For more than 16 years, University of Washington students have crossed the Atlantic each early fall to participate in Business Ireland, a faculty-led study abroad program in Ireland offered by the Foster School of Business Global Business Center.
Led by Professor Leta Beard, Business Ireland has welcomed 22–24 students each year to Dublin, Cork, and Waterford, among other cities. The program is open to all University of Washington undergraduate students. The priority deadline for the next cohort is February 15, 2026.
“Ireland is incredibly diverse in its landscape,” says Beard. “We travel across the island—from large cities to small fishing villages—so students experience the country in a very holistic way.” During these island-wide excursions, students learn firsthand about the diverse economic landscapes that shape modern business worldwide.
“Once you get to know me, you know I’m all about experiential learning—where students combine the concepts they learn in the classroom and apply them in a real-world setting,” explains Beard. “Going on company tours, meeting with executives and learning directly from them is an integral part of that. Students often have an ‘aha’ moment when they realize companies really do use the theories and frameworks they’ve been learning in class.”
As part of this business-focused study abroad program, company visits range from formal to conversational, giving students the opportunity to speak with executives from multinational corporations such as Microsoft, EY, and Google. They also have the opportunity to learn from Irish organizations ranging from Jameson and Guinness to the Gaelic Athletic Association and Kissane Sheep Farm.
“During visits, executives talk openly about their career paths, the programs they’re implementing, and—especially in recent years—their sustainability initiatives,” notes Beard. “They also share advice on what it takes to be successful in business.”
“We travel across the island—from large cities to small fishing villages—so students experience the country in a very holistic way.”—Leta Beard
To capture the essence of this unforgettable study abroad experience, we spoke with students who’ve completed the trip in past years. They reflected on how Business Ireland deepened their perspectives on global business, the connections built within the cohort, and why Irish dancing lessons should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Amber Haiwen
Business Ireland 2025: Foster School of Business Marketing and Finance Major
Amber (second from left) and other students prepare for an exciting day of horseback riding. (Photo by Amber Haiwen)
What drew you to Business Ireland? “The main appeal of Business Ireland for me was the fusion of cultural and company experiences, going beyond exclusively discussing the business sector by understanding what made Ireland fascinating to study, work, and live. In my eyes, no other program compares to [its] combination of business, history, culture, adventure, and natural beauty. I knew this would not just be a typical suit-and-tie study abroad, but a truly immersive and exhilarating journey across the Emerald Isle, packed with variety and excitement at every stop. Leta’s reputation as a faculty director of this program for almost 20 years also spoke for itself in the deliberate curation of the Business Ireland experience.”
What was your favorite non-business-related excursion? “My favorite non-business-related excursion was visiting Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin on the second day of our trip. It was deeply sobering to walk through a space that had witnessed and contributed to tragedies so integral to the history of Irish liberation. I was moved by learning about the stories of sacrifice, and it required a level of maturity and self-reflection that I was so grateful to experience with my cohort. That theme of independence and remembering one’s past remained omnipresent throughout our three weeks; thus, learning about this history early on was essential to informing the remainder of our trip.”
When speaking with Irish locals, what did you learn about Ireland? “We were privileged to have Gabriel, a local from the rural countryside, as our bus driver throughout the majority of our Business Ireland experience. Other than entertaining us with quips and Irish trivia on the road, he illuminated the stories of Irish independence and provided tips and recommendations for each city that we explored. His enthusiasm and deep passion for education about Ireland was so palpable, making his contributions as a local an unforgettable part of the experience.”
Students visit the Peace Walls in Belfast, admiring the art and leaving messages. (Photo by Amber Haiwen)
What is one business lesson you learned during this trip? “A core lesson from this experience is to be responsive to the environment in order to capitalize on its strengths and find solutions to its weaknesses. In a business context, Ireland has attracted multinationals and flourished as an economy through the Celtic Tiger model, lowering corporate tax rates, offering educated workers, and creating a business-friendly environment. Companies succeeded by responding to those factors. Additionally, it was necessary for me to be responsive to the historic identity and cultural differences in order to fully appreciate travelling abroad in Ireland.”
