Immersions are immersive experiential learning academic courses involving site visits, guest speakers, and networking opportunities with fellow MBA students in a business capital.  Immersions follow a different format from other courses and are not lecture-based. 

Students engage with approximately 8 weeks of asynchronous prework in the form of readings, case studies, and preliminary assignments, followed by an intensive 3-day period of faculty-guided experiential learning culminating in a final project.

Students in the MS sustainability management program will participate in a unique international experience in Scandinavia to learn about corporate best practices in sustainability. Students in other graduate programs with an interest in sustainability management issues are also welcome to participate in this program. 

Students must complete all coursework as listed in the course syllabus before participating in the immersion intensive experience. Please refer to the course syllabus for specific due dates for coursework due prior to the immersion intensive period.

Yes. MBA students are required to complete two immersions during their program.  IRB students are required to complete one international immersion.

MBA students can pick any two immersions to attend, regardless of location.  IRB students must attend one international immersion.  Business@American offers a variety of immersion locations and topics each year, always including two international destinations.

Included: The immersion fee includes some arranged meals (3 breakfasts, most lunches and breaks if included in the scheduled events).  The fee also includes the hotel guestroom (for immersions outside of Washington, DC), transportation to site visits, site visit activities, and internet access.

Not Included: Students are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from the host city.  Hotel guest rooms are not included for the Washington, DC immersions due to the high volume of students living in the DC metropolitan area.

You should plan to take off time from work for both immersion in-person days as well as travel days.  Typically, immersions are 3-day long academic classes held in a conference-style setting. Domestic immersions are typically held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The selected days of international immersions will vary based on cultural business practices.  The days are selected to maximize potential business site visits.  Immersions may also contain an optional networking reception.

Participation is required in all immersion events, including arranged meals.  Networking with fellow students and faculty is a wonderful opportunity to engage with your peers and is offered throughout the immersion.  We encourage you to get to know your classmates and learn from their professional experiences.

Like other courses in the program, immersion courses require a grade of C or better, otherwise the course must be repeated.  Students are required to complete asynchronous work in the 8-12 weeks prior to attending the immersion in the host city.  Due dates are listed in the syllabus and vary per immersion. The final grade includes completion of pre-travel work, participation in the immersion, and actively contributing to your team’s final project.  Faculty may include other graded elements, so carefully review the syllabus. Immersions are 1.5 credits each.

Professionalism is expected from students, staff and faculty.  This includes your demeanor, appearance, and participation when engaging with speakers and at site visits. We all represent American University.

Professional business attire and etiquette are required when interacting with guest speakers.  Please introduce yourself before addressing a speaker and thank them appropriately afterwards.

Immersions offer an opportunity to connect with your classmates and learn from their professional experiences.  We encourage you to bring business cards and introduce yourself to students you have not met before.  Please wear your nametag not only for students to get to know you, but also for guest speakers, staff and faculty. Networking opportunities may include a reception where you can converse and engage with fellow attendees.  You can also leverage break and meal times as opportunities to network with speakers, faculty, and peers.

Typically, an immersion dedicates time to review career development in partnering with the Office of Career Engagement.  For more information on career development and Kogod career resources and opportunities, please visit the Office of Career Engagement online or email careerservices@onlinebusiness.american.edu to receive access to career services.

The full schedule including locations and times will be shared through our personalized website 4-6 weeks before the immersion. Please make sure to access the website and familiarize yourself with the full schedule and important details.  The link will be distributed on 2KSB. We also include helpful tips and other important information – please take advantage of this and arrive at the immersion prepared.

Yes, you are required to stay at the hotel arranged for the immersion if it is included in the immersion fee.  We have negotiated a room block in advance to secure a discounted rate for guestrooms, as well as a central location for meeting each day and group work.  We feel it is important to maximize the allotted time for site visits and guest speakers, and minimize individual travel time for students attending the immersion.  We do not include the hotel guestroom in the immersion fee for the Washington, DC immersion, since we have a high number of students living in the DC metropolitan area and the campus is used in lieu of meeting space.

Academic and networking events are offered exclusively to students participating in the immersion.  Guests may accompany you during your free time in some locations. Please inquire with the online business team to see if there are travel restrictions. If you decide to have someone accompany you during your travel, please double-check to make sure you are not assigned to a shared hotel guestroom with another student.  Sometimes a single occupancy guestroom (non-shared guestroom with another student) will require a supplemental fee to be paid by the student.