AMERICAN STUDENTS

2007

“I learned a lot about the culture and improved my Spanish.  It was much more comfortable and better for my Spanish to be able to live with a family.  I think knowing Spanish and business processes will significantly benefit me in whatever I decide to do.  I made friends there that I hope to have for my whole life, and I’m really glad I came.”

Lauren Paulk
Webster University

“In addition to aiding the acquisition of my first job after graduation, this program has provided me with experience that will make me a more flexible worker, more prepared to travel abroad and better equipped to search for and find business opportunities outside of my country of employment.”

Nelson Elliott
Southeast Missouri State University

“I was able to upgrade my abilities in regards to organization, punctuality, communication, and usage of Word, Power Point and Excel, which are essential business qualities.  I also gained a true understanding of International Business relations and experience with a successful firm. I can’t fathom the amount I learned during this internship that will benefit my outlook on life, perspective of others and those of different cultures, increased gratitude for the many blessings I possess, and realization of the amazing liberties and environment we have in the US.  This internship will be the focal point of my resume and intriguing to any company where I choose to work in the future.”

Paul Banister
University of Central Missouri

2006

“Even after living in Osaka two years ago this internship was a true challenge. It wasn't necessarily the work itself, but learning how to function in a completely different environment, speaking a different language to completely different people than I was used to. It's a good feeling to amaze yourself with what you can do…All I’m thinking about now is how I can make it back to Japan again after this.”

Sarah Abercrombie
Webster University

“BABI was an incredible internship -- I couldn’t have asked for better. My time in London was an amazing experience.”

Amanda Greer
Webster University

“I am actually performing tasks and taking part in more than just sitting down. Monday, we covered the kick off the UNESCO World Youth Festival that is being held here in Stuttgart. In short, they have invited 2006 kids from all over world to stay here in Stuttgart with guest families. There I took photos of the event, starting with a press conference. Tuesday, I translated my first article from German to English. Wednesday, I actually wrote my first article in German. The UNESCO president came to give a speech along with the city mayor and several other big names from the rest of Europe. I must say that this has turned out to be very exciting…”

John Bolduan
Webster University

2005

“I think that the business experience aspect has been very good. I have a better sense of how a business might work within a certain trade and I can extend this model to other trades. Also, I feel like I have learned a good amount about how business in Mexico works...”

Alex Goodson,
Washington University

“Things went great! Lincoln was a very accepting and accommodating work environment and Shanghai is a diverse and vibrant city. It offers everything, you just have to go out and find it.”

Thorston Rogner,
Webster University

“My only complaint is that it went too fast. The people in general are extremely welcoming and the culture couldn't be better!”

Jeff Deren,
CMSU

2004

“They gave me a project on my first day. At first, it seemed overwhelming, but I've got it under control at this point. The people are wonderfully nice. I have honestly learned more from them about business practices than from my assignment.”

Bryan Lester,
St. Louis University

2003

"I definitely gained professional development. I also have a deeper understanding of what a start up company goes through as far as their computer systems. And, not many people will have an experience like this on their resume."

Aaron Froehlich,
Southeast Missouri University student to Tema, Ghana

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

2007

“My internship helped me in getting a sense of how the real world is, how it is to have a real job and learn to be consistent and responsible in my everyday life, because there are no excuses for skipping work or being lazy in it.  I think that I gained a lot of confidence by working here.”

Hermilo de Leon,
Mexico

“Finance deals a lot with the analysis and interpretation of financial information with the use of spreadsheets, so getting familiar with Excel spreadsheets will help me in my finance career.  I also developed insights into the American business environment through my internship at the SLDC.”

Anastacia Arko,
Ghana

“It was a great experience. I liked it very much. It was much better than my work in Germany!!!!  I made new friends and it was very nice to live in an American family.  Many companies in Germany want employees who have foreign country experience. So it is very helpful for my career.  It was one of the best things I did in my life!”

Christian Ronecker,
Germany

“My internship was a great experience for me! I lived in a different country in a different culture and had to integrate into another company. I learned a lot about the United States and the mentality. I learned a lot of new things here and I’m sure that my internship will have a good influence on my career.”

Annette Leininger,
Germany

2006

“This program is not only a unique opportunity to become an international business professional, but also is a test to discover yourself and your performance in a whole new environment, a challenge to fulfill some serious task, and a privilege to become part of many lives around you.”

Damián Calvo de León,
Mexico

“I experienced the huge IT infrastructure running behind large corporations and learned about the importance and value of teamwork in IT departments.”

Jorge Argüelles,
Mexico

“This experience has been one of the most fulfilling in my life and has brought me so close to my career goals. I have learnt so many things that I will use to my benefit and also that of mankind.”

Obed Amponsah,
Ghana

“All together I had eight very interesting weeks at Lincoln. I got to know something of their product line and about the grease manufacturing. I got to know the American people, their way of life. I made many experiences in an American business. I made some new friends. I improved my English and that was very important for me.”

Florian Gerstner,
Germany

“In order to succeed you have to step out of the box and apply what you know and let the business world teach you the things you can't learn at school. That's what this IBIE program is all about.”

A. Sofía Millan,
Mexico

“To summarize my time here, I can say that it has been a dream come true. From work to play, the experience cannot be matched. My AT&T advisors have worked very hard to make sure that my stay was productive, safe, and fun… Overall, the experience has been fantastic and I can’t wait to share it with my family, friends, colleagues, and university. I truly hope that this opportunity for me can be one for others in the future.”

F. Javier Rojas,
Mexico

2005

“I thought this was going to be awesome but its not, it is more than that!”

Ruth Madrigal,
Mexico

2004

“The internship and home-stay helped me breakdown the mental walls of how to think about business and other cultures.

Juan Jose Flores,
Mexico

“My eyes were opened to a whole new world of Information Technology. I'm thinking of new opportunities for a career in IT.

Valentin Medina,
Mexico

2003

“This internship has enabled me to develop professional skills and integrate with some truly amazing people, not only within the company but within St. Louis as well.

Benn Precious,
U.K.

“In one word, they are wonderful. I always felt like a part of their family,” speaking of his host family Rocky and Jane Keel and their daughters.

Ricardo Espinoza Reyes,
Mexico

"This has been one of the best experiences of my life."

Oscar Castillo Horta,
Mexico

“Now I not only know how Americans think but I know why.”

Efrain Gutierrez,
Mexico

"This was an experience of a lifetime!"

Gregor Muhs,
German intern at Lincoln