What is the Field Global Immersion?
- Sep 22
- 12 min read
Updated: Sep 22
What will you do? This is what the Harvard Business School asks its applicants. Delivering and taking up challenges in the business world globally is a vision that the schools today envision to ensure for the MBA admits. Field Global Immersion is a complementary component to the MBA program at the World's leading Business Schools.
Field Global Immersion is an integral part of the case study based curriculum in many leading schools. We will explore how it has impacted the school learning experience.
Table of Contents
Harvard Business School
London Business School
Michigan Ross
Berkley Haas School of Business
Frequently Asked Questions
Harvard Business School The FIELD Global Immersion (FGI) is a semester-long first-year (RC) MBA course. The course is a capstone of sorts, and it requires students to build on learnings from their first-year courses and apply them to real-world business problems. At the beginning of the semester students are paired with a Global Partner (GP) company in one of 16 cities that has a product or service challenge they would like the team to address with their local consumers. The course culminates in a one-week Immersion at the end of the semester, at which time students travel to their assigned Immersion location and meet in person with their GP and local consumers. To maximize the experience, students are asked to travel to a city and country in which they have no significant prior work, travel or life experience. London Business School The LBS believes in creating real-world impact through its global experience courses. The field global immersion is a one-week duration course, where students get the opportunity to expand their global mindset and network. The global experience course provides the opportunity to travel to destinations like Johannesburg, Lima and Riyadh.
The expert faculty members assist the students in this program, where they explore a topical theme and get in-depth insight of the country’s business culture. During the program, students interact with the members of the local business ecosystem, faculty, alumni, fellow students and others in the LBS global community.
Michigan Ross
Stand out in your internship with our seven-week Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAP) course.
Taken by all first-year MBAs at no additional tuition cost, you’ll work full-time with fellow classmates to tackle a real business challenge for a sponsor company. The MAP experience is designed to help students hone their analytical, project management, and leadership skills. It’s a true action-based approach to learning, where the stakes are high and the impact is real.
Facts Table
Particulars | Data |
Number of projects to choose from | 75+ |
Percentage of companies outside the US involved with FTMBA MAP projects | 41% |
Percentage of present to senior leadership | 82% |
Berkley Haas School of Business International Business Development is the global management consulting program at the Berkeley Haas School of Business. IBD’s impact is twofold: we connect clients with talented Berkeley Haas MBA students who will help them to tackle a variety of value-enhancing projects, and we provide Berkeley Haas MBA students with practical experience in international management consulting.
Berkley Haas School of Business- IBD Facts
IBD focuses on international consulting.
IBD project team comprises MBA students with 5-8 years of professional work experience.
IBD project team spend 4 months at Berkley Haas working on projects and working remotely with the clients before travelling to the project countries in the final two weeks.
Faculty members with a background in consulting, entrepreneurship and international development mentor the IBD project team.
IBD From 1992-2023
Countries | Percentage |
Africa | 26 |
Asia | 34 |
Europe | 13 |
North America | 1 |
Latin America | 23 |
Oceania | 3 |
General Data 2025
Particulars | Number |
Total Countries | 89 |
Total MBA Students | 1,875 |
International Projects | 521 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a global immersion program?
A global immersion program is a short-term international learning experience where students or professionals study, work, or collaborate abroad to gain cross-cultural exposure, global business insights, and international networking opportunities.
Detailed Answer: Global immersion programs are offered by many business schools, universities, and executive education providers as part of their curriculum or as standalone modules. They are designed to provide practical international experience beyond classroom learning.
Key Features of a Global Immersion Program
Short-Term International Stay
Usually 1–6 weeks at a partner university or company abroad.
Includes lectures, workshops, and industry visits.
Cross-Cultural Exposure
Interaction with students, faculty, and businesses in another country.
Develops cultural intelligence (CQ) and adaptability.
Business & Policy Insights
Study global markets, innovation, and leadership.
Visits to multinational companies, startups, NGOs, and government agencies.
Networking
Build connections with international peers, faculty, and industry leaders.
Types of Global Immersion Programs
For MBA/Executive MBAs (IIMs, ISB, INSEAD, Wharton, etc.): International modules in the U.S., Europe, or Asia. Example: IIM Bangalore EPGP has a global immersion at partner schools like LBS or HEC Paris.
For Undergraduates (Ashoka, FLAME, Jindal): Summer schools or semester exchange at universities like Yale, UC Berkeley, Oxford.
For Professionals: Customized executive programs combining management training + company visits abroad.
Benefits
Enhances global perspective and leadership skills.
Adds international exposure to the resume.
Improves chances for global careers and cross-border roles.
Considerations
Often adds extra cost (₹2–10 lakh depending on destination).
