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A celebration of diverse voices and perspectives from 45 countries.
On September 1st, 2024 117 students arrived in Dubai, stepping into an experience that would redefine their understanding of learning. It wasn’t just about academics or business—it was about immersing themselves in a global hub where culture, commerce, and innovation intersect. From negotiating in bustling souks to working alongside some of the world’s top industry leaders, every challenge pushed them beyond the conventional classroom setting.
This journey is part of Tetr College of Business, a global learning program that takes students across seven countries, offering them a unique opportunity to learn business by doing business. But the lessons extend far beyond the boardroom. As they navigated new environments, managed real-world projects, and built lasting relationships, they found themselves in a dynamic ecosystem where learning took on an entirely new dimension.
While learning is inherently personal, it is also shaped by external influences—especially when students are constantly exposed to diverse perspectives. Within the Tetr Tribe, every voice brings a unique approach, sparking innovation and challenging conventional thinking. The presence of contrarian perspectives, for instance, compels students to step outside their comfort zones and engage in critical discourse. This exposure to differing viewpoints cultivates adaptability, strategic thinking, and the ability to challenge assumptions—an essential skill set in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.
One of the first immersive experiences took students to Dubai’s famed Gold Souk, where they were tasked with negotiating the best possible price for one gram of 24-karat gold. Their challenge? Visit as many stores as possible, bargain effectively, and secure the lowest rate.
What they uncovered went far beyond price points. Through conversations with merchants, students gained insights into sourcing, bulk pricing, and the intricate factors that influence negotiation, including cultural affiliations that foster trust between buyers and sellers. As the challenge intensified, they began leveraging legal and market knowledge to justify their pricing strategies, demonstrating how a competitive yet collaborative environment can drive deeper learning. The experience was particularly striking for students because, in their own words, they were treated as adults—with autonomy to explore, negotiate, and navigate real-world business dynamics firsthand.
Another defining moment of their Dubai immersion was a visit to Emaar, one of the world's leading conglomerates. Engaging directly with Emaar’s CXOs, students explored the intricacies of design, marketing, and operations that sustain global landmarks like the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa.
To translate this learning into action, they faced a challenge: construct the tallest, most stable replica of the Burj Khalifa using only marshmallows and spaghetti—within 20 minutes. While one team emerged victorious, the true highlight was a student who took the challenge further. Inspired by the task, she independently mapped out the mathematical principles behind structural stability, demonstrating how curiosity can propel learning beyond the classroom.
These experiences underscore a fundamental truth: when external stimuli spark curiosity, intrinsic motivation follows. By engaging students in real-world scenarios, we provide them with the tools not just to learn, but to question, explore, and innovate. Learning, at its best, does not confine knowledge to textbooks—it amplifies it through experience, transforming information into actionable insight and fostering a deeper understanding that extends beyond the classroom. Whether it’s understanding negotiation dynamics in the Gold Souk or applying engineering principles to an unexpected design challenge, learning deepens when students connect theory with action.
At its best, learning does not confine knowledge to textbooks—it amplifies it through lived experiences, allowing students to synthesize insights across disciplines. This transformation of information into actionable understanding builds confidence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills—elements that remain essential long after the structured classroom setting fades. It is through this interplay between theory and application that learning truly takes root, extending beyond the classroom and shaping future leaders prepared for an unpredictable world.
And this is just the beginning. If Dubai could ignite this level of learning, imagine what awaits as these students continue their journey across six other cities worldwide. Currently in Term 2, in India the adventure of discovery continues, and with it, the limitless potential of applied and immersive learning. Learning is dynamic and continuously evolves through the experiences we create, fostering both community-driven and self-directed growth. As research in the science of learning suggests, meaningful learning emerges when knowledge is actively constructed, not passively received—creating a cycle of continuous growth that bridges structured education with lived experience, reinforcing both individual and collective development.
Jessica Varghese Kottarathil is the Director of Student Experience at Tetr College of Business, with a decade of expertise in experiential learning and global education. She has designed impactful programs for UNICEF India and UNHCR Malaysia and now bridges academia and industry at Tetr, creating immersive opportunities that prepare students for real-world success.
