The Role of External Context in Enhancing Student Learning Outcomes Through Experiential Learning

International business (IB) educators are increasingly adopting experiential learning approaches. This is found to support long-term student learning outcomes. Therefore, using innovative experiential learning approaches in IB education offers a useful vehicle to support long-term progress towards the Sustainability Development Goal (SDG) 8—economic growth and decent work. This chapter focuses on the importance of the learning context, drawing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in New Zealand (NZ), suggesting this context offers beneficial learning outcomes. By embedding in this context students can gain a deep understanding of SME opportunities and challenges, learning how to navigate these to support growth, and subsequently supporting SDG8. This chapter outlines practical examples of experiential learning activities and assessments, designed to support hands-on knowledge development for IB students.