Through a partnership between Palm Beach Atlantic University and the International Polo Club in Wellington, two PBA undergraduate business students were able to participate in an international business trip to Dubai this month.
John Wash, president of club operations for the International Polo Club, presents a check to Palm Beach Atlantic University Jeni Chavez as Dr. Ann Langlois, associate professor of business, looks on. Not pictured is PBA student Szilvia Gagyi. Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) is a private, accredited, Christ-centered college located in West Palm Beach, Florida, USA.
John Wash, president of club operations for the International Polo Club, presents a check to Palm Beach Atlantic University student Jeni Chavez as Dr. Ann Langlois, associate professor of business, looks on. Not pictured is PBA student Szilvia Gagyi.
The students, juniors Jessenia “Jeni” Chavez and Szilvia Gagyi, were responsible for operating the club’s Kids Zone during polo matches from January through April. The Kids Zone’s proceeds totaling $10,000 were donated to PBA’s Rinker School of Business for the students’ trip.
In all, 24 undergraduate and graduate business students and two faculty members departed for Dubai on May 7 and returned May 17. The trip included visits to several businesses.
Analisa Muti, a 2010 PBA graduate who now handles marketing and sponsorship for the International Polo Club, came up with the idea for the internship program. The two students were in charge of negotiating with vendors, handling invoices and other paperwork and managing every aspect of the Kids Zone.
Farish Ensenat, special events manager for the club, said the students were extremely helpful during the height of polo season. “I could just say ‘do it,’ and they had a plan and they didn’t need any help,” Ensenat said.
On average, about 30 children a week took part in the Kids Zone, said Chavez, who is double majoring in international business and finance. During Easter weekend, the number increased to about 60, she said.
Chavez said she learned valuable skills during the 16-week program. One of the most important was “learning how to communicate professionally with other businesspeople,” she said.
