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Experiential and International Learning

General Information

Rotman offers students opportunities to enhance their educational experience and go beyond the classroom. Full-Time and Morning and Evening MBA students may select from a wide variety of local and international learning opportunities to take their future employability to the next level.

These additional learning opportunities involve courses that allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments by providing hands-on experience.

Our international opportunities with more than 20 partners will allow students to immerse themselves in another culture. Students will learn from new perspectives and gain valuable intercultural communication skills.

Experiential/International Course Eligibility Specifics and Limits – Full-Time MBA and Morning and Evening MBA

Students may take a maximum of two experiential courses in total (except for combined programs, as noted below), as designated by a course number RSM27XXH, for credit (1.0 FCE). For students who take more than two experiential courses, these would not be counted towards the MBA degree requirements.

Students must be aware that the following restrictions apply:

  • International Exchange Program (TRF9XXX)
    • Students taking part in an exchange with one of the partner schools for four half credits (2.0 FCEs) or a maximum of five half credits (2.5 FCEs), for FT MBAs, cannot take experiential courses for credit
    • Morning/Evening MBA students may take a maximum of four half credits (2.0 FCEs)
    • See International Exchange Program for all details.
  • Doing Business Internationally (TRF9XXX) – Students may only take it once (0.5 FCE) for Credit. May not be taken for EXTra credit.
  • RSM27XXH courses are equivalent to 0.5 FCEs.
  • Grading scales:
    • Rotman experientials courses (RSM27XXH): Honours/Pass/Fail
    • DBIs/Exchange courses: Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR)
  • Courses graded as CR/NCR, Pass/Fail, or Honours/Pass/Fail, do not count towards the GPA, nor do courses taken as EXTra.

Students seeking permission to exceed the above limits are advised to contact the Assistant/Associate Director for their program, as approval from their respective Academic Directors will be needed. Students may designate the additional experiential course, RSM27XXH, as an EXTra course.

For more information, please contact the Experiential and International Programs staff.

Experiential and International Learning Opportunities

Experiential Learning

Students may also take advantage of a number of other academic opportunities for course credit. Note that some of these are not currently included in the elective course enrollment process; rather, students must submit an application by the posted deadline (deadlines vary by opportunity and will be communicated by OSE). All application requests must be received by the deadline for adding a course to the MBA program.

RSM2700H – Independent Study Projects (ISPs)

Independent Study Project opportunities typically result from one of three ways:

  1. An external organization offers a project that requires some type of individual or group assessment of their business plan or strategy. The Office of Student Engagement (OSE) will inform students of these opportunities through the HUB.
  2. A Rotman faculty member has the need for an individual or group of MBAs to do academic research on a specific topic. Any such opportunities are typically handled between an individual faculty member and a student who has indicated an interest in that area. The faculty member acts as the Academic Supervisor for these types of projects.
  3. A student has an interest in a particular area that is not covered by the elective course offerings and seeks out a faculty member to provide academic guidance for a mutually defined project. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the student to find an Academic Supervisor.

Each project must have an Independent Study Project outline approved by the Academic Director, Global and Experiential Learning. Please contact the OSE team for further assistance. Registration for an Independent Study Project may require application as outlined through the Independent Study Project outline, as well as the submission of the Add/Drop form to the Registrar’s Office. Note that approved projects may not substantially overlap with the content in other courses offered in the Rotman MBA program. Independent Study courses can be worth either 0.5 or 1.0 FCE (full course equivalent – a regular MBA elective is worth 0.5 FCE).

Important:

  • Learning outcomes must be different for each project.
  • Students intending to pursue ISP opportunities should still enroll in a full slate of electives. Registration in ISP courses is dependent upon identifying a suitable/available academic supervisor, which may not happen before course selection. Upon confirming ISP details, students will need to drop one or two of their confirmed electives (as appropriate).
  • Experiential/International Course Eligibility Specifics and Limits

RSM2702H – Rotman OnBoard Fellowship

Rotman OnBoard pairs talented upper-year MBA candidates with non-profit boards and charities for eight-month fellowships. OnBoard fellows work closely with a board mentor to complete a strategic governance project based on the organization’s needs.

Rotman OnBoard provides a unique way for resource-constrained organizations to access valuable business skills in Accounting, Consulting, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, and other functional areas from some of Canada’s top MBA talent.

A goal of the program is to develop students’ governance and leadership skills while contributing their time and talent to select non-profit organizations.

