CROSSING BORDERS: AN INNOVATIVE LEARNING APPROACH TO BUSINESS INTERNATIONALIZATION
1 University of Valencia (SPAIN)
2 EDEM Business School (SPAIN)
About this paper:
Conference name: 20th International Technology, Education and Development Conference
Dates: 2-4 March, 2026
Location: Valencia, Spain
Abstract:
Educational innovation is key to preparing students for the challenges of an ever-changing global environment. Internationalization courses allow for the integration of current tools, practical approaches, and intercultural competencies that enhance a strategic and adaptable view of the international market.
The main objective of this project is to improve the learning of students in the International Business Management subject of the bachelor's degree in business administration, through an innovative methodology focused on environmental challenges. This approach seeks to connect the theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom with practical, real-world experiences to evaluate the challenges of the global environment.
Specifically, this project aims to develop an internationalization plan in which students take on the role of strategic consultants, advising a real company on the design and implementation of the plan.
The project is structured as follows:
1. Inspirational conference: The course will begin with a motivational talk given by two external experts in internationalization. This conference aims to inspire students and provide information based on real business cases.
2. Development of the consulting project: During the course, students will work in teams, to develop an internationalization plan for a company that is not yet internationalized or is in the initial phases of the research project. The teaching team will provide an orientation guide with the key points of the project.
The project is structured in two parts:
- Practice session: During the practical classes, the teams will develop and present each part of the project. Teams will receive feedback from teachers and will adjust their approach based on that feedback and the company's requirements.
- Final deliverable: The final project will consist of a report presented at the end of the course, outlining the internationalization plan in an organized and structured manner, while also incorporating improvements based on the feedback received during the course. Throughout the course, a group of students will manage an Instagram project account where they will publish engaging content related to internationalization and environmental challenges, showcase the project's evolution, and share any additional information that may interest the rest of the team.
3. Awards Ceremony "International World Award":
The project will conclude with an awards ceremony, where a jury composed of three experts will evaluate the projects of 6 finalist teams. This event aims to recognize the students' effort and creativity and to showcase the impact of the project both inside and outside the university. The winning project will receive a physical award made from recycled materials by a Valencian artisan. To encourage participation and effort, the finalist teams will receive an increase in their final grade.
Related to innovative education, the project promotes innovation through three main components:
a) the introduction of real-world challenges;
b) the utilization of a social media platform and
c) the implementation of a rewards system.
This project significantly enhances global knowledge and skills by presenting real-world challenges drawn from a dynamic international landscape.Keywords:
Internationalization, learning, global challenges, innovation, education.