Europe and Middle East

Collaboration and teamwork are hallmarks of the Darden experience. Below are just a few examples of how experiential learning translates into meaningful opportunities to collaborate in teams with impact.

• Case methodology of instruction
• Area focus elective courses
• Industry focus elective courses
• Consulting Darden Business Projects
• Global Experiential Opportunities include Darden Worldwide Courses, Global Client Projects and Exchange Programs

European Society

The European Society's mission is to promote awareness of Darden in Europe and grow appreciation of European culture, social and business affairs in the Darden community. The European Society concentrates on improving relationships between Europeans and students/ alumni from all over the world and focuses on areas including providing opportunities to engage with European culture and traditions, guiding students with an interest in European careers and attracting talented European students and support them in their admission process.

Middle Eastern Islamic Student Association (MEISA)

Middle Eastern Islamic Student Association (MEISA) will help promote awareness and understanding about Middle Eastern and Islamic culture, particularly related to doing business with people from or in those communities, and work to increase the community at Darden through recruitment efforts in cooperation with admissions.

Darden Student Association

The Darden Student Association (DSA) seeks to strengthen the fabric of the Darden Community; working to ensure that each student can realize their fullest Darden experience. The DSA represents Darden on the University Honor Committee, the University Judiciary Committee, the University Student Council, and the Graduate and Professional Council, and supports student groups including career clubs, affinity groups, and intramural sports. DSA seeks to represent all students of the residential MBA program.

Advisory Groups

Darden has several advisory groups which provide a forum for dialogue, feedback and proactive initiative throughout the year in effort to continuously improve the student experience through collaboration between faculty, staff and students.

Oktoberfest

In 2023, the Wine & Cuisine Club, European Society, and School of Brew connected to organize Oktoberfest on Grounds! This family-friendly event was open to all members of the Darden community — students, faculty, staff, partners, kids, and pets. Attendees were delighted with a Bavarian oasis, complete with authentic German dishes and beverages catered by The Bavarian Chef (a community restaurant). The faculty band performed live, and prizes were awarded to the best-dressed guests.

Partner Institutions

Darden has partnerships with other top business schools around the world to foster exchange opportunities, collaborative academic programs, faculty engagement and research, and other activities. Schools based in Europe that partner with Darden include ESADE, IESE, Università Bocconi, Hautes Études Commerciales (HEC), St. Gallen University and Stockholm School of Economics (SSE).

Admissions Receptions and Alumni Networking

Darden admissions and occasionally faculty and senior leadership take trips to Barcelona, London, Amsterdam, Dubai and more major cities in Europe and the Middle East. From participating in admissions recruitment events to activating local alumni chapters, Darden shows up in the region for impact small and large. Opportunities to connect have ranged from small gathering coffee chats to case presentations led by faculty with a mix of alumni and prospective student audiences. Meeting with prospective students in-person and online is a key way to get to know more about the Darden School at a distance.

Darden School Foundation

The Darden School Foundation, an independent and nonprofit organization established in 1952, offers merit-based scholarships. These scholarships support students from around the world, enabling them to excel at Darden as students and beyond.

Merit Scholarships

Darden has a robust portfolio of merit scholarships. Consideration for merit scholarships takes place during the admissions process after your complete application has been submitted. No additional application is required. A variety of metrics and factors including academic ability, professional and personal achievements and potential to contribute to the community are considered.

Company Sponsorship

Darden welcomes employer-sponsored students from all industries and backgrounds. When student is sponsored, it acknowledges the student’s leadership, the time commitment the program requires and — most importantly — the significant value that the MBA provides for student and stakeholder(s) alike. Many companies have sponsorship programs to send students abroad for a degree.