Menlo College Students Gain Global Business Insight Through Academic Global Immersion Program in the UAE Posted on January 27, 2026February 27, 2026 by menlocollege Atherton, CA – January 27, 2026 – Students from Menlo College recently returned from an intensive international learning experience as part of the College’s Academic Global Immersion (AGI) program, a short-term study abroad course designed to prepare students for leadership in an increasingly interconnected global economy. Held from January 3-18, the program took students to the United Arab Emirates, with immersive academic and professional experiences across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Guided by Menlo College Business School faculty, the AGI program blends classroom instruction with hands-on engagement in global business environments. Students explored key topics such as entrepreneurship, innovation, analytics, and financial technology while visiting global companies and engaging directly with leaders from the private, public, academic, and government sectors. The structure allowed students to connect theory with practice while gaining firsthand exposure to international market dynamics. A major highlight of the program was an official reception in Abu Dhabi, during which the student delegation met with His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. He underscored the UAE’s commitment to education as a cornerstone of sustainable development and commended Menlo College’s AGI program as a forward-looking model that integrates academic knowledge with real-world application. Group photo at DP World after a wonderful buffet catered by Emirates. For students, the meeting offered a powerful perspective on values-driven leadership. “My meeting with His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan reinforced a vital truth: leadership is not defined by status, but by a profound sense of responsibility to serve and a relentless commitment to creating meaningful impact,” said Menlo College student Ananyaa Vengurlekar, majoring in AI & Analytics. Reflecting on the broader global significance of the conversation, Menlo College student Kaiqi Yu, a Marketing major, added, “My conversation with His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan left a lasting impression: in an increasingly divided world, unity and shared humanity remain essential to building a better global future.” Throughout the program, students participated in site visits to leading institutions and companies spanning finance, technology, energy, and real estate. These collaborative experiences offered students practical insight into how global organizations operate within fast-growing markets. For many students, the opportunity to combine professional exposure with cultural immersion was especially impactful. “Dubai offered an unparalleled opportunity for cultural immersion alongside direct exposure to the international business landscape,” said Menlo College student Kenzie Finken who is majoring in Finance. “We were welcomed with exceptional hospitality and had the rare chance to engage with industry leaders who generously shared their insights and answered our questions.” She added that she was especially inspired by the UAE’s innovative spirit, noting a palpable sense of ambition, creativity, and forward-thinking energy throughout the region. Kenzie Finken on the 73rd floor of the future Cavalli tower with DAMAC. Beyond business and academics, the AGI program allowed students to broaden their worldviews and build meaningful connections within the Gulf region. By combining rigorous academics and cross-cultural engagement, Menlo College’s Academic Global Immersion program continues to prepare students for success in today’s dynamic business landscape. Learn more about Menlo College’s Academic Global Immersion program. Contact Information: Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College: Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
Menlo College Staff Strengthens Global Ties Through Historic China Visits Posted on January 26, 2026February 27, 2026 by menlocollege George Retelas (right) participating in the WWII Doolittle Raid artifact exchange in Quzhou, China. Retelas presented the original 1942 training footage from the USS Hornet Museum in exchange for a fragment of the B-25 aircraft that crashed in China. The American crew had to bail from their aircraft and were rescued by Chinese locals. Atherton, CA – January 26, 2026 – Menlo College continues to build meaningful international connections through the work of its faculty and staff, exemplified by Director of Media Marketing George Retelas and his recent trips to China in 2025. Through cultural exchange, historical preservation, and student engagement, Retelas’ efforts highlight Menlo’s commitment to global learning and cross-cultural collaboration. Retelas’ first trip took place in April 2025 as part of a cultural exchange between the USS Hornet Museum in the Bay Area and the Doolittle Raid Memorial Hall in Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China. The exchange commemorated the historic Doolittle Raid, a pivotal moment in China-U.S. wartime cooperation. Representing the American delegation, Retelas helped facilitate the exchange of historical artifacts and fostered relationships that preserved this shared history. “This exchange was about much more than artifacts,” Retelas said. “It was about honoring a shared history and building relationships that continue to matter today.” Accompanying Retelas on the trip was Menlo College student Mathias Durfee, who participated through an internship with the USS Hornet Museum, approved for credit by Menlo College’s Career Services Office. At Menlo, internships are a vital part of students’ education and career preparation, required for business majors and strongly encouraged for psychology majors. Durfee documented the cultural exchange through photography and video, providing a student perspective on the event. His work was later featured by NBC Bay Area. “Being part of this cultural exchange was an incredible experience,” said Durfee, a Marketing major. “It allowed me to apply what I’ve learned at Menlo in a real-world, international setting while documenting history that still resonates today.” Mathias Durfee capturing media coverage for the USS Hornet Museum of the historic exchange and event activities for his Menlo College internship. In December 2025, Retelas returned to China to continue the relationships formed during the initial exchange. He visited sites where American airmen parachuted into China and met with descendants of Chinese civilians who helped