Texas A&M University Office of Government Relations

Background

Since 1990, Mays Business School at Texas A&M University has housed the Center for International Business Studies (CIBS), one of 16 competitively awarded centers within the Center for International Business Education (CIBE) framework at the U.S. Department of Education. Funded as part of the Domestic Programs line item under International Education and Foreign Language, these centers promote U.S. global competitiveness by improving understanding of the nature of the global marketplace and developing innovative strategies for competing internationally.

Overview

Today’s businesses face complex international challenges requiring leaders who can navigate diverse cultures, regulations, and markets. Traditional business education often falls short in developing these critical global competencies. CIBS develops future global leaders at Texas A&M through transformative academic, research, and outreach activities on campus and abroad. By constructing global acumen, they empower students, faculty, alumni, and the community to engage and contribute to the rapidly expanding global economy.

Opportunity

CIBS transforms students into global business leaders through:

Four pathways to international education: study, intern, research, and volunteer

Exclusive international opportunities designed specifically for business students

Exploration of the intersection of culture and business in real-world context

20+ international exchange partnerships across all seven continents

International Skills Crucial in the U.S. Workforce

In a November 2024 national survey of over 1,200 U.S. companies doing business internationally, the 16 Centers for International Business Education (CIBE) assessed employer needs for employees with international business skills. The results showed that:

96% of responding companies believed that staff having more international expertise would lead to increased global business.

84% of responding companies believed that over the next 10 years, their business will place a greater emphasis on international competence.

95% of responding companies said international experience is important in the hiring and promotion of their senior executives.

54% of responding companies believed that their overall business would improve a great deal if their staff had more international experience. 

CIBS Global Impact Map 

A graphic containing a map of the world with boundaries by country, with countries that contain CIBS programs in dark maroon and countries that contain other programs in light maroon. There are arrows going from four countries (Panama, France, Germany, and Singapore) to images that contain group photos of Aggie students in those countries wearing professional clothing. For more details, go to the CIBS main website: https://mays.tamu.edu/centers-and-institutes/center-for-international-business-studies/.

The Center for International Business Studies (CIBS) develops future global leaders at Mays Business School through transformative academic, research, and outreach programs on campus and abroad. By constructing global acumen, we empower our students, faculty, alumni, and community to engage and contribute to the rapidly expanding global economy. Their programs have stretched to every continent!

Priority Details
Amount
$91 million
Fiscal Year
2026
Type
Centers for International Business (CIBE)
Funder
Department of Education
35

years of excellence as a U.S. Department of Education Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) school

2025
1,900

international business certificates awarded since 1992

2025
7,200+

students supported abroad since 2004

2025
Headshot of Michael J. Hardy, Deputy Government Relations office for Texas A&M.

Michael J. Hardy

Deputy Chief Government Relations Officer and Director of Federal Relations
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"Study and intern abroad experiences are essential for today’s students, as they foster cross-cultural understanding, comfort with ambiguity, and the ability to collaborate effectively in teams. Immersing oneself in a new environment builds confidence and equips future leaders with the global perspective and adaptability required to succeed in an interconnected world."

Dr. Katy Lane Director of the Center for International Business Studies Texas A&M University Mays Business School

Read Stories of Impact

A group of Texas A&M students in business professional dress standing in front of a presentation screen in Singapore while on a study abroad program.

Mays Business School Celebrates 35 Years of International Business Education

Celebrating 35 years of providing enhanced international business education, the Center for International Business Studies (CIBS) sent students around the world this academic year, including the first ever program to Antarctica. Currently, 25% of Mays undergraduate students graduate with an international experience, and the programs serve to equip our students for leadership in the global business world through immersive educational and cultural experiences.

Read More About International Business Education
A satellite view of the Earth with a focus on Europe and the sun rising over the horizon.

Mays Brings Together Global Researchers on International Business Issues

Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School is advancing International Business research around the world through co-hosting the Research Spotlight Series (RSS). These events, which are coordinated through Mays’ Center for International Business Studies (CIBS) and Michigan State University Eli Broad College of Business’ Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER), bring together current and aspiring International Business scholars in an online forum to create a discussion on cutting-edge topics regarding research and publishing.

Read More About the Research Spotlight Series