The Monash Marketing Study Program International - Testimonials

Seeing such diverse cities and hearing so many war stories from influential businesses whilst on MIMSP was life changing. I use the many learnings from the MIMSP study on a weekly basis, in fact I feel it has been the most valuable part of my entire education. Thanks to Monash for supporting this program and the MIMPS team for making it happen, especially the wonderful and fearless leaders, Sandra and Carla.
Hayley Blake - Account Director, Bergent Research

The MIMSP program is a truly unique, once-in-a-lifetime unit that combines real-world business insights with International Marketing theory. It was in fact, one of the key reasons I chose to study my Postgraduate degree at Monash. In addition to enjoying the cultural adventures of travelling across the continents, the opportunity to step into the boardrooms of successful brands such as General Motors, Vodafone, L’Oreal, MTV, BP and IBM to speak with senior staff was incredible. Various highlights included the tour of the enormous Inditex (parent to brands like Zara) design and production warehouse in Spain, viewing the meticulous showroom of GM vehicles in Dubai, watching the Garnier packaging process at the L’Oreal head office in Paris, and learning about world-class sponsorships from Vodafone in the UK. There is no better way to be educated than to hear and see it first-hand from leading global organisations.

Returning home from the tour, the knowledge and experience gained has been directly applicable to all areas of marketing practice, and will undoubtedly provide me with numerous examples to draw from in the future. From international pricing and promotion decisions, to product portfolio strategies, and market entry planning, the program brings marketing textbook theories to life. Complemented with free time to explore the shops of Shanghai, the deserts of Dubai, the towers of London, the architecture of Madrid, the galleries of Paris, and the buzz and excitement of New York City...it is without a doubt, a mind-blowing experience!
Hermia Lee, MIMSP 2008 participant

For 25 days in January 2007, while Melbourne was suffering weeks of heat waves, 22 overly fortunate Monash University postgraduate and undergraduate students were doing their bit in close to zero temperatures, to represent the University on the annual International Marketing Study Tour, or MIMSP as its know to insiders. Led by Ian Walker and Carla Ferraro, the teale and white tribe (these are Monash's colours for those who haven't made it in person to a lecture yet) made our way across 3 continents and 6 cities in an attempt to unravel the marketing insights and trade secrets of some of the world's foremost international retail and trade marketers such as IBM (Shanghai), GM/Al Yousef (Dubai), Vodafone (UK), BP (UK), Nike Europe (Amsterdam), NBA Europe (Paris), L'Oreal (Paris) and MTV (New York).

With access to some of the best marketing executives these organisations have, it was in deed a once in a lifetime chance to gauge a cross section of current thinking on a wide range of internal and external marketing related issues in their respective markets. But don't be fooled by the gloss of 58 hours of flying time, New York Cheeseburgers the size of your head, or Euros flying out of your wallet faster than you can say "Did that Coke just cost me 15 Aussie pesos", like most subjects (yes this is a subject...), there is the usual pound of reporting and presentation flesh shortly after arrival back in sweltering Australia. A small price to pay for a great trip, a great experience and some new friends!
Brett Barty, MIMSP 2007 participant

"The MIMSP is the most rewarding and exciting experience ever! A well-balanced and meticulously planned itinerary enables one to gain a wealth of benefits. Be it leisure sightseeing, shopping, cultural learning, or marketing wisdom, the MIMSP delivers it all.
The opportunity to interact with marketing managers around the globe and draw, first hand, from their invaluable knowledge and experience is just priceless. Information and knowledge gained from company visits put all that I've learned at university into perspective and has helped me gain a better understanding on the application of marketing theory into practice. Up till today, it still does!
The opportunity to learn from fellow students enriches the learning process too. All in all, the extensive knowledge gained, unforgettable memories made, and precious friendships formed are bound to last a lifetime."
Nicole Loo, MIMSP 2005 participant

"The Monash International Marketing Tour is a once a lifetime experience enabling you to interact firsthand with marketing managers of successful global companies around the world. Hearing practical applications and examples of the theory gained in the course further broadens your marketing awareness. The learning experience continues with ample time allowed to learn about other countries and cultures as you travel around the world. Years of experience has allowed Monash to blend together the right mix of presentations, free time and travel to maximise the learning and enjoyment for all undertaking the trip. Work colleagues are still amazed at all the information and knowledge I have obtained from the trip even now a month after returning. I feel like I will continue to draw on the experiences I had for years to come."
Jodi Smith, MIMSP 2001 participant

"It was a delight to host the group and the enthusiasm for the whole program was evident. The students were knowledgeable and interested in every aspect of the Manchester United business and clearly keen to learn from their overseas program. Given my time over again I would have loved to have been involved in such a comprehensive learning experience as a student and I'm sure the experience will stand all the students in good stead for their future careers."
Peter Draper, Marketing Director, Manchester United Football Club, UK

"If you're looking to be INSPIRED by the world's top companies, by students that have similar ambitions and by contrasting cultures that will add depth to your character, don't miss this opportunity. You will learn what the world has to offer in a rapid fire tour that will broaden your vision forever!"
Michael Dockery, MIMSP 2001 participant

"Polaroid was pleased to host 21 students and 2 faculty from Monash University on the final leg of their International Marketing Study Tour of 2001. Not a shy group, upon arrival they immediately gravitated toward a table set up with many of our most popular consumer instant photo cameras and began snapping pictures of each other and of the Polaroid welcoming team. Before their arrival, I was a bit concerned that this was their final stop and that they may be tired and ready to bring the tour to a close. They proved me wrong very quickly! Our program took the group from presentations to product demonstrations to an exclusive multi-media show in our new product design and branding room. Six hours later, the students were still asking questions and taking photos with their new Polaroid JoyCams as though it were the first day of the tour. Since last month, we have received several calls and e-mails of thanks from the group and even inquiries about joining the Polaroid team. Perhaps our relationship with Monash will go beyond the one day."
Lou Gaglini, Manager of Campus Recruiting & University Relations, Polaroid Corporation

"The International Marketing Tour is truly the best learning experience on offer at a level far beyond any student’s expectations. The ability to converse with top marketers from some of the most high profile organizations in the world; sampling every culture on offer; all while adding value to your degree, together broaden horizons. With a great group of people, I had an unbelievable time, memories that will stay forever. The opportunity is there for everyone, take it!"
Luke Smith, MIMSP 2001 participant