Global Immersion: Bridge of the Americas

Mexico is the U.S. largest trading partner and also the largest economy in the Spanish speaking Latin America. Its strategic position, offers a complex and dynamic business environment with rich opportunities resulting from its geographic proximity to the United States, and its pivotal role in the Latin American innovation ecosystem. These opportunities are accelerated by the changing geopolitical forces shaping global trade, and the rapid adoption of technology and artificial intelligence across financial services, e-commerce, healthcare, education, among other sectors. Mexico, however, has faced hard-to-solve challenges limiting its growth and development potential, including chronic inequality, weak legal institutions, high corruption levels, insecurity, among others, that plague other emerging economies. The objectives of this course are twofold. First, to develop an informed perspective of the critical partnership between the United States and Mexico resulting from their geographic proximity, shared border and security concerns, cultural and social ties, deep economic integration, common environmental challenges, and collaboration in the promotion of regional stability. Second, to analyze the challenges and opportunities facing new and growing entrepreneurs in emerging markets, with focus on the Mexican business and innovation ecosystems as a laboratory that is relevant for many emerging economy settings. The class will assess a combination of established business models with emerging tech-enabled companies and will provide direct opportunities to interact with business leaders, founders, financiers and other important figures in Mexico. This three-credit course meets weekly for half a term in the Spring 2026 in New York, followed by a one-week immersion in Mexico, March 14-21, 2026, including company meetings, field trips and the trip extension to Oaxaca that will allow students to immerse into a rich cultural, gastronomical and art journey. Mexico City and Oaxaca are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The 2025-2026 Global Immersion Program mandatory fee for all classes is $2,100 and provides students with double occupancy lodging, ground transportation and some meals. It does not cover roundtrip international airfare. Attendance both in New York and in-country and regular participation are a crucial part of the learning experience and as such attendance is mandatory. Students who miss the first-class meeting may be removed from the course. No program fee refunds will be given after the add/drop period has