Important:

RSM2703H – Rotman CityLab

CityLab (equivalent to 0.5 FCE, or half of one full course equivalent credit) pairs talented teams of MBA candidates (second-year FT MBA students and third-year Morning and Evening MBA students) with local Toronto organizations such as Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) for an eight-month consulting engagement. Project teams act as a consulting and advisory resource to the organization and complete a strategic project based on its needs.

CityLab aims to make a meaningful impact in a local neighbourhood and in the greater City of Toronto by providing a unique way for BIAs to access valuable business skills in Accounting, Consulting, Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, and other functional areas from Canada’s top MBA talent.

This Rotman initiative is directly aligned with the University of Toronto’s top priorities which include leveraging our urban location for the mutual benefit of the university and the city; expanding sustainable outreach and partnerships with local municipalities, civic, and neighbourhood organizations; and strengthening relationships with residents’ associations in the city. It also manages to fulfill the university’s desire to be globally engaged by working with entrepreneurs who have recently immigrated to Canada.

Important:

RSM2706H – Impact Investing in an Early-Stage Enterprise

Students will learn about early-stage impact investing, including what impact investing is and how fast it is growing, how to develop an impact investing thesis, source early-stage impact investments, conduct due diligence, and prepare and deliver an investment memo and recommendation to an investment committee.

Through classes and online materials, you will learn about impact investing through readings, industry resources and guest speakers on impact investing. You will also participate in intensive, self-organized team-based group work to source, assess and pitch a real early-stage impact company to an investment committee. This course is taught in parallel with the Turner MBA Impact Investing Network and Training (TMIINT) program, a joint initiative of the Wharton and the Bridges Impact Foundation. Students who successfully complete all requirements of the course will also receive a certificate from Turner MIINT.

RSM2760H – C-Suite

Take advantage of leadership experience at Rotman to bring concepts of leadership to life. Students will develop valuable life skills to be more effective throughout their career and use experience as a club executive or member of the Graduate Business Council as a training ground. In this applied course, students will develop the ability to seek, accept, internalize, and act on feedback, coaching, and mentoring in a professional setting.

Students will engage in experiential learning (by using their own leadership challenges) in order to deepen their understanding of self, develop skills to extend knowledge to others and lastly to iterate and innovate on experiences in real time. Moving beyond theories of leadership, students will come away with a toolkit that enables sustained and meaningful engagement as a leader.

Important:

International Learning

Exposure to international business models is critical for success in today’s global marketplace. Over the past several years, the Rotman School has increased its international experience offerings and we are proud to offer our students a wide range of opportunities providing experience in different settings.

RSM2701H – Global Consulting Projects (GCP)

In partnership with companies across Canada and abroad, the Rotman School has developed unique, internationally-focused independent study project opportunities for MBA students. Under the supervision of a Rotman faculty member, students complete a project outlined by the partner. Projects are an in-depth study of a specific country or region and require international travel. Global Consulting Projects (GCPs) offer students a chance to gain real-time experience and contribute to companies abroad.

Registration for GCPs is limited to upper-year students in the electives phase of their program. The application process is competitive and requires submission of an MBA résumé, cover letter, and online application to the OSE. Note that approved projects may not substantially overlap another course.

Important:

  • Learning outcomes must be different for each project.
  • Students intending to pursue GCP opportunities should enroll in a full slate of elective courses as the application process is competitive and participation cannot be guaranteed. The call for applications will occur in line with the elective course selection phase per term.
  • GCP opportunities are posted on the Hub as they become available.
  • Experiential/International Course Eligibility Specifics and Limits

RSM2709H – Global Practicums

Global Practicums provide a framework for understanding the opportunities and risks associated with the emergence of major new markets in the world economy. Trips include stopovers in major cities where students will learn firsthand what it is like to do business in those regions. Participants will also partake in cultural and tourist activities. Site visits to local, international, and Canadian companies provide students with a well-rounded overview of how business is conducted in the country.

Global Practicums are offered for academic credit, equivalent to one elective course (0.5 FCE). Classes are scheduled prior to the start of the tour. Details of the deliverables and deadlines are determined by the Academic Director, Global and Experiential Learning.

