IMB Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning Abroad Programs – The International Maritime Business Unit has various programs for International Experiential Learning and Cultural Awareness. This specialized education, training and learning is an important part of the success of any person involved in the shipping industry because of its global nature. Students are given an opportunity to understand the cultural and human story behind the maritime industry. This experience enriches IMB cadets as they learn about pride in the positive and humane parts of the heritage of all cultures they engage with while giving back and learning.  

  • Dubai 1/24- Jake McGovern
    Today we visited 2 locations. A maritime office and Transworld At the maritime office, we were giving a presentation on the Dhow Trade, otherwise known as the business of trust. We also learned about the Indus Valley Civilization, that dates back from 3300 B.C. And is home to the oldest dry dock. We learned how… Read more: Dubai 1/24- Jake McGovern
  • Dubai 1/28
    Today we visited Damen shipyards and were given a presentation breaking down what they do at Damen and then we were given a full tour of the shipyard. We boarded 2 of the tugs and got to go on the bridge, the quarters, and engine room. It was a pretty quick day but one of… Read more: Dubai 1/28
  • Travel Day
    Today at 2 am the IMB students departed from Dubai and have safely landed in Zurich, Switzerland at 6:15 am. We are excited for the 11 hr layover to pass in order to finally fly back home to Boston. A big thank you to everyone that has made this Experiential Learning Trip a success! -Nicole… Read more: Travel Day
  • Dubai 1-29-25 – Alexander Marsden
    Today was an earlier morning as we had breakfast around 7:30 and left for the ShipTek International Conference and Awards. This was a very inclusive day as we were welcomed with multiple handshakes and business cards to try and network for our summer internships. During a networking breakfast and lunch, there were multiple panels discussing… Read more: Dubai 1-29-25 – Alexander Marsden
  • 1-27-2025
    Today was a very eventful day, this morning we visited the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in Dubai. We learned all about their role in the Maritime sector and how they guide Dubai into the future with many unique initiative’s including the introduction of ROV’s (Remotely Operated Vessels) and zero carbon emissions by 2050. We… Read more: 1-27-2025
  • Dubai: Day 8
    This morning, the ladies were still away at a premarital ceremony where they applied henna and wore abayas with the family of a COO at Ad Ports Group. Meanwhile, the boys and I headed to the desert to enjoy a more retro Dubai experience. Protected from the sand by our ghutras, we drove ATVs through… Read more: Dubai: Day 8
  • January 25th
    Today the lads had the day off and chose to spend on the beach. Later on in the evening the boys visited the museum of the future. After the wonderful experience at the museum the boys went on a yacht ride through the city.
  • 1/20/2025 First full day in Dubai – Alexander Marsden
    After a day of travel, we all decided to sleep in at our new hotel, The Pyramisa. We woke up and enjoyed an early lunch and the warm and sunny pool. Our first and only scheduled event was at 2 o’clock at Clarksons DMCC. We were welcomed by the 3 trainees and given a brief… Read more: 1/20/2025 First full day in Dubai – Alexander Marsden
  • Day 6
    Hello, my name is Eric Chicoine. Today was our first full day off in Abu Dhabi, we were able to sleep until we wanted and got breakfast at the hotel. After that we all decided to go to the Corniche beach right down the road and laid out in the sun. Today was a nice… Read more: Day 6
  • Abu Dhabi: Day 5
    This morning we woke up extra early and took taxis to Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy. We were welcomed back with their usual hospitality and a delicious breakfast. My fellow cadets and I gave presentations on one of the five clusters that make up AD Port group. Each group presented to an audience made up of… Read more: Abu Dhabi: Day 5
  • Abu Dhabi – Day Three
    Hello everyone! My name is Klaudia Skowronska, today we visited AD Port Group and toured their Digital Cluster. We started out the tour learning about MorAi. This is their own customized Ai that helps their staff with all of their daily tasks. They believe in efficiency in the work place and that requires assistance from… Read more: Abu Dhabi – Day Three
  • Abu Dhabi: Day 2
    This is day two of our experiential learning trip! We are currently in Abu Dhabi and are learning all about the shipping business of the UAE, as well as the culture. Today we started out at the AD maritime academy where we met up with local students and captains. We then took a trip to… Read more: Abu Dhabi: Day 2
  • UAE 2025: Day 1 Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy Introduction
    Today was our first day at the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy. We were given a quick but detailed presentation on multiple clusters of the maritime industry. We learned about Maritime Operations, Sustainability- Maritime and Shipping tour, and we also learned about green shipping/ decarbonization. Each one of these presentation were solely based on the maritime… Read more: UAE 2025: Day 1 Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy Introduction
  • Zurich, Switzerland —> Dubai, UAE
    All 13 of us have safely made it from Boston to Zurich! We have made it through security once again and are now waiting to depart Switzerland! We are all excited to arrive in Dubai tonight! -Nicole Awalt
  • UAE 2025: Departing Logan Airport
    All 13 of us IMB students (including the photographer) are excited—we made it past Logan Airport security! Now we’re just waiting at the gate for our flight to Zurich. After a quick stop in Switzerland, we’ll be heading to Dubai, kicking off our experiential learning trip in the UAE. Tomorrow, we’ll take a bus from… Read more: UAE 2025: Departing Logan Airport
  • Thailand Winter 2023
    IMB EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IN THAILAND, WINTER 2023 DAY 21: 2/11 Hi Everyone! My name is Ryan Cameron and I graduated from Franklin High School in 2019. I am a junior at the Academy and today I am concluding the blog series. We are currently departing Thailand and heading back to the United States. We have… Read more: Thailand Winter 2023