Over the summer, a handful of business students at the University of North Texas pack their bags for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: the International Internship and Leadership program in Dublin, Ireland. Designed for students eager to sharpen their professional skills while experiencing a new culture, the program blends hands-on learning, workplace immersion, and cultural exploration.

Before departure, students complete skills assessments and workshops to prepare them for the global workplace. Once in Dublin, they are paired with a professional internship tailored to their career goals, giving them a chance to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting. Beyond the office, students also immerse themselves in Irish history and culture, taking part in guided tours, company visits, and excursions to some of the country’s most iconic landmarks.

For many, this program marks their first time abroad. The experience challenges them to adapt to new environments, develop confidence in their professional abilities, and see business through a global lens. Living and working in Dublin not only broadens their worldview but also strengthens critical soft skills—communication, adaptability, and leadership—that will serve them throughout their careers.

Emma Swartz, a Business Integrated Studies Major with a focus in accounting and finance, provided an inside scoop about her internship with a Dublin-based non-profit.

Where is your internship this summer, and what are you responsible for?

Vita Impact is an Irish development company that works to provide sustainability and adaptability strategies for communities in Africa. I am responsible for organizing files and centralizing documentation in SharePoint. Additionally, I assisted in creating BI codes for company transactions and in analyzing transactions for a VAT rebate. I have gained skills in communication, organization, and professional writing that I can apply to upcoming courses and my future career.

What are some concepts or skills learned in your UNT business courses that you applied during your internship?

As a Business Integrated Studies major with concentrations in Accounting and Finance, I have used numerous skills from my courses during my internship. I have applied skills from BUSI 3660, Professional Speaking, Writing, and Presenting, to effectively communicate with my supervisors and create professional documentation for company usage. To add, I have used skills from my accounting courses to comprehend the financials of the company in my assigned work. Overall, I have been able to apply my classroom knowledge to a professional work environment, allowing me to grow my experience in professional business.

How did your professors and academic advisors in the College of Business support you in preparation for the internship, and what advice would you give to future students interested in international internships?

Professor Dietz has truly made this experience so enjoyable. Because this was my first time out of the country, she helped with a smooth transition to studying and working abroad. Additionally, Haley Arnold, the Facility Led Programs Advisor, was extremely helpful in the application process. To any future students interested in international internships, my advice is to go for it! Interning abroad has helped me grow both personally and professionally in ways that I did not expect. I am so grateful for this experience and all of the professors and advisors who helped me get here.

Professor Dietz had the opportunity to speak with Emma’s supervisor about the program and hear about her time at Vita Impact.

Unprompted, the first thing he said about Emma was the college “should be very proud of the accomplished, thoughtful young professional she is”. He said he could tell she “knew her stuff” because of thoughtful questions, comments, and her ability to use critical thinking in the context of the organization. He specifically stated that unlike many recent graduates they had hired, she did not require a recipe for how to do something—her education and her ability to think strategically set her up on the path of success.

Of UNT and the G. Brint Ryan College of Business, he said, “Your college is doing something very right.”

This study abroad program through the Department of Management continues to open doors for UNT students, proving that when business education goes global, it creates not just skilled graduates, but adaptable leaders ready to thrive.

Applications for the Summer 2026 program will open later this year. Any student interested in applying can visit UNT's Study Abroad website for more details.

These stories are only possible because donors choose to invest. Join us in creating opportunity. Your gift to the Department of Management’s Excellence Fund means a student can afford critical leadership experiences, new global perspectives, and the confidence to navigate the business world. Help us open more doors for students to study abroad.