What was the biggest takeaway from the trip? “Business Ireland instilled in me a deep appreciation for the diverse cultures, events, and human experiences that shape both our global economy and community. I’m grateful to have challenged myself and widened my horizons through traveling abroad. Now, I’m more equipped to navigate intercultural encounters and can view the world with a less U.S.-biased perspective.”
Hunter McKay
Business Ireland 2024: Foster School of Business Finance and Information Systems Major
Students visit Waterford Crystal, a renowned brand producing high-quality hand-cut glassware. (Photo by Kathryn Brandeau)
What drew you to Business Ireland? “I was drawn to Business Ireland because of my Irish and Scottish heritage and the chance to experience that part of the world in a meaningful way. I also liked that it wasn’t just travel, it was traveling with a close-knit group of students and learning alongside them. Knowing Professor Leta Beard would be leading the program also made it an easy decision, because I trusted she’d create a great experience. Overall, it felt like the perfect mix of personal connection, exploration, and growth.”
Was it your first time traveling abroad? “It wasn’t my first time traveling abroad. I’ve been fortunate to travel quite a bit. What made this trip different was the community: I built genuine friendships with the other students in a way I hadn’t experienced on other trips. Spending so much time together made it easy to connect, and the group energy made every day more fun. The people truly made the experience unforgettable.”
Which company visit was most interesting to you? “The Waterford Crystal visit was the most interesting to me. Seeing world-class craftsmen create crystal in person was genuinely impressive. It made me realize that even in today’s global economy, specialized craftsmanship and heritage brands can still thrive. It also showed how important quality, reputation, and storytelling are in building a business that lasts.”
What academic perspective from this trip has stayed with you? “This trip helped me learn how to ask better questions and stay engaged during professional conversations. The company visits also improved my ability to connect what I’m learning in class to real-world business. On top of that, I became more confident in presenting and speaking in front of others. Those skills have carried over into my classes and professional opportunities since returning.”
What was the biggest takeaway from the trip? “My biggest takeaway was confidence, and honestly, this was one of the most important things I’ve done in college. Going abroad for weeks with a group of people who started as strangers pushed me outside my comfort zone in the best way. I came back more confident in my ability to meet new people, adapt quickly, and say yes to opportunities that used to feel intimidating. I genuinely believe this trip changed my life for the better. It made me more open, more outgoing, and more willing to take on new experiences.”
Paige Bajsarowicz
Business Ireland 2024: School of Art + Art History + Visual Communication Design Major
Paige (second from left) poses with friends during a scenic trip near Dingle. (Photo by Paige Bajsarowicz)
What drew you to Business Ireland? “What initially drew me to Business Ireland was its deliberate emphasis on an immersive cultural experience. The program provides students with a space to engage in both casual and professional conversations about history and culture, shaping how Ireland conducts business today. Students were able to see many parts of Ireland, meet with many companies, see many sights, and share so many experiences. It was also an attractive program for someone pursuing a Business minor, given the opportunity to earn elective credits for the program.”
When speaking with Irish locals, what did you learn about Ireland? “The scavenger hunt on day one was easily one of my favorite experiences of the trip. By the time I left for Dublin, I had heard the sentiment “the Irish are so friendly” more times than I could count, but the kindness my partner and I received from strangers when asking for directions truly cemented it.
What is one academic takeaway from this trip that you still use? “As a designer, I wasn’t sure how much of our company visits would apply to my future. I was pleasantly surprised. Many professionals offered practical career, travel, and general life advice. For example, EY’s Colin Culliton advised me to stick to my guns and be true to my creative vision, which sticks with me even today as I navigate projects in and out of the classroom. Furthermore, Regina Murray (General Manager of Enterprise Partner Solutions, Europe North at Microsoft) encourages us to ‘just keep knocking’ for opportunities and explore our weeks abroad with an open mind.”
