Newsfeed
Printer-Friendly ModeClass to travel to Czech Republic, study business
September 24, 2007 —
When some students head for the beach this spring break to party, a few others will say goodbye to the sun and hello to the pale skies of Eastern Europe.
The marketing and management 490 class, headed by SVSU professor Dr. George Puia, will take a trip to the Czech Republic to study the culture and the effects it has on their business practice.
"An overarching goal for this class is for students to understand how the history and the culture of a region shapes its contemporary business practice," says Puia.
The winter semester class will meet twice before heading on their ten-day journey to the Czech Republic.
The trip is priced at $2,750 per student. Stephanie Seiggreen, SVSU's study abroad coordinator, says that cost is more than worth it.
"I think there is an initial sticker shock when students first see the price," says Seiggreen. "But the trip is worth it. There are going to be some amazing individuals for these students to talk to."
Seiggreen also reassured students that this trip is not limited to only marketing majors. Students of a different major can sign up for the class as an independent study course.
There are 20 seats available; however, Puia says several students have already shown interest.
"At this point, we definitely have openings," says Puia. "But I'd suggest people to move quickly, especially because they are eligible to be considered for a helpful travel fellowship if they sign up before Oct. 26."
Students signing up before Sept. 30 will also receive a $75 discount.
While in the Czech Republic, the class will study the practices of several of the worlds top businesses, including IBM and Honeywell, as well as receive lectures from scholars and government officials on the Czech Republic's integration into the European Union and the status of their current economy.
"The real learning comes from the interaction these students will have with these businesses," says Puia. "For example, the students will have the chance to speak with the countries senior government officials about what is happening in their country, and that's powerful."
Students signing up for the trip are required to write an experience journal that examines their experiences in the Czech Republic, as well as create a country analysis report, which asks the student to observe and report on a certain aspect of business in the country.
The trip isn't all work, however.
"We plan on attending some cultural events," said Puia. "We'll maybe take in symphony orchestra or possibly a ballet while we're there as well."
The trip will take the group from the larger cities of Prague and Brno to a smaller town in the country side, to give the students a greater perspective on Czech life.
"Our students will see what life in the Czech Republic looks like to someone living in a town of 5,000 people, in a city of a quarter million people, or in the capital, with a million in a half people," says Puia.
This is the fifth such excursion that Puia has made. In past years he's led a class to Russia, Poland, the Benelux Countries and India, all the while gathering some interesting experiences along the way. He recalled a moment from last year's Russia trip, when the bus was stopped in the early hours of the morning by an ox slowly crossing the road.
"Every once in awhile, you just have one of those, 'We're not in Saginaw anymore' moments," Puia said with a smile. "These trips are truly a life altering experience."