Switzerland: Organizational Resiliency in Geneva and Zurich
Switzerland is the home for a number of organizations that are leading efforts related to several global challenges on the horizon. The program will start in Geneva, Switzerland, which is home to the World Health Organization, the World Trade Organization, and the International Red Cross, all of which play a global role in helping world leaders understand emerging global political, health and trade crises. Each year, Switzerland is also host of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, which is a public/private partnership that engages political, business, and cultural leaders to shape global, regional, and industry agendas. The World Economic Forum produces a highly visible annual Global Risk Report that highlights overarching geo-political and societal mega-trends, including issues tied to climate change and social inequities. While we will not travel to Davos, the work of the World Economic Forum will be a focus of the study tour. The program will conclude in Zurich which is home to 15 Fortune 500 companies including ABB, Credit Suisse, Nestle, Novartis, Roche Group, and Zurich Insurance.
Applications for Spring Break 2025 are now closed. Spring Break 2026 programs will launch early in the Fall 2025 semester.
Program Facts
| Course | MBA 590: Management of Mega-Trends Impacting Organizational Resiliency *Counts towards the Business Leadership Certificate |
| NC State Cost | $5,900 Please see the “Costs/Scholarships” page for more details. |
| Dates | March 7 – 15, 2025 |
| Location | Zurich and Geneva, Switzerland |
| Contact | Dr. Mark Beasley, (beasleym@ncsu.edu) Office of Global Programs, Poole (poole_global@ncsu.edu) |
| Applications | Applications for Spring Break 2025 are now closed. Spring Break 2026 programs will launch early in the Fall 2025 semester. Deadline: October 15 |
| Detailed Information | To learn about accommodations, eligibility, health & safety and logistics, please visit the PackAbroad program page. |
| Policies & FAQs | Learn more about our refund and withdrawal policy here. Get your general questions answered by visiting the FAQ page. |
Academics
MBA 590: Management of Mega-Trends Impacting Organizational Resiliency
(3 credits, graded)
This course will expose students to the wide range of mega-trend emerging risk challenges likely to impact the ongoing sustainability and resiliency of all types of organizations over the next two decades. Students will gain an expanded worldview of the complex web of mega-trends likely to create challenges affecting various aspects of an organization’s operations and business model. Students will leave this course with a richer understanding of the complex challenges that exist and knowledge of many of the key global institutions that play a major role in helping solve the expanding range of global issues.
This course counts towards the Business Leadership Certificate.
Sample Itinerary
This itinerary is a sample, and could be subject to change as we are finalizing details with our partners. You should plan to arrive in the morning if possible on Saturday, March 8, which means you will need to depart the US on Friday March 7. Our office is not recommending a specific flight. Delta/American airlines are reliable airlines students and faculty have used in the past. All transportation to and from the airport will be at your own accord.
| Saturday, March 8 | Arrival in Geneva |
| Sunday, March 9 | Orientation, Walking Tour, Class Session, Welcome Dinner |
| Monday, March 10 | Agency for Habitat, WTO |
| Tuesday, March 11 | International Committee of the Red Cross, United Nations, Cultural Activity |
| Wednesday, March 12 | Transfer to Zurich, Walking Tour |
| Thursday, March 13 | Financial Sector Organization, ABB |
| Friday, March 14 | Zurich Insurance Group, Chocolateria Company, Farwell Dinner |
| Saturday, March 15 | Departure from Zurich *transportation to and from airport via taxi/uber |
Accommodations
Accommodations are factored into the program cost, and will be rooms of two. There will be an additional cost to be eligible to pay for a single room. More details to be provided to accepted students.
Students will stay in 4 star hotels with luxurious rooms, top-tier customer service, and proximity to some of Geneva’s and Zurich’s most notable sites and experiences. The hotel will be the perfect place to rest and relax after an exciting day of educational and cultural immersion.