Summer 2025 was almost over, but for an ambitious group of Foster School of Business undergraduate students, the adventure was just beginning. Instead of the usual back-to-school routine, they traveled across the world to immerse themselves in Australia through a Foster Exploration Seminar study abroad experience offered by the Global Business Center.
These faculty-led, short-term study abroad programs connect classroom learning with global experiences. Under the guidance of Professor Tod Bergstrom, the group spent three weeks exploring Australia’s business landscape and learning what it means to lead in a global context as part of the Australia Early Fall Start program.
Since its inception, the program has offered Foster students the opportunity to learn firsthand about the Australian operations of iconic Northwest companies, including Costco, Slalom, Russell Investments, and PACCAR.
“As the Australia program has grown, we’ve also had the privilege of meeting with prominent political figures, such as the Mayor of Melbourne, and with the leaders of NGOs, including the Australian Open tennis tournament, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Organizing Committee, Clothing the Gaps (a social benefit corporation), and the Save the Koala Foundation,” explains Bergstrom.
“Remarkably, our longstanding relationships with the Australian business community have led to some unexpected benefits,” he continues. “The University of Washington Consulting Association, a Foster student-run organization, provides free consulting services to Australian startups in the sports technology sector. Each year, when we are in Australia, our students meet with the leaders of the startups that benefited from these services.”
To capture the full impact of this study abroad experience in Australia, we spoke with students during the trip. They reflected on their pre-trip expectations, how the experience reshaped their professional goals, why Foster’s international seminars can be transformative, and why everyone should try an Aussie meat pie (or the vegetarian version) at least once in their lives.
Foster student Aaron Ton (right) talks all things sports with Martin Schlegel, Director of the Australian Sports Technology Network, which collaborates with the UW Consulting Association for Australian startups.
Aaron Ton
Human Resource Management and Information Systems Major
Which organization left the strongest impression on you?
Aaron Ton: “Tennis Australia. Our speaker provided valuable insights into regulating emotions and measuring returns on investments qualitatively. As someone who is emotionally driven, the speaker’s advice about developing a strong understanding of one’s emotions was very powerful.”
Please share a few highlights of the company visits.
Aaron Ton: “My family and I are routine shoppers at Costco, so I was thrilled to get a behind-the-scenes look at how its unique business model yields great success both domestically and globally. Costco is a business that understands its strengths in every sense, operating in a way that optimizes its core competencies. I also admire how Costco consistently adheres to its core values, abides by ethical practices, and approaches decision-making with a customer-first mindset; the effects of their conduct are reflected in the many Costco members worldwide, including my family.”
“It was also interesting to learn how Russell Investments commands a strong presence as a multi-manager in Australian financial markets. Hearing about the company’s experience with expanding internationally led to a key takeaway I had from the visit, which was the importance of ‘learning where you are,’ rather than ‘transplanting what you know.’”
What’s a takeaway you’ll carry forward?
Aaron Ton: “What stood out to me most from our visit to PACCAR was how caring the environment was. From the intricate production line that we had the pleasure of touring to the noticeably long tenures of employees, it was clear that the company demonstrates a genuine care for others, for itself, and for what it does.”
“Many of the speakers from our company visits discussed what they want to see in prospective employees and what qualities are reflected by their top employees. Being curious and humble came up frequently, as did making genuine connections with others. The non-linear career paths of all of the people we met were also reassuring and a good reminder to ‘trust the process.’”
Please share a particular highlight of the study abroad experience.
Aaron Ton: “I really enjoyed the recreational activities on this trip, especially the surfing. It was my first time on a surfboard, and I was able to stand and ride the Gold Coast Waves after only a few stumbles. It was so exhilarating, and I don’t know if I would’ve ever tried surfing if it wasn’t for this trip.”
Foster students during a factory tour of a PACCAR manufacturing facility.
Jehan Hashi
Communications Major, Business and Entrepreneurship Minors
What motivated you to apply for the Foster Exploration Seminar?
Jehan Hashi: “I’m strongly passionate about politics, business, and communication. I found that traveling abroad was the perfect opportunity to strengthen my cross-cultural communication skills. I was especially excited to examine how politics and government differ in Australia and the U.S. and expand my knowledge of international business practices.”
What are some highlights of the company visits?
