Gies Online Immersion Program

An immersion is an applied learning experience for degree learners that bridges your Gies coursework with real-world business challenges. It’s a hands-on way to apply what you’ve learned in class to practical business problems while working directly with companies and peers around the world.

You’ll collaborate in consulting-style teams, develop solutions to real challenges, and present your recommendations to company leaders. These experiences help you build leadership, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication skills that support both academic and career growth.

If you have questions about immersions, please reach out to i-support@illinois.edu.

Immersion Benefits

Immersions connect classroom learning with applied business practice. Participants gain:

• Hands-on consulting experience
• A broader global business perspective
• Opportunities to connect and network with Gies faculty and staff, peers, alumni, and international business leaders
• Development of key skills such as strategic thinking, teamwork, leadership, and cross-cultural communication
• A standout experience to enhance your résumé and professional portfolio

For in-person and hybrid immersions, the cost includes some meals, cultural activities, private transportation throughout, travel between cities, double-occupancy hotel rooms, and health insurance (for trips outside the United States). Note: If you participate in an in-person or hybrid immersion, you must stay at the same hotel as the group.

Not included: meals not listed on the itinerary, visa fees, travel to and from the destination, single-occupancy hotel rooms, optional excursions, and personal expenses.

Each immersion announcement includes an itinerary overview that details what is and isn’t covered for that specific trip. All immersions include teamwork, business meetings, and cultural experiences.

Immersion Experience

Each immersion includes:

• Consulting Project: Collaborate in teams to solve a challenge hosted by a local business and present your recommendations to company executives.
• Company Visits & Business Meetings: Engage with local entrepreneurs, start-ups, and established organizations to understand business operations in diverse markets.
• Cultural Experiences: Explore the host country through tours, cultural activities, and local cuisine. Virtual immersions also include creative cultural components such as cooking classes.

Payment Information

Once your spot in an immersion is accepted, all immersion fees are non-refundable.

Fees are added directly to your student account and are due during the semester in which the immersion course takes place. If you select a single room option, those additional fees will also appear on your student account.

Tentative payment due dates:

• Fall immersions: September 28
• Spring immersions: February 28
• Summer immersions: April 28 (for May immersions) and July 28 (for August immersions)

Please plan accordingly to ensure your student account remains in good standing for participation.

Frequently Asked Questions