Dr. Jonathan Bohlmann combines deep expertise in innovation and strategic decision‑making with more than a decade of global teaching experience. Dr. Bohlmann joined NC State in 2008 and soon became one of Poole College’s longest‑running study abroad leaders.

For over fifteen years, Dr. Bohlmann has guided MBA students through immersive learning in Munich, Germany. His program connects students with executives across industries, offering firsthand insight into how global companies approach innovation, marketing, and product strategy. His commitment to experiential, international learning continues to shape the way students understand business in a global context.

International Experiences

• 2026 Maymester: Innovation & Marketing in Global Business Practicum – Munich, Germany (Graduate, Faculty-led)

What inspired you to lead a study abroad program?

I’ve always believed it’s a valuable experience for students, so when the college first decided to create study abroad opportunities for our MBA students I quickly volunteered. We had a great Munich cohort in the first program in 2010 and it’s been great ever since.

Why do you enjoy teaching abroad with students?

There’s only so much you can do vicariously, ultimately there’s no substitute for being there and sharing experiences in a different place and learning from managers in those locations. Even for US companies that we have visited in Munich, the Munich office perspective is entirely different from what you might observe here.

What are you most excited about for the upcoming program?

We always try to get one or two new companies to visit, just to keep a nice mix of industries and company viewpoints. Munich continues to thrive with both large companies and smaller start‑ups and everything in between, so it’s fun to compare and contrast how they approach innovation and marketing for their markets.

What can students expect to learn from this experience?

Each company and executive is very good about sharing their particular views on how they engage in innovative strategies given the market challenges they are currently experiencing. We relate that to what we think might be “best practices” for innovation and marketing, but we test that against what the companies are telling us is actually working for them.

Culturally, we are “all in” with what Munich offers, so we make sure there is enough time in the program to explore. Students are Munich experts by the end of the week.

Any favorite local experiences or recommendations for students?

It’s a long list that I’ve been able to compile since 2010! Being outdoors in good weather is the norm, and Munich is a very walkable city with lots of activities. I share my favorites with the students, but I also encourage them to explore and discover and enjoy.

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

Get as much as you can out of the experience every moment you’re there. We’ll often be impromptu and just take advantage of situations or little chunks of time as the opportunity arises—if, for example, we get an extra 30 minutes in between company visits, we make the most of it. And importantly, share the experience with your classmates—things are more fun when you’re together with others.

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

It’s vital. Even if you currently travel abroad in your job, a study week is still a great experience because you can step back and learn and observe and take it all in instead of being swamped with work stuff.

Why You Should Go!

Join us in Munich for an immersive, energizing, and eye‑opening experience in global innovation and marketing.