Dr. Kirkman brings decades of expertise in cross-cultural leadership and a passion for global learning to Poole Global’s new Global Leadership Immersion program in Madrid. As a management scholar, his research has long focused on how leaders unite diverse teams across countries and cultures. This program offers students the chance to experience those dynamics firsthand—through corporate visits, cultural immersion, and small-group learning in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.

International Experiences

• 2026 Maymester: Global Leadership Immersion – Madrid, Spain (Faculty-led)
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Prague, Czech Republic

What inspired you to lead a study abroad program?

I have always had a strong interest in other cultures and countries. That led me to focus my research on cross-cultural leadership issues around the globe. I’m fascinated by how global leaders get teams with members from different countries and cultures to align their goals and coalesce as a team. My study abroad class, the Global Leadership Immersion, is designed to explore exactly those issues.

Why do you enjoy teaching abroad with students?

There is no substitute for actually being in another country to truly experience and understand a different culture. I’ve taught global leadership topics at NC State for over a decade, but doing so abroad gives students firsthand knowledge of another culture and what global leaders in that country experience. They develop new perspectives much more easily when studying abroad.

What are you most excited about for the upcoming program?

This will be the first time I teach an entire global leadership course outside the U.S., which is very exciting. Because it’s an immersion experience, we’ll spend almost all of our time with corporate visits, cultural activities, and other hands-on learning. And Madrid is one of the most popular and attractive cities in the world—over 1 million Americans visited in 2024, more than from any other country. It was also named one of the top five “foodie” cities last year, so I think learning about the culture through food will be a special experience.

What can students expect to learn from this experience?

The main objective of the course is to help students become better global leaders. Even if they don’t plan to work abroad, they will likely lead or join teams composed of members from different countries. We’ll explore how to create high-performing teams when multiple cultures are represented. One key takeaway is that people from different countries often don’t share the same definition of what a “team” is—so part of the challenge is getting everyone aligned on how they’ll work together.

Any favorite local experiences or recommendations for students?

This will be my first trip to Madrid, so I’ll be discovering the city alongside the students. From past programs, I highly recommend Cape Town—doing a safari, visiting Table Mountain for breathtaking views, touring Robben Island with former prisoners as guides, and experiencing the warmth of South African culture. I also recommend Prague, with its rich history and architecture.

What advice would you give to students preparing to study abroad?

Have an open mind and expect things to be different from your home country. Slow down to avoid cross-cultural mistakes, read about the culture before you go, and learn some of the local language—people everywhere appreciate the effort. Go in with the goal of learning as much as you can and embracing a variety of new experiences.

How does international experience enhance a student’s business education or career prospects?

Employers value global mindsets and international experiences. They want people who can navigate today’s dynamic and uncertain business environment, see the big picture, and work seamlessly across cultural boundaries. These experiences help students build flexibility, resilience, and openness to new challenges—all traits that employers look for.

How is your course different when taught abroad?

Global leadership is best learned through experience. Reading and practicing skills is important, but there’s no substitute for being in another country, experiencing the culture, and learning directly from global leaders. Decades of research show that people learn leadership through experiences, and courses like this help students make sense of those experiences, leverage them, and build on them to become more effective leaders.

Why You Should Go!

Beyond the academic learning, the friendships formed abroad are invaluable. Each cohort bonds during their time abroad, often staying in touch long after returning home. We always have a WhatsApp group for communication before and during the program, and many students continue to connect afterward—even meeting up in person. The learning is key, but so are the lifelong memories and relationships that come with study abroad.