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Professional & Cultural Visits
At Summit Global Education, travel is part of the academic structure. Our multi-city programs include structured visits to organizations, institutions, and cultural sites that help students understand how business, culture, and society operate in different contexts. As students move from city to city, these visits provide real-world reference points that complement coursework and deepen comparative analysis.
Professional and cultural visits are built directly into the syllabus. Faculty prepare students in advance and lead follow-up discussions that connect each visit to course themes. Whether students are engaging with a public institution, observing organizational practices, or exploring the cultural fabric of a city, each experience functions as part of a broader academic inquiry rather than a standalone excursion. |
Purpose of professional visits:
Professional visits are a core component of every Summit program. They are not optional additions. They are designed to connect classroom learning with how people work, organize, and make decisions in different social, cultural, and institutional environments.
In a Summit program, this may include visits to companies, public institutions, NGOs, cultural organizations, or meetings with local professionals and experts. The focus is not on any single discipline. Instead, students examine how local context shapes organizational behavior, communication, and collaboration across fields.
At Summit Global Education, they are designed to:
By the end of the program, these experiences form a comparative portfolio of real-world examples gathered across multiple cities — resources students can draw on long after the trip in coursework, job interviews, and their professional lives. They make theory tangible, sharpen cross-cultural skills, and show what global collaboration looks like in practice.
In a Summit program, this may include visits to companies, public institutions, NGOs, cultural organizations, or meetings with local professionals and experts. The focus is not on any single discipline. Instead, students examine how local context shapes organizational behavior, communication, and collaboration across fields.
At Summit Global Education, they are designed to:
- Provide firsthand exposure to local economic, social, and cultural environments
- Illustrate how organizations and institutions operate within specific regional contexts
- Support multiple academic pathways, including social science, communication, policy, and business
- Strengthen students’ ability to observe, analyze, and compare across locations
- Encourage thoughtful engagement with people and perspectives different from their own
By the end of the program, these experiences form a comparative portfolio of real-world examples gathered across multiple cities — resources students can draw on long after the trip in coursework, job interviews, and their professional lives. They make theory tangible, sharpen cross-cultural skills, and show what global collaboration looks like in practice.
Companies & Organizations:
Summit Global Education programs include a range of professional, institutional, and cultural visits selected for their relevance to course themes and learning outcomes. The specific organizations visited vary by program, location, and academic focus.
Rather than promoting a fixed list, Summit emphasizes flexibility and relevance. Visits are chosen to support the academic goals of each cohort and may include companies, public institutions, NGOs, cultural organizations, and local experts.
Rather than promoting a fixed list, Summit emphasizes flexibility and relevance. Visits are chosen to support the academic goals of each cohort and may include companies, public institutions, NGOs, cultural organizations, and local experts.
European visits:In the past, we have organized a range of professional visits for our students in Europe. Below, you will find a list of some of these visits. Please note that these visits may vary depending on the location and program.
In Europe, visits may highlight how history, regulation, and regional integration shape organizational and social life. Students encounter different models of governance, work culture, and institutional structure across cities, using each location as a comparative case. Representative Past & Possible Future Visits: Barcelona – 22@ Innovation District & Pier 01 Barcelona Tech City: Inside one of Europe’s fastest-growing startup hubs, students meet founders tackling challenges in smart mobility, clean energy, and fintech. Discussions focus on scaling strategies, talent acquisition, and partnerships with public agencies. Mobile World Capital Foundation: Learn how Barcelona leverages its role as host of the Mobile World Congress to build global visibility and attract talent. Berlin – Factory Berlin & Urban Tech Labs: Students connect with early-stage companies in AI, mobility, and sustainability, hearing directly from entrepreneurs about adapting products for global markets. These coworking ecosystems bring together founders, creatives, and corporate innovation teams. Paris – Station F Startup Campus: At the world’s largest startup campus, students explore accelerators, venture funds, and incubators supporting thousands of entrepreneurs. Conversations cover everything from raising capital in Europe to building multicultural teams. Numa Paris (Innovation & Acceleration Hub): Insights into open innovation programs connecting startups with multinational partners. London – Level39 (Canary Wharf): Europe’s largest accelerator for fintech, cybersecurity, and retail tech. Meet founders and see how London maintains its position as a global finance and startup capital. BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) – Insight into how a global media leader adapts to digital