The Texas A&M Center for International Business Education (CIBE) at Mays Business School achieved an incredible milestone this winter break – global business programs were offered on all seven continents. This included the center’s first program on the stunning continent of Antarctica. The 20 student participants represented six Texas A&M colleges: Agriculture & Life Sciences; Arts & Sciences; Engineering; Performance, Visualization, & Fine Arts; Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Science; and Mays Business School.
The Antarctica Sustainable Leadership Winter Program began as a fall course with weekly lectures from a variety of experts ranging from the Antarctic treaty and marine ecosystem to glaciology and the impacts on Gateway Cities. Leadership and the importance of sustainability for economic viability and prosperity, social responsibility, and economic stewardship were also discussed within the framework of Antarctica.
The group began their time abroad in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world, then sailed through the somewhat shaky Drake Passage for two days. After arriving to the White Continent, they enjoyed three continental landings around the Antarctica peninsula, including visits to Port Lockroy, a British research station and museum, and Port Gonzalez, a Chilean base. They were also able to participate in a variety of on-board lectures and on-sight expeditions. Each day, the group observed colossal icebergs and various wildlife in their natural habitat including gentoo penguins, orcas, humpback whales, and crabeater seals.
Supply Chain major Susan Liu says “Visiting Port Gonzalez…was a turning point. The coordination among nations and their collaborative research…served as a model for global leadership. I recognized the complex relationship between human activity and environmental conservation…in applying sustainable practices within supply chain management.”
Management major Chloe Tanner shared “The lessons I’ve learned will guide my future endeavors… This program was life-changing and will shape my approach to leadership and sustainability. It deepened my desire for lifelong exploration. I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity, which enriched my understanding of the world and inspired me to contribute to its betterment.”
Visualization graduate student Skylar La shared, “My time in Antarctica changed the way I see both art and leadership. Sustainable leadership is not just about policies or environmental action. It is about vision, connection, and the ability to inspire. It requires seeing patterns where others see chaos, trusting the process rather than forcing outcomes, and creating something that speaks to both the present and the future.”
Special thanks to Department of Management faculty Dr. Ken McFarland, Texas A&M CIBE Director and faculty Dr. Katy Lane, and American Universities International Programs (AUIP) for the vision, leadership, expertise, and partnership to make this milestone possible and for enabling Texas A&M University students to study business around the globe.