For incoming first-year students at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business who are looking to get a head start on building friendships within their class or wanting to make use of some time off before school starts, the M-Trek program may be just the answer. M-Treks, which were first offered in 1999, are small-group, multiday, outdoor adventure trips that take place before the academic year begins. Organized in locations around the world, the trips are entirely student led (by second-year MBA students) and are designed to provide a team-based environment similar to that found at Ross and to promote leadership in a team setting. M-Treks look to be as inclusive as possible—trips are available to suit a wide variety of interests and thus range from hard-core adventure to relaxing sightseeing excursions.
In Fall 2011, ten first-year and four second-year students took an M-Trek to Alaska, while other students toured Argentina on the “It Takes YOU to Tango” M-Trek. Check out the Ross Ambassador blogs to view some amazing photos of the trips to Alaska and Argentina. M-Treks planned for 2012 include a visit to Thailand with “Hold Me Closer Thai-ny Dancer,” “We Fell Into the Ross Ring of Fire!” in Indonesia, “Homer’s Sicilian Odyssey to the Center of B-school Soul” through Italy and many more.
So, whether you are interested in hiking and rafting in Iceland or beaching and snorkeling in Mexico, M-Treks provide a chance to build friendships and develop leadership skills while having a great time.