platforms, engages diverse audiences, and innovates in content delivery for an international market. Google for Startups London Campus: Engage with entrepreneurs leveraging Google’s network, mentorship, and funding programs to scale internationally. Prague – CzechInvest: The government’s business and investment development agency, supporting international startups entering Central Europe – StartupYard: Central Europe’s oldest startup accelerator, with alumni in AI, cybersecurity, and IoT. Budapest – Design Terminal: Hungary’s leading innovation agency, running acceleration programs for early-stage companies with global ambitions. – A38 Cultural & Innovation Space – A creative hub that doubles as a cultural venue, showing how cities can merge art, tech, and entrepreneurship. Lisbon – Startup Lisboa: One of Portugal’s most successful incubators, supporting startups in tourism, fintech, and creative industries. – Web Summit HQ – If the timing aligns, students get an insider’s perspective on organizing one of the largest tech events in the world. Madrid – La Nave Innovation Center: A former warehouse turned hub for startups in health tech, mobility, and urban solutions. – IE Business School Venture Lab – Case discussions with student founders and professors on scaling companies from Spain to global markets. Athens – BlueGrowth Piraeus: A startup competition and incubator focused on maritime and blue economy innovation. – Impact Hub Athens – A social innovation community supporting entrepreneurs addressing local and global challenges. Estrella Damm Factory: A deep dive into how a heritage brand maintains relevance in a crowded global market. Discussions included sustainability in production, logistics innovation, and leveraging cultural identity in brand storytelling. FC Barcelona Museum & Camp Nou An exploration of how one of the world’s most famous sports clubs operates as a global brand, monetizing media rights, merchandising, and fan experiences while preserving a strong local identity. Codorníu Cava Producers A case study in blending tradition with innovation, from heritage branding to product diversification and wine tourism as an export strategy. SEAT Factory This tour offered insight into advanced manufacturing processes and supply chain coordination at scale. Students observed cross-departmental collaboration, automation, and lean production methods in action, discussing how European automotive firms adapt to shifts in consumer demand and environmental regulation. OECD Headquarters Students engaged with policy experts to understand how international cooperation shapes economic frameworks that influence startups, trade, and innovation. This visit reinforced the link between macro-level policy and the micro-level realities of running a global business. UNESCO Headquarters At UNESCO, students examined the intersection of cultural heritage, education policy, and international development — and discussed how global institutions support cross-border collaboration, a skill set critical for founders scaling internationally. German Parliament (Reichstag Building) Beyond its historic and architectural significance, the Reichstag visit prompted conversations about how governance, regulation, and political stability influence business climates. Students connected these discussions to entrepreneurship in highly regulated markets. BMW Motorcycle Factory (Berlin). An inside look at German engineering excellence, automation in manufacturing, and how R&D integrates with production to maintain brand leadership. More companies to be added soon... NOTE: Alongside larger site visits, the Summit program creates space for smaller, more personal meetings with founders and early-stage teams. These informal discussions open the door to honest insights about scaling ideas, navigating local regulations, and adapting products for diverse markets — the kind of perspective that rarely comes from a presentation alone. |
Brazilian visits:
In Latin America, visits often focus on how organizations and institutions respond to economic diversity, social complexity, and regional variation. Students examine how local context influences decision-making, collaboration, and organizational priorities.
Across all programs, visits are conducted in small-group settings whenever possible. These conversations allow students to ask informed questions, observe dynamics firsthand, and develop a grounded understanding of how people work and interact within their local environment. Representative Past & Possible Future Visits: Cubō Itaú (São Paulo) – One of Latin America’s most influential startup hubs, connecting fintech, mobility, and e-commerce innovators with investors, corporate partners, and mentors. Inovabra Habitat (São Paulo) – Bradesco Bank’s innovation ecosystem where startups collaborate with corporate teams on open innovation challenges. Circular Brain (São Paulo): A pioneering circular-economy startup based in the São Paulo region, Circular Brain uses a SaaS platform to connect electronic manufacturers, recyclers, logistics providers, and consumers. Their systems manage traceability, environmental compliance, and even tokenization of e-waste — a smart circularity solution transforming how electronics are recycled in Latin America. Solinftec (Ag-tech Robotics): Solinftec develops AI-powered, solar-driven agricultural robots (such as the Solix) that autonomously monitor fields, detect pests, and apply targeted treatments—drastically reducing herbicide use. A visit offers insight into how agritech startups scale precision farming in Brazil’s vast agricultural sector. Natura &Co Innovation Hub (São Paulo) – Brazil’s largest cosmetics company and a global leader in sustainable business practices. Known for integrating biodiversity, ethical sourcing, and community partnerships into its products, Natura offers students a chance to see how a legacy brand