Understanding Spain & Morocco: Business and Culture
- Take part in tours and lectures from 1-2 businesses daily on various topics critical to business operations in Spain and Morocco.
- Visit historic sites such as the Arc de Triomf, Madrid Royal Palace, Temple of Debod and the Plaza Mayor in Madrid and the medina and Chefchaouen in Morocco to better understand the rich histories and the significant linkages between these countries.
- Earn 3 hours of academic credit which can be applied to your major and as a 3-hour IDR credit.
The Understanding Spain & Morocco: Business and Culture winter break study abroad program is tentatively scheduled to run from January 6 (arrival in Spain) – January 16, 2026.
Spain is at the heart of a global trade network, a member of the EU, and operates in several areas of economic activity such as shipbuilding, automotive, textile, medical technology and chemicals. While in Spain, students will explore the distinctions between cultures and countries in managing a business, including organizational design, internal cultures, human resources, diversity, managing change, employee motivation, ethics, social responsibility, government involvement and gain a better overall understanding of doing business in Spain.
Madrid, Spain
Madrid is the capital of Spain and located in the center of the country. With a population of slightly over 3 million, there truly is something for everyone. Madrid, and all of Spain, has a rich history dating back centuries, which is reflected in art museums and churches. There is also an upbeat, modern influence in hip bars and restaurants and the world famous soccer team, Real Madrid. Take time to explore all aspects of Madrid and get to know madrileños who can show off their great city.
Tangier, Morocco
Situated less than 10 miles from Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier serves as a natural link between Europe and Africa—ideal for students interested in international business, trade and global markets. Tangier is also a culturally rich destination with Arabic, French, Spanish, and Berber influences. In addition to industry and cultural visits in Tangier, students will spend one day on excursion to Chefchaouen – the “Blue Pearl of Morocco,” an ancient town nestled in the Rif Mountains.
All students will enroll in the following course for three credit hours:
- IBUS 500: Understanding Spain & Morocco: Business and Culture (approved School of Business elective)
In addition, students enrolled in KU Core 34 can complete the Global Culture goal and earn an additional three hours of course credit by completing the Business and Culture in Spain & Morocco study abroad experience and UNIV 342: Sponsored Educational Experience. UNIV 342 is a 3-credit hour asynchronous course that, when combined with a study abroad experience, satisfies the Global Culture goal of KU Core 34.
Through participation in this study abroad programs, students will:
- Engage with company representatives to understand their business models and the specific opportunities their companies are solving.
- Understand how governments are involved in the basic functions of business decision making.
- Evaluate each company’s social responsibility/ethical culture and interpret how this affects their business relationships.
- Explore the differences between Spain, Morocco and the United States in regards to diversity, organizational structures, employee motivation and job design.
- Develop a deep understanding of the region’s history and summarize how this impacts business in Spain and Morocco today.
Participants will stay in centrally located, double or triple occupancy hotels in Madrid, Spain and Tangier, Morocco. Breakfast will be provided daily. Several lunches and group group dinners are also included in the program.
All students have unique things to consider when studying abroad. A Traveler Profile is a set of personal factors, characteristics or life experiences that could impact daily life abroad. Your individual Traveler Profile may include things such as your age, foreign language proficiency, gender, medical history, medication use, mental health, mobility, piercings and tattoos, travel experience, and more.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Before selecting a program, consider how your Traveler Profile may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Traveler Profile pages linked below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
- Adult Learners and Non-Traditional Students
- First Generation Students
- Physical and Mental Health Histories
- Religious, Spiritual, and Non-Religious Students
- Sexual and Gender Diversity
- Students of Color Abroad
- Students with Children
- Students with Financial Need
- Veterans, Active Duty, and ROTC
- Visible and Invisible Disabilities
This program is ideal for students who are pursuing degrees in the School of Business and who hold an interest in international business. The program is open to students from accredited U.S. colleges or universities who have a minimum 2.5 GPA and who will have completed one semester of college-level coursework in advance of participation.
Program Cost for Understanding Spain & Morocco: Business and Culture
Business School Scholarship
Business students are eligible for School of Business scholarships to participate in this program. Students who have not previously received study abroad scholarships from the Business School will have priority for scholarship awards. For more information, application instructions, and submission details, please see the Global Business Studies' website.
The program will be led by Dr. Brian Salmans (brian.salmans@ku.edu), Associate Teaching Professor in Analytics, Information and Operations in the KU School of Business.