Overview
Our IBUS 244: International Management Practices-Europe courses always provide the opportunity to compare the management practices and business environments of countries on the European continent. This year’s course offers a particularly interesting comparison—between the practices and environment in a country, Greece, that has been a member of the European Union since 1981, and a country, Turkey, that is not yet a member. But these two countries have other differences as well—e.g., geographic, as not all of Turkey is considered to be part of the European continent; religious, as Greece is predominantly Greek Orthodox while Turkey is predominantly Muslim; economic, as the financial crisis appears to have affected Greece more strongly, though there are fears Turkey could eventually suffer similarly; and political, as Greece’s Prime Minister hails from the centre-left Panhellenic Socialist Movement, while Turkey’s Prime Minister hails from the centre-right Justice & Development Party.
The two countries also have a particular historical relationship: Greece won independence from the Ottoman Empire (of which Turkey is a successor state) in 1821—and a number of issues remain unresolved, including disputes over territory and sovereignty of Cypress. Through this immersive study abroad course, you will experience firsthand how these differences play out in the management practices and business environments of both countries—but you’ll also have the opportunity to identify similarities.
You’ll also be able to experience the incredible historic and cultural attractions of both countries: in Greece, the Acropolis and the Parthenon, as well as a visit to some of the islands around Athens, and in Turkey, the Süleymaniye Mosque and the Spice Bazaar, and a cruise on the Bosporous.
The program begins with five class meetings during the Spring 2012 semester before spring break to learn about the Greek and Turkish business environments. The class dates are as follows: January 31, February 7, February 14, February 21, and February 28, 2012. Then you’ll travel to Athens and Istanbul over Spring Break. You’ll spend eight days immersed in meetings with senior managers and company tours of both local and multinational companies across various industry sectors, engaged in interactive follow-up discussions, and visiting the historical and cultural highlights of both countries.
The instructor, Heather Elms, Associate Professor of International Business, has extensive international professional and academic experience, specializing in corporate strategy, governance, and social responsibility.
Please note that students are responsible for reserving and purchasing their own airfare to Athens and from Istanbul.
Travel Timeline
Students should depart the US on Friday, March 9, 2012, to arrive in Athens, Greece on Saturday, March 10. The group departs Istanbul, Turkey via an overnight flight on Sunday, March 18, arriving in the US the following day. A single group transfer to and from the Athens and Istanbul airports is included in the program fee and will be communicated in the weeks prior to the program.
Please note that students are responsible for reserving and purchasing their own airfare to Greece and from Turkey, and may choose to arrive early or stay an extra day for personal travel in the region before the Spring semester resumes on Monday, March 19, 2012.
Credit Hours
This program is a 2-credit Spring course (IBUS-244-001) and standard AU tuition applies. A 3-credit section of the course is also available (IBUS-244-002).
Cost
Students are responsible for the following costs of the program:
- Tuition: Costs for tuition are based on the number of credits (2 or 3), calculated per the tuition and fee schedule posted on the Student Accounts website. Full-time students not exceeding 17 total credits for the semester will not incur additional tuition charges. Any tuition charges that do apply will be billed by and paid directly to AU.
- Program Fee: The $1,975 program fee includes double occupancy room, ground transportation as part of the program, company site visits, and meals and cultural activities as outlined on the program itinerary. Due to possible exchange rate fluctuations, the final program cost may need to be adjusted and will be confirmed 30–60 days in advance of departure to Greece. This program fee is billed to your Student Account, minus a $300 non-refundable deposit which is paid to AU through the Kogod Office of Global Learning Programs.
- Travel: Students are responsible for the reservation and payment of air travel from the US to Greece and from Turkey to the US.
- Passport & Visa: Students are responsible for obtaining a passport, visas, or other immigration documents required to enter and exit both Turkey and Greece, including related fees. The Kogod Office of Global Learning Programs will support students with any required letters from AU.
- Incidentals: Expenses for shopping, personal activities, meals, and local transportation not included in the program itinerary are the student's responsibility.
- Financial Aid: Students planning to use financial aid should consult with the Financial Aid office to determine coverage and eligibility.
Passport & Visa
Students are solely responsible for obtaining a passport and any visas or other immigration documents required to enter and exit Greece and Turkey, including any related fees. The Kogod Office of Global Learning Programs will support students in this endeavor with any required letters from AU. Students should contact these Embassies as well as the Embassy for their home country to validate entry and exit requirements. US citizens are currently not required to obtain a visa prior to their arrival to Greece or Turkey. However, upon arrival in Istanbul, Turkey, US citizens are required to purchase a visa valid for a stay of up to 90 days for a fee of approximately $20. Details regarding entry and exit requirements for US citizens and other pertinent information can be found on the US State Department website.
Registration
The deadline to register for this exciting program is January 30, 2012. To reserve your spot, please complete the registration process (steps 1-5 below).
- Complete the online registration form.
- Print and complete the program consent form.
- Print and complete the program payment form.
- Photocopy the photo/biographical information page of your passport.
- Deliver items 2, 3, and 4 (along with a $300 non-refundable deposit) to the Kogod Office of Global Learning mailbox in KSB 106.
Once your deposit and paperwork have been received, you will be registered for either IBUS-244-001 (2 credits) or IBUS-244-002 (3 credits) based on your online registration form. You do not register yourself. Once registered, your student account will be charged for the balance of the program fee.
Questions?
Contact the Office of Global Learning at (202) 885-1940 or email ksbabroad@american.edu.