Value depends on host university and industry exposure.
Bottom Line: A global immersion program is a structured international learning experience that builds cross-cultural skills, business insights, and global networks, making it highly valuable for students and executives aiming for global careers.
How much does Harvard Business School cost for Indian students?
MBA Program: Cost of Attendance for the 2025–2026 Academic Year
Particulars | 9-Month Total Cost |
Single | |
Tuition | $78,700 |
Course & Program Materials Fee | $2,800 |
HUHS Student Health Fee (SHF) | $1,800 |
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) | $4,308 |
HUSHP for Student Spouses/Dependents | $0 |
Housing | $18,900 ($2,100/mo) |
Food | $9,100 ($1,011/mo) |
Transportation | $2,360 ($262/mo) |
Other Living Expenses | $8,568 ($952/mo) |
Computer [Variable; not included Total] | [$1,500] |
Total: $126,536 | |
Married | |
Tuition | $78,700 |
Course & Program Materials Fee | $2,800 |
HUHS Student Health Fee (SHF) | $1,800 |
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) | $4,308 |
HUSHP for Student Spouses/Dependents | $9,892 |
Housing | $28,980 ($3,220/mo) |
Food | $11,480 ($1,276/mo) |
Transportation | $4,061 ($451/mo) |
Other Living Expenses | $10,941 ($1,216/mo) |
Computer [Variable; not included Total] | [$1,500] |
Total: $152,962 | |
Married with One Child | |
Tuition | $78,700 |
Course & Program Materials Fee | $2,800 |
HUHS Student Health Fee (SHF) | $1,800 |
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) | $4,308 |
HUSHP for Student Spouses/Dependents | $14,994 |
Housing | $37,800 ($4,200/mo) |
Food | $13,780 ($1,531/mo) |
Transportation | $4,110 ($457/mo) |
Other Living Expenses | $13,610 ($1,512/mo) |
Computer [Variable; not included Total] | [$1,500] |
Total: $171,902 | |
Married with Two Children | |
Tuition | $78,700 |
Course & Program Materials Fee | $2,800 |
HUHS Student Health Fee (SHF) | $1,800 |
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) | $4,308 |
HUSHP for Student Spouses/Dependents | $17,562 |
Housing | $37,800 ($4,200/mo) |
Food | $16,070 ($1,786/mo) |
Transportation | $4,110 ($457/mo) |
Other Living Expenses | $15,364 ($1,707/mo) |
Computer [Variable; not included Total] | [$1,500] |
Total: $178,514 |
What is the FIELD method at Harvard?
At Harvard Business School, FIELD (Field Immersion Experiences for Leadership Development) is a hands-on learning method where MBA students work on real-world projects, global immersions, and leadership exercises to apply classroom concepts in practice.
Detailed Answer: Harvard Business School is famous for its case method, but it also created the FIELD method to balance discussion-based learning with experiential, action-based learning.
Components of the FIELD Method
FIELD Foundations (Leadership & Teamwork)
Exercises to build self-awareness, collaboration, and communication.
Focuses on team dynamics and leadership challenges.
FIELD Global Immersion
Students travel abroad to work with partner companies, startups, or NGOs.
Projects often focus on market entry, customer insights, product launches.
Helps students develop cross-cultural management skills.
FIELD Reflection & Integration
Students reflect on experiences, linking them back to business strategy, leadership, and decision-making.
Why It Matters
Complements the case method (theory, analysis) with FIELD method (action, practice).
Gives students global exposure (HBS sends students to 10–15 countries each year).
Builds practical leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
Example Outcomes
Working with an e-commerce startup in Africa on scaling strategy.
Partnering with a retail company in Southeast Asia for customer research.
Leadership roleplays and live simulations on crisis management.
Bottom Line: The FIELD method at Harvard Business School is a signature experiential learning approach that complements the case method by immersing students in real-world leadership and global business challenges.
What is the Global Immersion Program 2025?
What “Global Immersion Program 2025” Usually Means
“Global Immersion” is a term used by many colleges and MBA / UG / executive-programs to describe an international exposure module. The key features are:
A short stay abroad (usually 1-2 weeks, sometimes more) at a foreign university or in a foreign country.
Academic lectures, guest lectures, case studies or workshops at that international location.
Industry visits, company or organizational exposure in that country.
Cultural exposure: interaction with local students, field trips, visits to relevant sites.
Reflection & integration back in home institution — applying learnings to global business/cultural contexts.
Examples of Global Immersion Programs in 2025
Here are a few real examples:
Jaipuria Institute of Management (Jaipuria Jaipur) is running a “Global Immersion Program 2025 at Sri Lanka” (approx. 10 days) with academic sessions and industry interactions.