rescue and protect the pilots—honoring the bravery and compassion that defined the mission’s legacy. During the visit, Retelas connected with Menlo College students from China who were home for the holidays. China is the second most represented international country on Menlo’s campus, and international students make up nearly a quarter of the student body. These interactions reinforced the College’s welcoming, globally connected culture, ranked #7 Most Diverse Colleges in America by Niche. “Meeting with Mr. Retelas in China meant a great deal to me and my family,” said Ling Ding, a Psychology major from China. “It reminded me that even while studying far from home, Menlo truly cares about its international students and our cultural identities.” Yanxi Zhou, an AI & Analytics major from China, added: “I am extremely grateful there are people at Menlo College, like Mr. Retelas, who take the initiative to learn about my home country and its culture. That care eases my homesickness and makes me feel connected even from far away.” Looking ahead, Retelas will continue supporting Menlo’s international students on campus, including assisting with preparations for the upcoming Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) celebration in February. George Retelas’ international work reflects Menlo College’s mission to link education with real-world impact, offering students unique opportunities to explore history, culture, and global perspectives. Contact Information: Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College: Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
Flexible Study Paths and Diversity Enrichment: Menlo College Announces New International Agreements with Other Institutions Posted on December 13, 2022January 27, 2025 by menlocollege Menlo College is pleased to announce new, flexible international study abroad programs, a dual-degree program, and a transfer program with other institutions! Starting in the fall of 2022, a short-term exchange (one semester to a year) and dual degree program developed by Menlo College and Centre d’Études Franco-Américain de Management (CEFAM) was officially launched. The upcoming exchange and 2+2 programs with Al Ain University (AAU) will begin in Spring 2023. AAU is an AACSB accredited institution – a recognition afforded to only 5% of the world’s business schools. France: Study Abroad Semester(s) or Earn Two Degrees in Four Years! Through the agreement reached with CEFAM, students are eligible to either participate in a short-term exchange or the 3+1 dual-degree program: Short-Term Exchange: The semester abroad program is built for students who are seeking a study abroad experience lasting one semester to a year. Students are also required to take a language course. 3+1 Dual-Degree Business Program: The 3+1 program is a transfer program tailored for students seeking to earn two degrees. After three years of study at the college of origin, students can transfer to the other for one academic year of study with a scholarship. After finishing a total of four years of college study, students receive diplomas from both CEFAM and Menlo College. Ready to apply to Menlo? Click here! United Arab Emirates: Study Abroad or Easily Transfer In addition to France, students can also easily choose to go to or from the United Arab Emirates. Menlo College and AAU recently signed a cooperation agreement for short-term exchanges and a 2+2 transfer program: Short-Term Exchange: After completing the first academic year, students of both sides can choose a semester or a year of exchange study and have their courses recognized at their home institution. 2+2 Transfer Business Program: The 2+2 program is a transfer program tailored for students from AAU. After completing two years of study, students can transfer to Menlo College. After finishing a total of four years of college study, students receive a diploma from Menlo College. Did you know that in 2022-23, international students make up 22% of the student population at Menlo? Why Study Abroad? Menlo student Alexander Santillan ’25, who recently completed a semester in Japan, shared: “My advice is to meet as many local students as possible. It is amazing to see their perspective and how they see the same issue differently and how they see the US from the outside. I can’t stress enough how much it has opened my perspective and opportunities here in Japan. I hope others can do the same and experience a new student life.” “We see students’ strong desire to increase the flexibility of their studies, as well as their curiosity for global exploration,” said Chief Academic Officer, VP of Academic Affairs, and Dean of the School of Business Dr. Mouwafac Sidaoui. “These programs are designed to provide them with a variety of options as well as further enhance Menlo’s nationwide lead in campus diversity.” Ready to apply to Menlo? Click here! Broadening Students’ Worldviews Through International Exchange Programs Henry Miller once wrote in his book Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch (1957): “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” The experience of studying abroad has various benefits and meanings for everyone, but the purpose is alike in all important essentials, the differences being of a minor nature: for something new, no matter for new people, new environment, or new life. Menlo College has a mission to educate students for the 21st century, part of which includes cultivating in students a rich worldview. By encouraging the new generation to judge the world objectively, Menlo supports them by involving them in an environment filled with cultural differences. Students develop a broad vision to pursue innovative approaches to solving the world’s problems. As part of the effort for students to experience and celebrate diversified cultures, Menlo College has reached new agreements with CEFAM and AAU. Read more: Menlo College Students Explore International Business in Inaugural Academic Global Immersion ProgramImmersing Yourself in Silicon Valley: Menlo College Students Gain Exposure in New CourseMenlo College and Silicon Valley Japan University Partnership About Menlo College Menlo College was established in 1927. It is a small, private, non-profit, four-year, accredited, residential college located in Atherton, California. Menlo College’s location in Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative geographical areas, has enabled the college to create a valuable market niche for its students locally — as well as globally. Menlo College cultivates in its students the skills, integrity, and passion to make meaningful contributions in an innovation economy.
