Growing Through VU’s Internationalisation Initiatives: MBA Students Meet Dutch Innovators in Entrepreneurship

The MBA Entrepreneurship & Innovation study programme conducted at the Vilnius University (VU) Business School is one of the leading examples of internationalisation. Among the highlights of the programme is a unique trip to the Netherlands.

This trip is more than just a compulsory part of the programme: it is also a key factor that allows students to gain invaluable international experience, enrich their business knowledge and skills, forge contacts through networking, and present their projects. For the past three years, such trips have partially been funded by the Fund for Teaching and Learning Internationalisation Initiatives.

Insights into the international business landscape

Dr Jurgita Vizgirdaitė, a representative of the VU Business School and the head of the programme emphasises that this is an important step towards advancing the internationalisation of studies: ‘Beyond English lectures and international faculty members, the study programme also offers hands-on experience abroad that fosters a unique learning process and empowers students to broaden their perspective with a global mindset to, potentially, enhance their own businesses in Lithuania.’

The trip to the Netherlands comprises three intense and dynamic parts, which take place in Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam. The first part consists of meetings in Amsterdam, where students have the opportunity to interact directly with start-up founders and unicorn representatives working in the innovation field. Such meetings allow them to explore the mechanics of international business ecosystems and learn how global innovation can be applied in the local context.

‘This trip was one of the key motivations behind my MBA application at the VU Business School. I have years of experience working in an international organisation and living in multiple countries, so I can perfectly grasp how large multinational corporations operate. However, I was keen to learn how unicorns emerge in other countries, to meet their creators and to hear their thoughts and insights. ‘Out of the Box’ – that’s what I would call this week in the Netherlands. I found it very interesting to explore diverse approaches to business practices, and the obtained information was priceless,’ said Leonid Kivit, an alumnus of the VU MBA.

Valuable knowledge and contacts for developing international business in Lithuania

The second part of the trip takes place at the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in The Hague, where students meet with Embassy representatives and business attachés who present the latest business trends and evolving developments in Lithuanian-Dutch business relations. This is an exclusive chance to gain insights from industry professionals and get useful tips on how to expand one’s business in international markets.

The VU MBA alumnus Leonid Kivit emphasises that the trip programme was very dynamic and captivating: ‘During that week, we spent 80% of the time unplugged from our daily routines, which allowed us to completely detach ourselves from the usual day-to-day activities; it helped us fully engage and focus on the process.’

The third part takes students to Rotterdam Business School – a cradle of innovation that hosts discussions and seminars with the founders of local unicorns and innovation leaders. Students actively participate in various activities where they share their experiences and discuss innovation and development. The intensive week in the Netherlands equips students with knowledge and networking opportunities to boost their future businesses in Lithuania and beyond; it also provides fresh ideas that can be applied to their own activities, ranging from innovation to business development strategies.

It is important to note that this trip was partly funded by the VU Fund for Teaching and Learning Internationalisation Initiatives, which covered 50% of the costs of the visit programme (including content, speakers, transport, representation expenses, etc.). The remaining costs are borne by students, thus enabling them to customise the trip according to their personal needs and preferences.

Once you join us as a VU student, don’t forget: you can apply for funding through the VU Fund for Teaching and Learning Internationalisation Initiatives! Simply team up with your lecturer to submit a joint application detailing your idea and the requested funding. If approved, the Fund will cover up to 50% of the costs—an amazing opportunity to bring your ideas to life!

8 Nov 2024