Destinations depend on faculty availability and involvement. The following Global Practicums were offered in previous years:

  • China
  • South America (Chile, Brazil)
  • Middle East & India (United Arab Emirates, India)
  • Design-Led Innovation (NY, USA)
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Silicon Valley, USA)
  • Southeast Asia
  • Los Angeles (USA) & Mexico

Important:

  • Students may select this course via Course Match, along with other Rotman electives.
  • Confirmation of enrollment will be made by payment deadline. Students who fail to pay by the established deadline will be withdrawn from the course.
  • Full participation in all pre-tour classes, the pre-departure session, the safety abroad workshop, and in-country programming is required.
  • Experiential/International Course Eligibility Specifics and Limits

International Exchange Program

The International Exchange Program provides an opportunity for MBA students to immerse themselves in a new academic and social culture, and to enhance their ability to think and learn in a multicultural and international business environment. International Exchange Program participants spend one term studying abroad at partner universities, developing friendships and business networks, while learning about international management and earning academic credit towards the Rotman MBA program.

Participants will work with the OSE staff on issues relating to enrollment, registration and course selection abroad. Rotman students selected to participate in the International Exchange Program should register in Rotman MBA elective courses for the term in which they will be studying at Rotman and work with the Coordinator, International Programs & Services to determine appropriate courses for the term abroad.

Note:

  • FT MBA students on exchange can take a maximum of 5 HC (2.5 FCEs).
  • M/E MBA students on exchange a maximum of 4 HC (2.0 FCEs)

Important:

  • Course load while on exchange may vary depending on partner institution. Limit of experiential courses apply for students going on exchange. The following scenarios are possible:
    • Students takes 5 HC (2.5 FCEs) on exchange.  Cannot take a DBI or RSM27XXH elective for credit. Can take RSM27XX as EXTra.
    • Student takes 4 HC (2.0 FCEs) on exchange plus 1 DBI (0.5 FCE).  Cannot take RSM27XXH for credit. Can take RSM27XXH as EXTra.
    • Student takes 4 HC (2.0 FCEs) on exchange, but no DBI. Cannot take RSM27XX for credit. Can take RSM27XXH as EXTra.
    • Student takes 3 HCE (1.5 FCES) on exchange plus 1 DBI (0.5 FCE). Cannot take RSM27XX for credit. Can take RSM27XX as EXTra.
    • Student takes 3 HCE (1.5 FCE) on exchange, but no DBI. Student can take 1 HCE RSM27XXH for credit.
    • Student takes 2 HCE (1.0 FCE) on exchange plus 1 DBI (0.5 FCE). Student can take 1 HCE RSM27XXH for credit.
  • Exchange participants may not enroll in year-long courses such as RSM2013Y – Creative Destruction Lab, RSM2312H – Value Investing, RSM2702H – OnBoard, etc.
  • Exchange courses may not be taken for EXTra credit.
  • A minimum grade equivalent to the U of T grade of “B-” must be obtained at a host university in order for a course to be considered for graduate credit transfer.
  • Experiential/International Course Eligibility Specifics and Limits

TRF9XXXH – Doing Business Internationally (DBIs)

Doing Business Internationally (DBI) is a popular program which offers a hybrid international experience, pulling aspects from both the International Exchange Program and the Global Practicums.

Based at one of Rotman’s international partner schools, the DBI program is an intensive academic course that focuses on how to do business in a specific country. The academic component is overseen by the partner school and takes place over one to two weeks.

The DBI is equivalent to one elective course (0.5 FCE), and the deliverables and deadlines are determined by the partner institution. The program includes activities outside of the classroom including company visits, tours and round-tables. DBI opportunities are dependent on availability and involvement of partner schools, and vary from year to year. Program participants consist of students from various leading business schools around the world.

Important:

  • A minimum grade equivalent to a “B-“ on the U of T grading scale must be obtained at a host university in order for a course to be considered for graduate credit transfer.
  • Registration for DBIs is limited to upper-year MBA students in the elective phase of their program. The application process requires submission of an MBA résumé, cover letter, and online application to the Coordinator, International Programs & Services.
  • Students taking a Doing Business-In course with one of our partners may take one experiential (RSM27XXH) course for credit.
  • Experiential/International Course Eligibility Specifics and Limits

Experiential and International Programs Staff

The Experiential and International Programs staff at the Office of Student Engagement (OSE) provide support and counselling for students.

  • Academic Director, Global and Experiential Learning: Beatrix Dart
  • Director, Student Life and International Experience: Renice Jones
  • Assistant Director, International Programs and Services: Freeda Khan
  • Program Manager, International and Experiential Programs: Tyler Thom
  • Programs Coordinator, International Programs and Services: Edith Cheung

Last Updated: 2023-01-18 @ 9:57 am