Which company visit was the most memorable? “I loved the entire experience of the Jameson visit and tour. It’s easily the company visit I talk about the most today. It was not only fascinating to see how the brand embraced modern marketing strategies while maintaining its historic legacy, but it was unbelievably fun to indulge in the Jameson experience dressed in professional attire, surrounded by friends. Kayleigh Core’s (Global Assistant Brand Manager at Irish Distillers) discussion of authentic storytelling within Jameson’s marketing strategy was highly applicable to my current and future work. I found it riveting how their strategies, products, and advertising approaches changed drastically from region to region.”
What’s one key lesson from the trip that’s stayed with you? “I learned to stand up for myself, to be authentic above all else, and to trust my instincts. In college, away from home, it’s easy to lose sight of who you are and the person you’ve always strived to be. It becomes easier to follow what others are doing, to forget the experiences, people, and traditions that raised you. This trip rekindled a part of me that I genuinely hadn’t felt since childhood: a girl who was never afraid to take a leap of faith and see where she landed.”
Kathryn Brandeau
Business Ireland 2025: College of Arts and Sciences Applied Mathematics Major
Kathryn (third from right) with friends during a trip to the Cliffs of Moher. (Photo by Kathryn Brandeau)
What drew you to Business Ireland? “On the study abroad website, I read through testimonials from past students, and the ones from Business Ireland stood out immediately. While others focused on specific classes or experiences, every single one from Business Ireland mentioned Leta by name and emphasized a much more holistic experience. After my interview with Leta, I knew this was the program I wanted to do because it is clear how much time and effort she puts into making her students’ experiences outstanding. From her abundance of stories to scrapbooks that past students had made, the interview made it clear that Leta’s program was one of a kind.”
Was it your first time traveling abroad? “My family loves to travel, so this was not my first time abroad. However, it was still such a unique experience, and I learned significantly more about local culture than I did on any other trip. It was much more holistic because we learned about all aspects of Ireland, from traditional instruments to significant historical events and everything in between. When my family travels abroad, I usually get a much more limited experience of local culture. That has a lot to do with the fact that Leta connected us with countless locals throughout the trip, and she created an itinerary that was much more encompassing of Irish culture as a whole.”
“It was clear that the ability to form meaningful, long-lasting connections contributed to the success of virtually every person we met, regardless of industry.” — Kathryn Brandeau
How did your relationships with students from different majors and hometowns grow during the trip? “Leta purposely designed the trip so that we would have an opportunity to get to know every member of the cohort. From encouraging us to sit next to different people each day to randomly assigning partners or groups, she made sure we had quality time with everyone. She has clearly found effective strategies because after a week, I felt like I knew every member of my cohort really well. Even after the trip, we are still in constant contact, and I know that the friendships I made on the trip will last well into the future.”
What was your favorite non-business-related excursion? “My favorite non-business activity was learning about traditional Irish music and dance. Leta knew these two local musicians who gave us a private lesson about music and dance one evening. They told us about traditional instruments and then taught us several songs and dances. I loved this activity because we learned a lot of information about Irish history and culture, and then got to participate. It was fun and interactive, and they even taught a few members of our cohort how to play one of the instruments.”
What insight from the trip do you continue to use? “My biggest takeaway from this trip was the importance of connections. It was clear that the ability to form meaningful, long-lasting connections contributed to the success of virtually every person we met, regardless of industry. This trip really helped me understand how vital it is to build a good reputation, continuously expand my network, and maintain professional relationships, within and outside my field.”
