UA Little Rock Business Students Explore Global Supply Chains and Culture in Argentina
Ten UA Little Rock students traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina, this May, gaining firsthand experience in global supply chain management.
Led by Professors Joe Felan and Otmar Varela from the UA Little Rock School of Business, the May 15–24 study abroad program gave students the opportunity to explore international business practices while immersed in Argentinian culture. The trip included visits to banks and businesses, assignments analyzing global logistics, and cultural experiences that deepened their understanding of international markets.
“This class helps students understand the connection between a company’s supply chain strategy and its overall business strategy,” said Varela, professor of management. “Students learn how to evaluate and coordinate the movement of goods and services across international borders to gain a competitive advantage.”
Students on the trip included Tanisha Brown, Alberta Harper, Logan Hice, An Le, John Leonard, Karen Martinez Ibarra, Jamilyia Phillips, Nathaniel Todd, Paris Webb, and Nadia Young.
In addition to studying the economic climate and supply chain logistics of Argentina, students experienced everything from ranch excursions and tango shows to local cuisine and a professional soccer match. Each student completed daily journals, a case study or white paper, and a virtual presentation to reflect on their experience.
“The biggest takeaway from this trip is the people,” said Felan, associate professor of management. “Argentinians are incredibly friendly and passionate. Our students saw that passion not only in our business visits, but also at the fútbol match and tango performance.”
For senior Nadia Young, a business management major from Little Rock, the trip offered fresh inspiration for her future career in cosmetic product development.
“This trip gave me a deeper appreciation for global markets and how trends can vary by culture,” Young said. “Observing how people in Argentina approach self-expression and style have inspired me to think more inclusively and creatively about future products I’d like to develop.”
An Le, a senior studying management and marketing from Benton, found particular value in learning how Argentinian managers navigate challenges like high inflation and government instability.
“This study abroad trip has helped me explore a different culture and way of life,” Le said. “As someone who wants to work in international business one day, this helps me learn how people outside the U.S. conduct business and the way they communicate.”
Paris Webb, a junior from Mayflower, appreciated the opportunity to connect with fellow students and discover cultural differences through daily experiences.
“Even when I didn’t speak Spanish, people were nice and helpful,” she said. “I met some amazing people and made some great connections. We made even better memories.”
The group also bonded over food, especially Argentina’s beloved empanadas, and learned about local customs such as drinking mate, eating dinner at midnight, and sharing soda from glass bottles poured into personal cups.
“Before this trip, I didn’t realize how deep Argentina’s passion for soccer goes,” said Alberta Harper of Sheridan. “We even had our own friendly match with our classmates and professors, and I really enjoyed playing.”
Like many of her peers, Harper walked away with a deeper understanding of the challenges Argentinians face daily.
“They deal with uncertainty we in the U.S. take for granted,” Harper said. “They take their work seriously and have great pride in their life and work.
For Varela and Felan, the most rewarding part was seeing students grow through cultural exposure and curiosity.
“My favorite part is when students tell me they completely enjoyed the experience and hope to visit other countries in the future,” Felan said. “Dr. Varela and I hope we can open students up to the wonderful educational growth that comes from visiting other countries and cultures.”