In the interest of pursuing the mission of Marquette, the Center for Applied Economics provided the resources to create Applied Global Business Learning (AGBL).
Applied Global Business Learning (AGBL) is a unique academic program that looks to assist communities in developing nations. By providing micro-enterprise solutions, it is the hope of the program to foster sustainable business practices while preserving cultural ideals. Applied Global Business Learning is an international educational program, provided as both in-person and virtual travel experiences.
About Us
Applied Global Business Learning (AGBL) is a unique volunteer organization that looks to assist communities in developing nations. By providing micro-enterprise solutions, it is the hope of the organization to foster sustainable business practices while preserving cultural ideals. Applied Global Business Learning is an international educational program hosting classes every spring through the Economics Department.
AGBL will look to connect Marquette students, faculty, staff and Milwaukee business leaders with communities in the developing world to grow opportunities and partnerships.
Marquette AGBL is organized as a program under the Center for Applied Economics. Meetings amongst students, faculty advisors, and business leaders will be held as needed leading up to separate assessment and implementation trips.
Students are able to earn three credits for their effort. See a sample syllabus

Marquette AGBL provides a wide range of projects to the various communities. We develop solutions to micro-enterprise problems and work with the communities to implement these proposals while preserving local culture.
Marquette University will recruit student volunteers and field professionals to assist in various projects in developing countries, such as Guatemala and India. AGBL will then travel overseas to participate in a cultural exchange that will include the assessment of micro-enterprise problems and implementation of appropriate business solutions. As much as possible, students and entrepreneurs begin contact about their hopes and intentions for the project to include both sides in our planning process.
Furthermore, on-campus meeting will be held as needed among participating students, faculty, and business leaders. Meetings will include discussion on the cultural, financial, and social impact and effects of our interaction with the communities. Furthermore, we will assess both the success and appropriateness of our proposed business solutions.
This unique interaction will not only offer a depth of perspective and resources, but will also facilitate the application of classroom knowledge to hands-on, real-world experience.
Past trips & business reports
Date
|
Location
|
Project Description
|
2020
|
Columbia
|
Sustainable Education in Bogota
|
2018
|
Tanzania
|
Nkoaranga Hospital
|
2017
|
Tanzania
|
Nkoaranga Hospital
|
March 2016
|
Guatemala
|
Barbara Ford Peace Center
|
March 2015
|
Quiche, Guatemala
|
Community of San Francisco
|
January 2015
|
El Salvador
|
La Canasta Basica
|
January 2015
|
Dhaka, Bangladesh
|
BRAC - Targeting the Ultra Poor
|
March 2014
|
Guatemala
Dominican Republic
|
Acción Cultural Guatemalteca BRA Animal Husbandry
|
January 2014
|
Quiche, Guatemala
|
ACG Business Analysis
|
January 2014
|
Ahmedabad, India
|
X-Plant Business Analysis
Aadi Aushadhi Business Analysis
XICE Business Analysis
|
March 2013
|
El Salvador
|
Vivaz Women's Cooperative - Final Report
|
January 2013
|
Ahmedabad, India
|
XOIC Final Report Aadi Aushadhi Business Analysis X-Plant Final Report St. Vincent De Paul Final Report
|
January 2013
|
Quiché, Guatemala
|
Report: The return on investment for water projects in Quiché
|
March 2012
|
Dominican Republic
|
Batey Relief Alliance
|
January 2012
|
El Salvador
|
Cocobano Chicken Cooperative
Bolsas de Cati
|
January 2012
|
Ahmedabad, India
|
X-Plant Final Report
St Vincent DePaul Business Analysis
XOIC Business Analysis
Aadi Aushadhi Business Analysis
|
January 2011
|
Quiché, Guatemala
|
Report: The Indigenous Community and Education
|
Spring 2010
|
Quiché, Guatemala
|
Partnership with Global Partners: Running Waters, Inc. Final Report Analysis
|
January 2010
|
Ahmedabad, India
|
Depidada Medicinal Plant Co-op
X-Plant
|
May 2009
|
Honduras
|
Textiles Project
|
January 2009
|
Honduras
|
Rosquillos project - Report Video: English | Spanish
|
January 2008
|
Honduras
|
Research on possible projects
|
Academic Opportunities
AGBL will provide opportunities for students to travel abroad and assist local businesses in expanding, creating, or improving their current operations.
Students will earn three credits for their efforts. This unique interaction will not only offer a depth of perspective and resources, but will also facilitate the application of classroom knowledge to hands-on, real-world experience.
Join a virtual consulting class
We will be consulting with entrepreneurs in Central America. We will get to know the entrepreneurs, establish what we can do to help their businesses grow, and find solutions to their problems. We are looking to include Spanish speakers as much as possible and to learn as much as we can about the country and its business practices. Projects will be decided once students have been admitted into the course. This course will count as an upper-division elective for COBA as well as an upper-division economics elective for an economics major or minor. This is also an international experience course and a service-learning course. For more information please reach out to Dr. Kohls at heather.kohls@marquette.edu
Join a travel experience
See program options on the OIE site. You may need to search for AGBL.
For information regarding participation and other related issues, please contact Dr. Heather Kohls at heather.kohls@marquette.edu.
For institutional requests, please contact the Center Applied Economics Economics
To donate, contact University Advancement or send a check directly to AGBL at Marquette University, University Advancement, P. O. Box 1881, Zilber Hall, Suite 321, Milwaukee, WI 53201
To give us feedback or report any problems you experienced with our website please email Dr. Heather Kohls at heather.kohls@marquette.edu.
Alumni Advisory Board:
Lisa Hench Rachel M. Kirvan
Cynthia E. Pekron Charles Ries
Katherine Novotny
Students are now able to earn three credits for their participation in an AGBL service and study trip. This will likely attract more students to our programs and increase the need for more scholarships.
Currently student scholarships provide $500 for an individual. We have no full scholarships available. With your help, we could expand those offerings and allow more students a chance at a one-of-a-kind experience.
To donate, contact Charles Ries, University Advancement, 414-288-7212 or send a check directly to AGBL at Marquette University, c/o Charles Ries, University Advancement, P. O. Box 1881, Zilber Hall, Suite 321, Milwaukee, WI 53201