In 1989, Wharton created the International Forum, one of the first global programs for top-level managers, which was cited for its innovative model of sessions on three continents. Wharton moved early and aggressively to integrate a global perspective across its curricula. Undergraduate and MBA programs alone offer nearly 40 explicitly global courses and 31 internationally oriented ones. Students have an opportunity to consult with international businesses through programs such as the Wharton Global Consulting Practicum, which has partnerships with leading international business schools in Israel, Chile, Canada, and Mexico. The University of Pennsylvania sponsors more than 100 study-abroad sites for undergraduate students.
Faculty members continue to see the world as their laboratory.
One recent survey found that nearly 100 Wharton faculty members were engaged in research projects with colleagues in nearly 40 countries. Wharton has established centers or programs to study U.S.-Japan management issues, emerging economies, international financial research, global competition and innovation, and Chinese business. Wharton's Family Controlled Corporation Program has offered educational programs and research projects to family companies around the world, with particular emphasis on Latin American firms. International executive boards in Europe, Asia, and Latin America have guided the School's global perspectives. In 1988, Wharton became the first school to establish boards and representative offices in Asia and Europe.