maintains its entrepreneurial spirit. A visit may include discussions on sustainable supply chains, product innovation rooted in the Amazon’s biodiversity, and how Natura leverages design and storytelling to compete in global markets. São Paulo Innovation District (Butantan Research & Innovation Cluster): This sprawling urban innovation zone brings together the University of São Paulo, biotech, energy, and technology research institutes. It houses incubators, fab labs, and R&D facilities, making it an ideal location to study public–private partnerships that drive deep-tech and environmental innovation. Artemisia (São Paulo) – A pioneering impact business accelerator working with startups tackling social and environmental challenges in areas like health, education, and urban mobility. Fábrica de Startups (Rio de Janeiro) – An accelerator and innovation lab supporting early-stage ventures in tourism, retail, and sustainability. Globo Labs – Media Innovation & Digital Content: Behind Brazil’s largest media network is an R&D unit experimenting with AI-assisted news production, immersive sports broadcasting, and OTT streaming platforms. Students meet with Globo Labs teams to see how a century-old broadcaster keeps pace with digital disruption. PROJAC – Rede Globo (Rio de Janeiro): Latin America’s largest television production center, home to Brazil’s iconic telenovelas and media innovations. Students explore how Globo’s content shapes culture, politics, and consumer behavior, while touring massive production facilities that rival Hollywood in scale. BNDES – Brazilian Development Bank (Rio de Janeiro): One of the world’s largest development banks, BNDES plays a pivotal role in financing major infrastructure and innovation projects. Discussions highlight how the bank has supported industries like aerospace (Embraer) and renewable energy, offering a case study in public–private collaboration. BVRio – Environmental Markets & Blockchain Traceability: Visit Brazil’s Environmental Exchange to explore how market-based mechanisms drive sustainability. Learn about projects like the timber blockchain that certifies sustainable forest products and its expansion to Africa’s Congo Basin. Discuss how carbon credits, circular economy models, and reverse logistics are reshaping environmental compliance. COPPE/UFRJ – Applied Research & Prototyping Labs: Located on the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro’s Ilha do Fundão campus, COPPE’s lab network offers IP-free prototyping for companies in clean energy, sustainable mobility, and waste management. Students tour research spaces and meet engineers applying R&D to real-world startup collaborations. Cidade do Samba – Samba City (Rio de Janeiro): Behind Rio’s Carnival is a sophisticated creative industry. This visit reveals how samba schools use project management, design, and advanced production techniques to build large-scale cultural events that drive both tourism and local economic development. SuperVia – Urban Transport Innovation (Rio de Janeiro): SuperVia’s aerial cable car system connects previously isolated favelas to the wider city, transforming mobility and access to opportunity. Students meet with management to discuss how infrastructure projects can drive social inclusion and urban regeneration. Complexo do Alemão Commercial Association (Rio de Janeiro) In partnership with ESPM faculty, this initiative supports entrepreneurship in Rio’s “pacified” communities. Students explore grassroots business strategies aimed at creating sustainable economic growth in historically marginalized neighborhoods. Beleza Natural (Rio de Janeiro): A high-impact social enterprise founded by Leila Velez, Beleza Natural scaled from a single salon to a national brand serving low-income women. Students learn how inclusive hiring, community reinvestment, and strong brand identity fueled rapid growth in a competitive market. Mercadão de Madureira (Rio de Janeiro): Brazil’s largest popular market offers lessons in informal economies, supply chains, and cultural commerce. A guided tour with local experts reveals how small traders compete and innovate in this vibrant business ecosystem. Rio Ponto Cine - using culture to spur development Using art to change society. This project in Guadalupe, one of the poorer neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro is extremely interesting. Learn more about the project online here: http://www.pontocine.com.br/ Rio Negócios – Investment Promotion Agency (Rio de Janeiro): The city’s official agency for attracting foreign investment. Students discuss how Rio positions itself to global investors, using case studies like Microsoft’s expansion into the Brazilian market. Porto Maravilha – Urban Redevelopment (Rio de Janeiro): A $3 billion regeneration project transforming Rio’s port district into a mixed-use hub of culture, business, and residential space. Students engage with planners on topics like sustainable design, public–private financing, and urban economic strategy. More companies to be added soon... NOTE: Alongside larger site visits, the Summit program creates space for smaller, more personal meetings with founders and early-stage teams. These informal discussions open the door to honest insights about scaling ideas, navigating local regulations, and adapting products for diverse markets — the kind of perspective that rarely comes from a presentation alone. |
*Note: the above list is given here to indicate the TYPE of visits students might engage in. None of these visits are guaranteed for the upcoming program, and many other visits may take their place. The list shown above is indicated here just to give potential students an idea about the type of visits we are planning for our students, and the level of academic involvement. Additional Cultural activities & Tours can be found our "Detailed Itinerary" pages for the upcoming program.
