BUSINESS IN ACTION
Course Start: UIUC Spring Semester 2026
ON-SITE PROGRAM VIENNA, AUSTRIA: 22-30 May 2026
ON-SITE PROGRAM VIENNA, AUSTRIA: 22-30 May 2026
The Business in Action course and program, jointly offered by the GIES College of Business at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the Magelli Office of Experiental Learning, and the Institute for International Business at WU Wien (with participation from ENGAGE.EU partner universities) in collaboration with IiVP, constitutes a unique opportunity for students to engage in international group work on applied, real-world projects with Austrian clients.
By emphasizing experiential, practice-oriented learning, the program fosters the development of essential competencies, including teamwork, analytical problem-solving, and intercultural communication. Structured weekly consultations with faculty and mentors provide sustained academic and professional guidance throughout the duration of the project. This model of experiential education not only enhances student learning outcomes and professional readiness but also generates valuable insights and potential solutions for partner companies addressing contemporary business challenges.
Key Facts:
Course Duration: February to the end of April, based in Illinois
Support: Students will be strongly supported by faculty staff, professors, and tutors
Projects: 1-3 projects per company with teams of 6-8 students with majors such as Business, Marketing, Finance & Accounting, or Supply Chain Management
Communication: Brief online check-ins every week
Deliverables: Final presentations of the students' findings will take place on-site in Vienna by the end of May
On-Site Visit: Teams will visit the mentors at the respective companies in Vienna between May 22-30, 2026 and have a ceremony at WU. There will also be a networking opportunity for mentors organized by IiVP.
Benefits of Experiential Learning:
Client Benefits:
Solve business challenges
Develop a talent pipeline
Prepare future business leaders
Student Benefits:
Gain real-world experience
Develop and improve skills
Explore careers
Tell your story
GIES College of Business-Action Learning Program at UIUC
1st US university consulting organization (1996)
LARGEST Business school experiential learning program in the US
ALL students complete 1+ tasks
300+ student projects annually
Contact at the Magelli Office of Experiential Learning:
Susan Quinn
Associate Director of Magelli Office of Experiential Learning
Contact at IiVP:
Kathrin Blasbichler
Academia-Industry Partnerships & Lecturer