Jehan Hashi: “I appreciated learning about how PACCAR Australia maintains its successful business model in the ever-changing automotive industry. I had never toured a factory before, so it was incredibly exciting to do so.”
“The organizational culture at Slalom was very intriguing. During the panel, the speakers gave advice regarding authenticity in interviews and how to stand out. To hear such valuable key insights from established industry professionals was greatly appreciated.”
What is a high point of the study abroad experience?
Jehan Hashi: “As an avid tennis fan, getting to visit the park where the Australian Open is held was incredibly exciting! I not only got to experience the facilities as a fan, but also discovered the business end of sports entertainment. One of our speakers provided insight into what it’s like corresponding with politicians who visit the Australian Open, as well as the nuances of sports diplomacy. Her presentation introduced me to an important yet unique subset of sports relations.”
Which organization made the biggest impact on you?
Jehan Hashi: “Multiculturalism New South Wales. Our two speakers guided us through the crucial importance of multiculturalism and its value during moments of cultural tension within communities. It became clear to me just how nuanced and powerful diversity is. I left this visit with a special appreciation for multiculturalism and a greater understanding of its nuances in government.”
How will you use what you learned going forward?
Jehan Hashi: “Studying abroad expanded my horizons globally. I learned about different political systems, workplace culture, and diverse communities. I now have a stronger understanding of international business and will absolutely leverage my newfound knowledge of global business practices in my classes and future career.”
Editor’s note: Jehan is pictured in Sydney Harbour in this articles hero photo.
Foster School of Business student Tate Nelson (right) meets Laura Thompson, founder of Clothing the Gaps.
Tate Nelson
Marketing and Information Systems Major, Classical Studies Minor
What motivated you to study abroad in Australia?
Tate Nelson: “I loved Tod Bergstrom’s Business, Government, and Society course, so when he started promoting this program, I jumped at the opportunity. I’ve always wanted to study abroad, but a full quarter didn’t feel realistic. Three weeks in Australia was the perfect balance.”
What was your favorite highlight of the Foster Exploration Seminar?
Tate Nelson: “Seeing the Great Barrier Reef! It’s one thing to learn about oceanography, but it’s another thing to see it with your own eyes. The reef and wildlife were stunning, but it was hard not to think about how vibrant and abundant it once was.”
Which company visit left the strongest impression?
Tate Nelson: “Orange Sky, which is a free mobile laundry service for people experiencing homelessness. They started as two young entrepreneurs putting washing machines in a van, and now it’s a nationwide service. This visit reminded me that there are fulfilling career paths outside of the corporate world. I also learned that working in the nonprofit sector doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a competitive salary. One major takeaway was our discussion about the ‘non-profit starvation cycle.’ While it’s tempting to channel all funds directly into the cause, it’s important to compensate employees so they can sustain themselves and the mission of the organization.”
What’s one big takeaway you’ll carry into your career?
Tate Nelson: “I want to explore more of the nonprofit sector. One of my goals for senior year is to volunteer and see which cause truly ignites my passion. I’d love to take the skills I’ve developed at Foster School of Business and apply them to something greater than myself.”
Learning how to surf was a universal highlight of the students’ time in Australia.
Khazzi Villanueva
Marketing and Information Systems Major, International Studies Minor
What motivated you to join the Foster Exploration Seminar?
Khazzi Villanueva: “I’m passionate about sports marketing and currently work with UW Athletics. This program included visits to the Australian Open, Australian Sport Tech, and Brisbane Olympics organizers. It was an incredible chance to see how global sports organizations operate.”
What part of Australian business culture would you bring back to Seattle?
Khazzi Villanueva: “I would bring back the work-life balance! One consistent value that these companies did not hold back on was their emphasis on valuing their weekends and time off. I think that this impacts how much their work culture tends to thrive.”
How will you apply what you learned to your career goals?
Khazzi Villanueva: “The Australian company visits taught me that your values should be the very foundation of your business. Otherwise, what are you standing on? I think it is reassuring to know that you can succeed without compromising those values. There is a place for you somewhere, you just have to let the stars align.”
Foster School of Business students toured Melbourne Town Hall with Council Members Davydd Griffiths and Andrew Rowse.
Shiarina Wang
Accounting and Information Systems Major, Data Science Minor
What are your memorable highlights from company visits?
