In Class
Each course meets once a week for 3 hours where you’ll deep dive into that region’s history and current context. As in your academic classes, GATE courses are highly participatory—classmates educate each other on findings as you engage with the regional experts in discussions. Your coursework may include company research and presentations, discussions of business case studies, as well as individual and group deliverables on a focus topic after returning from your trip.
In Country
During your trip—which will be around 12 days—your instructor serves as a consultant, guiding you and your classmates through the region you’ve been studying. You’ll meet with business and government leaders in a wide variety of industries and economic sectors, gaining insights through visits with multinational corporations, local enterprises, government agencies, alumni, and more.
Your trip will include required field visits where you’ll get an in-depth view of a company or organization and learn about some of the current challenges facing each organization. You’ll also gain exposure to the culture of the region with a range of experiences. Activities like receptions with company representatives, meetings with Duke alumni, city tours, museum visits, hikes, and local entertainment expand your understanding and appreciation of the area you’re visiting.
Recent student experiences include:
- A personal tour of Robben Island Prison led by Ahmed Kathrada, Nelson Mandela’s co-defendant and fellow prisoner
- A visit to Triggerfish Studios in Cape Town, the largest animation firm in the southern hemisphere
- Lunch with a local family in the Hutong district of Beijing
- Business visits at e-commerce giant JD.com and global manufacturing company Jabil in China
- A visit to the Argentinian Embassy in Buenos Aries, led by former Ambassador to Venezuela, Patrick Duddy
- “Vespa After Dark” street food tour on scooters in Siem Reap, Cambodia