Sparsh Global Business School offers a 7 days Global Immersion that’s mandatory international exposure: academic + corporate visits + global business orientation.
KIIT University has a “Global Immersion Programme (GIP)” for 2 weeks in May-June, with partner universities abroad. Fee ranges from ~₹1 lakh to ~₹4 lakh depending on partner, duration, and destination.
What do students do in immersion?
In an immersion program, students engage in real-world projects, cultural experiences, company visits, and classroom sessions abroad to gain hands-on learning and cross-cultural exposure.
Detailed Answer: Immersion programs—whether global immersion in business schools or study-abroad style immersions in undergrad liberal arts—are designed to take students out of the classroom and put them into practical, diverse environments.
Activities Students Typically Do in Immersion
Academic Learning
Attend lectures, workshops, and seminars at a partner university.
Work on case studies, simulations, and team projects with international peers.
Industry Exposure
Visit companies, startups, NGOs, and government agencies.
Participate in consulting-style projects, like product launch plans, market research, or customer insights.
Cross-Cultural Experiences
Interact with local students and professionals.
Explore cultural sites, traditions, and communities to understand the host country better.
Leadership & Teamwork
Work in multi-cultural teams on real-world challenges.
Practice decision-making, problem-solving, and collaboration under diverse conditions.
Reflection & Integration
Present findings to faculty/companies.
Reflect on personal growth, adaptability, and leadership lessons.
Example Scenarios
MBA Global Immersion (IIM, ISB, HBS, INSEAD): Students may work with a European retail company to design a customer strategy, while also touring historical sites and attending lectures at a top B-school.
Undergraduate Liberal Arts Immersion (FLAME, Ashoka, OP Jindal): Students might spend a summer at UC Berkeley or Oxford, taking courses and visiting startups in Silicon Valley or London.
Professional Executive Immersion: Short, high-impact programs with corporate boardroom visits, networking events, and cultural dinners.
Bottom Line: In an immersion program, students move beyond books to experience global classrooms, industries, and cultures firsthand, developing the skills, networks, and perspectives needed for leadership in a connected world.
What is the ideal age for immersion?
The ideal age for immersion programs is typically 18–35 years, since undergraduate students benefit most in their late teens to early 20s, and MBA/early-career professionals gain maximum value in their late 20s to early 30s.
Detailed Answer: Immersion programs exist at multiple levels—undergraduate, MBA, and executive education—and the ideal age depends on when participants can maximize learning, adaptability, and career relevance.
Ideal Age Ranges by Program Type
Undergraduate Immersion Programs (Study Abroad / Liberal Arts Global Modules)
Age: 18–22 years
Best for students exploring new disciplines, cultures, and career paths.
Builds openness, independence, and global outlook early.
MBA & Postgraduate Global Immersion Programs (IIM, ISB, HBS, INSEAD, etc.)
Age: 25–32 years
Participants usually have 3–8 years of work experience.
Ideal time to gain cross-cultural management skills and international business exposure.
Executive Immersion Programs (Senior Leaders / EPGP / Exec-Ed)
Age: 30–40 years (sometimes older)
Best for mid-career managers moving into leadership roles.
They can immediately apply global insights to real organizational challenges.
Why This Age Range Works
Cognitive Flexibility: Younger participants (18–25) adapt quickly to new cultures and ideas.
Career Relevance: Professionals in their late 20s–30s benefit because immersion ties directly to leadership and global strategy roles.
Networking Value: Mid-career professionals gain powerful international networks when their careers are peaking.
Bottom Line: The ideal age for immersion depends on the program level, but most impactful participation happens between 18–35 years, when students and professionals are most open to learning and can apply global exposure to shape their future careers.
What is the salary after Harvard MBA in India?
Data Points from India (Harvard Graduates)
Average salaries reported in India from Harvard Alumni are around ₹37.2 lakhs per annum.
In Bangalore specifically, Harvard grads earn on average ₹42.8 lakhs/year, with a range that in some cases goes above ₹90 lakhs for top roles.
In Mumbai, the average is somewhat lower — ~ ₹33.3 lakhs/year for Harvard alumni.
What Affects the Salary After Harvard MBA in India
Factors that cause wide variation:
Role & Function – Strategy, consulting, finance or product roles tend to pay much better vs more general management or operations.
Industry – Big tech / consulting / financial services usually lead to higher pay compared to smaller firms, startups, or non-profit sectors.
Location – Big metro cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi tend to offer higher salaries compared to smaller cities.
Experience Pre-MBA – How senior you were before the MBA matters. More experience = better negotiating power, more senior roles.
Leverage & Network – Alumni connections, employer brand, and negotiation can push salaries significantly higher.
