UIC Students Go Global with New Entrepreneurship Program in Singapore
A faculty-led partnership with National University of Singapore (NUS) immerses students in innovation, culture, and startup thinking
This July, UIC Business launched its first faculty-directed study abroad program focused on entrepreneurship in Singapore. Eleven undergraduate students from across UIC—including the Colleges of Business Administration, Architecture, Design, and the Arts; Engineering; and Medicine—participated in the National University of Singapore Enterprise Summer Program in Entrepreneurship (NUSSP).
Offered as a Special Topics course in Entrepreneurship, the two-week immersive program brought together more than 300 students from 28 countries for a dynamic, cross-cultural learning experience. Thanks to a credit exchange agreement with NUS Enterprise, students paid just $900 plus airfare—a significant reduction from the standard $4,500 program cost.
Global Business in Action
Through lectures, expert panels, and fireside chats with founders, students were introduced to fundamental concepts such as business model innovation, purpose-driven social entrepreneurship, and resilience. They visited the offices of global companies like Alibaba, Google, and Huawei, as well as Singapore-based ventures including Dignity Kitchen, Carousell, and Shopback, to observe how social innovation, branding, and sustainability are applied in practice.
Students also collaborated in cross-cultural teams to identify business opportunities and pitch new venture concepts during a competitive Demo Day on the program’s final day.
Cultural Immersion and Connection
Beyond academics, the program emphasized cross-cultural engagement and global citizenship. Each student was assigned to a “clan”—a social group designed to foster informal support and build camaraderie. Participants explored ASEAN cultures through music, language, games, and daily local meals. During the closing cultural exchange, UIC students introduced the “Cha Cha Slide,” leading dozens of peers from around the world in a high-energy group dance that celebrated cultural sharing and community.
Student Reflections
“Before the program, I had a general idea of what entrepreneurship meant, but now I understand it on a deeper level. It’s about grit, resilience, and trying again after failure.”
“Collaborating with peers from different cultures showed me that entrepreneurship isn’t just about opportunity—it’s shaped by perspective. Learning to adapt and listen made our project stronger.”
Looking Ahead
Looking Ahead
Early feedback suggests the program had a profound impact on student confidence, cultural awareness, and entrepreneurial ambition. Led by Lecturer Dan Hogan, Department of Managerial Studies, the 2025 program marked a successful pilot effort.
UIC plans to return to NUS in 2026 and anticipates even greater student interest. We’re excited to build on this momentum and continue offering transformational global learning experiences that prepare our students to lead in a global economy.