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. 

Spring Break 2026 applications are now closed.

Program Facts

Course	MBA 590: Management of Mega-Trends Impacting Organizational Resiliency *Counts towards the Business Leadership Certificate
NC State Cost	$6,100 Please see the “Costs/Scholarships” page for more details.
Dates	March 13 – 21, 2026
Location	Zurich and Geneva, Switzerland
Contact	Dr. Mark Beasley, (beasleym@ncsu.edu) Office of Global Programs, Poole (poole_global@ncsu.edu)
Applications	Applications now open. Apply today! 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 itinerary from the Spring Break 2025 program. *Details are subject to change for the 2026 program. The finalized intinerary will be shared with participants as soon as possible.

You should plan to arrive in the morning if possible on Saturday, March 14, which means you will need to depart the US on Friday March 13. 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.

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.*