Realistic Estimate
If you (an Indian student) return to India after a Harvard MBA and take a leadership / senior consulting / product role in a major firm in a metro:
Low for strong roles: ~ ₹30-40 lakhs/year
Typical for good roles with strong pre-MBA experience + good employer: ~ ₹40-70 lakhs/year
High end / exceptional cases: ₹80-100+ lakhs/year or more — especially if bonus, stock options etc. are included.
Which university is best for MBA?
The best universities for MBA globally are consistently Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, Wharton (UPenn), MIT Sloan, and INSEAD, while in India, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, and ISB Hyderabad are considered the top choices.
Detailed Answer: The “best” MBA university depends on whether you are looking at global rankings or Indian business schools.
Best MBA Universities in the World (2025 Rankings)
Harvard Business School (USA) – globally recognized for leadership, general management.
Stanford Graduate School of Business (USA) – strongest for entrepreneurship, venture capital.
Wharton, University of Pennsylvania (USA) – finance powerhouse, also strong in leadership.
MIT Sloan (USA) – best for analytics, technology, innovation.
INSEAD (France/Singapore) – top global one-year MBA, excellent for consulting and international careers.
London Business School (UK) – strong for finance, consulting, global exposure.
Best MBA Universities in India
IIM Ahmedabad (PGP/PGPX) – India’s most prestigious MBA, strongest for consulting, general management.
IIM Bangalore (PGP/EPGP) – leadership, strategy, global business exposure.
IIM Calcutta (PGP) – India’s finance hub, great for banking and consulting.
ISB Hyderabad/Mohali (PGP) – top one-year MBA program, globally recognized.
How They Differ
Global MBAs (Harvard, Stanford, MIT, INSEAD): Expensive (₹1–1.5 crore+), but give international career mobility and salaries crossing $150K/year.
Indian MBAs (IIMs, ISB): More affordable (₹25–45 lakh), best for careers in India or Asia, with salaries typically ₹25–40 LPA for top roles.
Bottom Line:
For global careers and top-tier international networks, choose Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, MIT Sloan, or INSEAD.
For India-focused careers with high ROI, choose IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, or ISB Hyderabad.
Is Harvard expensive for Indians?
Yes, a Harvard MBA costs about US$78,700 per year in tuition alone (₹69-70lakh), and with living costs, the total is around ₹1.1–1.2 crore per year, making it one of the most expensive MBAs for Indian students.
Detailed Answer: Harvard University (especially Harvard Business School) is considered very expensive for Indian students due to high tuition and living costs in Boston.
Harvard MBA Cost for Indians (2025)
Tuition Fee: ~US$78,700 (₹69-70 lakh).
Living Costs (housing, food, insurance, books, personal expenses): US$40,428 (~₹35 lakh).
Total Annual Cost of Attendance: ~US$126,536 (₹1.1 crore).
Two-Year MBA Total: ~₹2.2 crore.
Other Harvard Programs (for context)
Undergraduate Tuition- US$59,320/year (₹52–53 lakh).
Master’s (non-MBA): Varies between US$62,244/year (₹54–55 lakh).
PhD: Fully funded (tuition waived + stipend).
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Harvard offers need-based aid, including for international students.
Some Indian students also secure external scholarships (e.g., JN Tata Endowment, Inlaks, KC Mahindra).
Still, even with aid, most Indians spend ₹70 lakh–1.5 crore for the MBA.
Bottom Line:
Yes, Harvard is very expensive for Indians—among the costliest MBAs globally.
However, many students justify it because of the brand value, global network, and high salaries (US$175K+ median in the US, ₹40–70 LPA if returning to India).
What is the most popular field of study at Harvard?
The most popular field of study at Harvard is Economics, followed by Government, Computer Science, and Social Studies.
Detailed Answer: Harvard University attracts students across a wide variety of disciplines, but some fields stand out in terms of enrollment and prestige.
Most Popular Harvard Concentrations (Undergraduate Majors)
Economics – Harvard’s largest concentration; popular for careers in finance, consulting, policy, and academia.
Government (Political Science) – strong for students aiming at law, public policy, and leadership.
Computer Science – booming due to tech careers, AI, and data science.
Social Studies – interdisciplinary mix of sociology, politics, economics, and philosophy.
History & Psychology – traditional liberal arts with strong demand.
At Harvard Graduate Schools
Harvard Business School (MBA): Most popular program globally for management & leadership.
Harvard Law School: Top-ranked for legal studies.
Harvard Medical School: Prestigious in health sciences.
Harvard Kennedy School: Leading in public policy and international affairs.
Bottom Line:
Economics is the most popular Harvard undergraduate major, while at the graduate level, Harvard is best known for MBA, Law, Medicine, and Public Policy.