MBA Treks & iTreks

What is an approved MSB Trek or Itrek?

An approved MSB iTrek refers to officially recognized and sanctioned student-led international trips organized by MBA students or student organizations that aim to foster a global business perspective. Please note that once you have graduated, you cannot lead or participate in an approved MSB iTrek. 

What is a NON-approved treks or Itrek?

Non-approved Itreks are better described as a group of friends traveling together, or simply personal trips. They entail travel arrangements made independently of Georgetown University and not associated with an MSB or GU club or organization. These trips are not supported by GU or MSB and, therefore, do not require business visits or anything else that approved iTreks require. It is essential to understand that non-approved trips are not eligible to receive the support and resources provided to approved iTreks (see below for additional details).  

Can you provide some examples of recent approved and non-approved itreks?

• Approved iTreks: South Korea (Fall Break 2024), Turkey (Fall Break)

• Non-approved trips: Peru (Fall Break), China, Snow trip to Aspen

Can students share non-approved treks / personal trips via Georgetown communication channels like WhatsApp or listservs?

Due to liability and branding restrictions, students are not permitted to share or promote any personal travel plans using Georgetown communication channels. However, students may use these channels (including listservs, WhatsApp groups created by MSB, club email lists, student newsletters, etc.) to share information about university-approved Treks or international Treks (iTreks). Students advertising unapproved itreks as a Georgetown initiative and using the official Georgetown logo or channels such as Whatsapp, GU email, cohort/student listservs, Club email, Club Newsletter, or anything under GU resources, will be penalized.

Can students request make-up exams if they decide to attend iTreks or personal trips?

Personal travel, including iTreks, is not considered a valid reason for requesting a make-up exam or extension. When planning travel, please ensure your dates do not conflict with class or exam schedules.

1. Verify that it is an officially recognized trek (approved by the MBA Program Office and MSB iTrek Committee).

2. Confirm that it does not conflict with any class time or exam periods. 

Not sure? Contact the MBA Program Office team at mbaprogramoffice@georgetown.edu.

Interested in leading an iTrek? Please review the resources provided below.
If you still have questions or need further assistance, contact the MBA Program Office team at mbaprogramoffice@georgetown.edu.

What is the advantage of organizing an approved iTrek?

Approved iTreks are able to take advantage of GU’s support network (in particular, the expertise of the Office of Global Education/International Safety and Security), including emergency assistance and evacuation. Additionally, approved iTreks can apply for financial support from Georgetown McDonough and will not conflict with the academic calendar. Finally, students traveling on an approved iTrek will be covered by the supplemental Education Abroad Health Insurance Plan (~$65) which provides additional coverage of up to $500,000 for illness or accident overseas, with no deductible, emergency evacuation, and family reunion (with pre-approval). Students traveling on non-approved trips will not have access to these safety nets and university resources.  

What can’t you do when organizing a NON-approved itrek?

When organizing trips with friends, students are NOT allowed to utilize Georgetown channels (including, but not limited to listservs, Student Organization rosters, KEGS, etc.) or Georgetown University/McDonough School of Business branding (including, but not limited to logo, name, copyrighted or trademarked images, etc.). MSB branded material should not be used as gifts. GU/MSB funds (including student organization funds) cannot be used to support a non-approved international (or domestic) trip. 

What is the itrek approval process?

For an iTrek to be considered approved, it must receive explicit approval from both the MSB iTrek Committee and the Georgetown Office of International Safety and Security. Without these two approvals, the trip does not meet the criteria of an approved iTrek. Full details about the application process and requirements are listed on MyHoyaMBA. Students are encouraged to plan ahead to ensure adequate time for review and approval (minimum of XXX weeks).

Are non-Georgetown travelers allowed on iTreks, such as partners of students?

Yes, non-Georgetown travelers, including partners of students, are allowed on iTreks. However, they must purchase separate insurance, as they will not be covered by Georgetown University’s insurance. Club leaders are required to report the details of all non-GU participants to Georgetown. While non-GU participants are welcome, we recommend prioritizing Georgetown MBA students, including Full-Time, Flex, and Flex-Online students.