Winterim 2026 - International Experience
The UW Consortium MBA program is offering students an exciting opportunity during Winterim 2026 to earn credit through a directed project course that includes an immersive experience in Panama and Costa Rica. This 10-day, 1-credit course provides firsthand exposure to two of Central America’s most forward-thinking economies. Students will engage in company visits, cultural excursions, and conversations with business leaders across sectors such as logistics, finance, technology, and sustainability. The course is designed to broaden your global business perspective, enhance cross-cultural leadership skills, and deepen your understanding of how innovation, environmental responsibility, and ethical business practices are shaping markets in the region.
- Trip Overview
- Estimated Costs
- Withdrawal/Cancellation Charge
- Options for Participation
- Pre-Trip Timeline
- Informational Webinar (recorded July 10)
- Registration Process
- Questions?
Trip Overview
Time Frame: January 2026 (Trip dates are 1/10/2026-1/19/2026)
Destination: Panama City, Panama and San José, Costa Rica
Lodging: 4-star hotels
- The Bristol Hotel (Panama City)
- Sheraton Hotel (San José)
Course Information: 1-credit faculty-led directed project course
Group Size: Aiming for a group of 15-25 students plus two Consortium faculty/staff members
Sample Activities:
- 6-7 Business meetings with high-level business executives
- City tour of Panama City
- City tour of San José
- Full day excursion to the Emberá Drua Village
- Panama Canal Authority & Miraflores Locks Center visit
- Coffee farm/plantation visit
- Poas Volcano National Park
Estimated Costs
Paid to the University (billed on student's account)
| Land Package (includes hotel accommodations, private ground transportation for group activities, business visits, cultural activities, some hosted meals, mobile app with itinerary access) | Up to $2,815 (estimated costs calculated based on group size of 15+) |
| Regional Airfare (Panama City to San José) | $150 - $350 (estimated cost, includes checked baggage and airline fees) |
| Course Tuition (1 credit) | $875 |
Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) Insurance |
$19.17 |
| Total | $3,300-$4,060 |
Additional Costs to Expect
| International Airfare (round-trip) | $400-$800 (varies depending on student departure location) |
| Passport Fees (if applicable) | $160 Passport Book & Card Application Fee $35 Acceptance Fee |
| Additional hotel selections paid to Austral Group via registration site (e.g., single room supplement, extra nights, etc.) | Varies |
| Meals not included (Meals included in the package are a welcome dinner in Panama City, a farewell dinner in San José, and complimentary breakfast at the hotels) | Varies |
| Personal Expenses | Varies |
Options for Participation
| Registration Status | Expectations | Cost | |
Current Student (CMBA and UWO) |
Register for student package |
Attend all business meetings and cultural activities, complete all course assignments, credit earned, categorized as an active current student | $3,300-$4,060 |
| Alumni/Guest | Register for student package |
Attend all business meetings and cultural activities, complete all course assignments, credit earned, categorized as a non-degree (special) student | $3,300-$4,060 |
| Alumni/Guest | Register for student package |
Attend all business meetings and cultural activities, no course assignments, no credit earned | $2,082-$2,635 |
| Alumni/Guest | Register for guest package |
Only attend the cultural activities, no course assignments, no credit earned | $1,439-$1,639 |
Withdrawal/Cancellation Charge
In the event that a registered participant needs to withdraw from the course and cancel the international experience, they will be responsible for contacting their program advisor to initiate a cancellation request. The participant will also incur a withdrawal/cancellation charge of:
| 0% of the total charges for any withdrawal/cancellation before October 11, 2025 |
| 25% of the total charges for any withdrawal/cancellation between October 12, 2025 - November 10, 2025 |
| 50% of the total charges for any withdrawal/cancellation between November 11, 2025 - December 10, 2025 |
| 75% of the total charges for any withdrawal/cancellation between December 11, 2025 - December 25, 2025 |
| 100% of the total charges for any withdrawal/cancellation between December 26, 2025 - January 9, 2026 |
Pre-Trip Timeline
Date |
Activity/Deadline |
Mid July 2025 |
Virtual Student Info Session |
| Mid-August 2025 | Online registration site goes live (Austral Group) |
Sep – Nov 2025 |
Participants purchase international flights to and from destinations (University booking group will be established with Fox World Travel) |
Early October 2025 |
Online registration closes (Austral Group) |
Early October 2025 |
Students register for the course via CampS/TitanWeb |
Mid-October 2025 |
Deadline to make any changes to hotel selections (e.g., single room supplement, extra nights, etc.) |
Mid-October 2025 |
Flights from Panama City to San José are purchased by Austral Group |
Early November 2025 |
Canvas course opens |
Nov – Dec 2025 |
Students complete and participate in pre-trip activities and modules via Canvas course (including virtual meetings (dates TBD)) |
Jan 10 – 19, 2026 |
International experience program in session |
Informational Webinar (recorded July 10)
View slideshow with more details and FAQs
Registration Process (coming soon)
Earn Credit (Current Students and Alumni/Guests)
Enrollment for current students and alumni/guests who want to earn credit for this experience involves a two-step registration process. With this option, all payments and fees are made directly to the University.
Step 1: Register on Austral Group’s Platform (registration opens mid-August)
- Students must first register for the student package through the Austral Group’s registration platform. The link to the registration platform will be shared in mid-August. Please note that registration on this platform will close in early October.
Step 2: Enroll in the Course through the University
- UW MBA Consortium Students: Once registered with Austral Group, UW MBA students will receive an email with permission to enroll in MBA 796.840 via CampS. Enrollment in CampS should be completed between October 6-10, 2025.
- UW-Oshkosh Students: Once registered with Austral Group, UW-Oshkosh students will receive an email with permission to enroll in this course via TitanWeb. Enrollment in TitanWeb should be completed by October 10, 2025.
No Credit (Alumni/Guests)
Alumni/guests who do not want to earn credit for this experience register for the guest package directly through Austral Group. The link to the registration platform will be shared in mid-August. Please note that registration on this platform will close in early October. With this option, all payments and fees are made directly to Austral Group.
Questions?
If you have questions that are not answered on this page, on the registration website, or in the informational webinar/slideshow, reach out to Pang Kou Khang at mba@uwec.edu.