Shiarina Wang: “What stood out most at Costco was the message that anyone can step into leadership, take responsibility, and set personal goals.”
Shiarina, who recently completed an internship at PACCAR, shared that “Seeing the manufacturing process and the global reach brought a new perspective to the company I was once part of. Reliability and durability are essential, and PACCAR takes great pride in delivering on that.”
What was the high point of the Foster Exploration Seminar?
Shiarina Wang: “The most memorable experience was my last day in Brisbane, when we visited the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary… We also met with the CEO of the Australian Koala Foundation, who shared her journey and passion for protecting the environment. Her motto, ‘No Tree, No Me,’ really reminded us of the importance of healthy ecosystems in sustaining all life. That message resonated deeply with me, and I believe it is a perspective that should be more widely embraced in the U.S.”
What was your favorite cultural experience?
Shiarina Wang: “Ever since I signed up for this program, the snorkeling adventure at the Great Barrier Reef has been the moment I’ve been looking forward to the most. The underwater view was absolutely breathtaking. I spotted a variety of sea turtles, giant clams, sea stars, colorful coral reefs, and schools of fish in every imaginable color. In the afternoon, we switched things up with a semi-submarine ride. Sitting at the bottom of the boat with glass windows gave us a whole new perspective on the reef and its ecosystem.”
How will you apply what you learned to your career goals?
Shiarina Wang: “I learned the importance of aligning career choices with personal values, and was struck by the emphasis on integrity in business. Our visit to Macquarie Bank highlighted the value of transparency and protecting reputation through integrity, even if it means turning away potential business. That lesson will guide me as I enter the accounting profession, where trust and integrity are the foundation of success.”
From left, John Angelkov, Costco store director; Chris Tingman, Director of Costco Australia Operations; Foster students Henry Stickel and Connor Kirk
Advice for future study abroad students
Each student emphasized the life-changing impact of study abroad programs and encouraged others to take the leap “down under.”
Jehan advised, “Make sure you’re genuinely interested in the subject of your study abroad. Take the time to research your classes, the country, and how it fits with your learning at the University of Washington.”
Tate put it simply: “Do it. Studying abroad has absolutely changed my life and was the best decision I could’ve made for myself. I came out of the experience with a new spark for exploring career paths, a burning desire to move to Australia, and new best friends.”
Shiarina agreed, adding with a smile: “Go for it.”
Khazzi summed it up with encouragement for future global leaders: “Just apply! Keep an open mind and be willing to push yourself to see the world in a different light. That push could be what sets you apart as a global leader.”
Aaron confidently said, “Do it! Studying abroad gives you the freedom to experience a foreign country and learn about yourself. It’s a catalyst for self-growth.”
Slalom Consulting General Manager Gunnar Schultz and Director Darren Hill sharing insights with Foster School students.
Transformative takeaways from the Australia Early Start Program
What stood out most in each student’s reflection was the clarity and confidence that they brought home. Beyond the cultural immersion, they gained practical skills, including global awareness, cross-cultural communication, and a deeper understanding of how business practices are applied across economies and societies.
“We are deeply grateful to our corporate partners—Costco, Russell Investments, Slalom, EY, Apple, PACCAR, and Amazon—whose Australian leadership teams take the time to meet with our students,” Bergstrom adds. “The Australia program balances experiential learning with opportunities to explore iconic destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef and Bondi Beach—and, for many students, the highlight of the trip: getting up close with kangaroos and koalas.”
Between the company visits and outdoor adventures, every student took a moment to mention their favorite meals: Australia’s take on Chipotle, Aussie meat pies from Costco, fresh shrimp, Kangaroo steak, and chocolate-covered honeycomb were all dishes they can’t wait to try again.
The Foster Exploration Seminar demonstrated to students how experiential learning can enhance their business education. It inspired them to value connection, pursue careers with meaning, and to lead with compassion. It also allowed them to fulfill lifelong dreams of surfing, snorkeling, and visiting an animal sanctuary in one of the world’s most beautiful countries.
Foster students on a scenic tour of Sydney Harbour
Learn more about study abroad experiences here.
Header photo: University of Washington student Jehan Hashi in Sydney, Australia
All images courtesy Tod Bergstrom