Weight limits apply.  
  • You are encouraged to download the app for the airline for details on the flights.  
  • You will have a roommate. You can select your roommate or have one picked for you by your leaders.  
  • All rooms have two beds and private bathrooms. You will not share beds, only rooms.  
  • Students are expected to download and actively use two apps on their personal mobile devices.
The BSchool Travel App WhatsApp (a Meta Company)
  • This is the app for our travel vendor and includes a live schedule with details for each day including locations, activities and dress code.  
  • There will be a private group for the trip where all students will join and participate. There may be channels for photos or fun things.  
  • Students can set up small group chats or communicate privately with leaders. 
  • Communication is expected via WhatsApp during travel. 


Course and Travel Costs

 

  • Undergraduates: Standard 3-credit course tuition costs plus fees.
  • Graduates: Tuition and fees vary based on your program’s 3-credit course cost plus fees. (ex: MBA vs non-MBA or non-Merrick School of Business programs)  
  • All required costs are included in the fee paid to the travel vendor.  
  • Price varies from trip to trip but ranges from $2,000 to $4,000.  
  • Price includes airfare, hotel, shuttle, all breakfasts, one group dinner, all ground transportation and any required group activities. 
  • All Merrick School of Business students are eligible to receive the Wright Global Business Scholarship
  • The scholarship is $1,600
  • Students may receive a Wright scholarship once as an undergraduate and once as a graduate student.
  • The scholarship is applied to the travel cost ONLY and not received in hand by the student. 
  • A thank you note after the trip to Mr. Vernon Wright is required.  
  • Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid for any questions related to using their financial aid to cover travel costs.  
  • It is up to each student to research the country of travel and decide how much money to spend on the trip for meals, activities and other purchases.  
  • We arrange for breakfast to be included each day and most (but not all) lunches and dinners are included.


Course Expectations and Responsibilities

  • You are expected to respond within 24 hours to any messages (calls, emails) from the MSB Dean’s Office or course faculty 
  • We will only use UBalt email or WhatsApp groups for communication. You are expected to respond via those methods.  
  • Every course will have two pre-trip meetings that are mandatory. At least one of the pre-trip meetings will be held on campus.
  • Exceptions to in-person meetings are by permission ONLY and must be requested in advance. 
  • A voluntary trip to the embassy will be about a month prior to travel.  
  • There will be pre-trip assignments that are a graded aspect of the course.  
  • See syllabus for exact dates of assignments. 
  • In the case of the Winter and Summer GFS courses, the work may occur outside of the semester but is still a mandatory component.
  • Punctuality and professionalism at trip activities as a major graded aspect of the global field study program. 
  • For example, showing up late or not engaging with guest speakers may be a reason in reduction in your final grade.
  • All group activities are mandatory.  
  • There may be a post-trip meeting for final presentations. The faculty member will schedule it.
  • See syllabus for information. 

Categorized As
Merrick School of Business