Learning without borders: MSIS students share highlights of India visit

Each spring, Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) students enrolled in the Global IT Sourcing & Management elective course have the unique opportunity to take their learning far beyond the classroom. For 10 days, they immerse themselves in one of the world’s fastest-growing tech hubs—India. 

The experience is a powerful combination of professional exposure and cultural immersion. In addition to visiting leading tech firms, students explore bustling markets, historical landmarks, and activities like learning how to make butter chicken. 

For many, it’s their first taste of international travel. For others, it’s a challenge to previously held assumptions about global collaboration. Gaining firsthand experience in a country known for its role in IT service delivery offers students new insights into the tech industry—and into themselves. 

Several students from the course this spring share highlights about business norms, social empowerment, and the value of global immersion: 

Charlie O’Connell, MSIS’25, on cultural differences in business norms 

{headshot of student?}“Visiting Deloitte’s office in Bangalore was one of the most eye-opening parts of the trip. From the beginning, it was evident how proud the team was of their work and impact, which they shared openly and confidently. Their readiness to tailor the session to our questions and discuss their career paths candidly made it feel more like a conversation than a presentation. However, what stood out the most was observing how business norms are different across cultures. While meetings in the US typically focus on minimizing interruptions, our hosts demonstrated that stepping out to take a call can signify responsiveness and dedication in a different context. 

 Experiencing these differences in a real-world setting made me rethink what it means to work globally. It showed me that cultural awareness isn’t just a soft skill; it’s a true advantage. This trip provided me with a perspective that you simply can’t gain in a classroom, and I know it will help me become a more thoughtful and adaptable consultant in the future.” 

Pranav Nair, MSIS’25, on the implications of tech stacks as a public good 

{headshot of student?} “During our guest lecture at the Indian Institute of Management, a professor discussed India’s approach to digital infrastructure, particularly the government-led initiative to make digital platforms public goods. He emphasized Aadhaar, India’s biometric digital ID system; UPI; and other open-access technologies that form the backbone of what they called the ‘India Stack.’ It was an ambitious vision where digital tools are developed with the intent of democratizing access to services.  

Later, I asked the professor whether the government ever considered privatizing elements of the India Stack or charging fees for usage, and his response was quick and firm: ‘This is not just about business. It is about empowerment. That really stuck with me. This has profound implications for how entrepreneurs operate and how public-private partnerships are structured. The professor talked about reducing digital inequality and creating platforms that small businesses and citizens could use freely.”    

Natalie Frank, MSIS’25, on the value of humility and simply paying attention 

“I co-majored in international business in undergrad, have taken global commerce courses, and have even studied abroad twice: once for a full semester in Barcelona and another two-week experience in Ireland. Both of those trips shaped my perspective in different ways, but nothing could’ve prepared me for the kind of deep cultural contrast I felt in India.  

From global corporations like Amazon and Deloitte to tech giants like Infosys, SAP Labs, and EY, each stop revealed layers of cultural nuance that added context to what we’ve learned about India’s tech growth. These insights already shape how I interact in global spaces. They remind me to pause, to observe, and to ask questions rather than assuming my way is the default. As a future IT consultant, I think this habit of humility will serve me well in cross-cultural client relationships. If anything, India taught me that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply pay attention.”  

MSIS students on this trip learned that India is harnessing technology not just to drive economic progress, but also as a powerful tool for social empowerment. And while lectures and site visits provided a front-row seat to India’s digital transformation, the cross-cultural experience gave students a richer worldview, deepened their empathy, and broadened their understanding of what it truly means to operate in a global context.

Why consider MSIS and this course? 

The MSIS program equips students with both technical expertise and strategic insight to succeed in today’s technology-driven business environment. With a dynamic mix of coursework, practical experience, and global perspectives, it prepares graduates for high-impact careers in IT, consulting, data analytics, and beyond. 

This elective goes beyond the typical classroom experience. It’s an immersive journey that connects academic concepts to real-world global applications. Students gain firsthand insights into IT sourcing decisions and observe how international teams collaborate, resulting in transformative learning. 

What makes this experience truly impactful is the scholarship support available to selected students. These scholarships don’t just ease financial burdens—they open doors for those who might not otherwise have the chance to participate. 

Whether you’re passionate about IT, curious about the world, or somewhere in between, this course will challenge and inspire you.  

Learn more about the innovative MSIS Curriculum.