Cooper Rodriguez
Business Ireland 2025: Foster School of Business Finance Major
Which company visit interested you most, and how did it shape your view of global business? “The most exciting visit was to GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association). We were able to tour the stands, locker room, and many other areas in the facility, as well as try out their two national sports (hurling and Gaelic football). The tour guides are amazing storytellers and were even players in the GAA. The difference between this organization and all the other companies is the ability to draw in support from everyone in the country. It made me realize that it is possible to run an organization for the betterment and entertainment of your society without prioritizing profits first.”
How did connecting with students from different backgrounds enhance your experience? “I never thought I’d meet a group of nine guys who could instantly click and hang out together, but to my surprise, Leta was able to do it. There were only two guys who knew each other prior, but it took less than a few minutes together for all of us to be in a group chat and figure out what we planned to do. For many of us, it was our first time out of the country, so it was an experience we were getting to do together and allowed us to make some core memories.”
What’s one business takeaway from the trip that you continue to use? “Cultivating a healthy work environment is essential to producing the best work. While this may seem obvious, I learned the importance of consciously choosing to bring full effort and a positive mindset into every room—whether in an academic or professional setting—because that attitude consistently leads to better outcomes. During my visit to Cisco, they emphasized the critical role of culture and environment in mergers and acquisitions. They explained that even financially sound deals must be approached with caution, as a misaligned culture can ultimately harm a business. In some cases, Cisco chose to walk away from deals that were nearly finalized because the organizational environment was not the right fit.”
What was the biggest takeaway from the trip that you still use today? “The biggest takeaway from the trip was the importance of being open, willing to learn, and willing to be vulnerable in a professional setting. Openness to new experiences and a commitment to continuous learning are essential not only in business but also for personal growth. One lesson that stood out was the value of vulnerability in leadership. During our visit to EY, we spoke with one of their Innovators of the Year, who shared how being open with colleagues about his own challenges helped build trust and strengthen relationships. As a result, his team was better able to rely on and support one another during difficult periods, reinforcing that vulnerability can be a powerful tool for effective leadership and long-term success.”
“Openness to new experiences and a commitment to continuous learning are essential not only in business but also for personal growth.”—Cooper Rodriguez
Core insights from Business Ireland
What makes Business Ireland unique from other study abroad programs is its holistic approach to both business and culture. Students will bike through the countryside, have lunch at a traditional Irish restaurant, and speak with executives of a multinational business—all in one day.
“One thing that sets Business Ireland apart is consulting projects,” says Beard. They don’t happen every year, but one is planned for 2026. “Students work with Irish businesses, develop written recommendations, and present directly to company leaders. That level of responsibility makes it real. When you’re working with someone’s livelihood, the work has to be thoughtful and accurate. It’s true experiential learning.”
Every student spoke highly of their individual experiences, but each described Business Ireland as a transformative, once-in-a-lifetime adventure filled with cross-cultural lessons in global business. Even more so, students past and present continue to praise Beard’s leadership and desire to create connections among the cohort.
“Students start the trip as strangers and come back as lifelong friends,” says Beard. “I still hear from students who started with me in 2008. Every year, students hold reunions. This most recent group has already had several reunions and regularly stops by my office.”
“I once said, ‘We’re going to have a group dinner tonight,’ and a student asked, ‘Why do you call them group dinners? Why don’t we call them family dinners?’ That’s the true essence of this trip.”
“Students start the trip as strangers and come back as lifelong friends.”—Leta Beard
The Business Ireland program is a faculty-led undergraduate study abroad experience through the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business. Designed for students interested in global business, culture, and international leadership, the program offers hands-on learning across Dublin, Cork, Waterford, and Northern Ireland.
Who Can Apply to study abroad with Business Ireland?
Any current undergraduate University of Washington student—any major—interested in studying abroad in Ireland, international business, or a faculty-led global learning experience can apply to Business Ireland. Learn more and start your application today!
Priority Deadline: February 15, 2026.
Students visit the Cliffs of Moher off the coast of West Ireland.
Writer Kya Baker is a University of Washington undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Interest Communication. She also serves as the Content and Copywriting Assistant for the Foster School of Business.