Each summer, Ivey’s Global Lab (IGL) gives MSc in Management: International Business students the chance to apply their learning in real-world contexts around the world. Working with partner organizations across diverse industries and cultures, students gain hands-on experience navigating global markets, developing business strategies, and working across cultural boundaries.
For MSc ’26 candidates Nicole Boyd and Sophia Kallai, IGL pushed them outside of their comfort zones, helping them adapt to new environments and grow as leaders ready to take on the global stage. In their blog below, Boyd – who completed her placement in Vietnam – and Kallai – who worked in Peru – share what they learned while living and working abroad through this transformative program.
Nicole Boyd’s story: Embracing uncertainty in Vietnam
Before the Ivey Global Lab, I liked detailed agendas and neatly planned days. But travelling through Vietnam for three weeks before starting my placement taught me that not everything can – or should – be planned. The food, the heat, and the pace of life were all new to me, and I learned to let go of control and adapt.
By the time I started as an intern at CMC Global, a technology solutions company in Hanoi, Vietnam, I was comfortable navigating uncertainty. This was essential because our team’s project – developing a go-to-market strategy for sales expansion – evolved constantly. Letting go of rigid plans and embracing shifting priorities helped me work more effectively with colleagues from different cultures, approaching new situations with patience, openness, and appreciation for diverse perspectives.
One of the highlights of my internship was the Friday team lunches, where I was introduced to local cuisines and could connect with colleagues informally. Those meals together built trust, strengthened teamwork, and made me feel part of the community.
Midway through the internship, I faced personal challenges at home. The friendships I built with fellow Ivey students helped me through that difficult period. Their encouragement and support reminded me that community at Ivey extends far beyond the classroom, connecting us across borders and experiences.
The biggest lesson I took home from Vietnam was this: adaptability is a strength. Whether navigating shifting project goals or cultural differences, being open to change can lead to deeper learning and meaningful connections.
Sophia Kallai’s story: Practising cultural humility in Peru
My Ivey Global Lab placement took me to Lima, Peru, where I worked with Core Capital, an asset management firm overseeing real estate development funds across Peru and the U.S. From day one, I was immersed in a work culture that valued relationships and trust as much as results.
At first, I noticed surface-level differences – from the warmth of daily greetings to the relaxed pace of meetings. Over time, I came to understand that these weren’t just customs; they reflected deeper cultural values such as hospitality, relationships, and trust that shaped how business was done. Learning to appreciate those differences required cultural humility. I had to recognize that my own way of working wasn’t the default, and approach situations with openness and respect.
Adaptability quickly became my most important skill. I learned to adjust to new workflows, remain flexible in the face of uncertainty, and focus on steady progress rather than speed. This mindset allowed me to prioritize learning and strengthen collaboration.
Outside of the office, my colleagues introduced us to Lima through soccer matches, shared meals, and city excursions. These experiences showed me that collaboration extends beyond formal work – it thrives on curiosity and embracing local culture.
The IGL experience helped me translate classroom learning into practice and gain firsthand experience navigating cultural diversity. It strengthened not only my understanding of global business but also my readiness for an international career.
Reflections on growth
Through the Ivey Global Lab, we both discovered that adaptability, empathy, and connection are essential tools for working across cultures. Whether over lunch in Hanoi or a soccer match in Lima, we learned that collaboration begins with understanding – and that global business is, at its heart, about people.
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