This program explores in depth the concepts and principles of “green business.” The focus is on how businesses can maintain and even increase profits as a result of taking care of the environment. US and International faculty lead sessions that delve into issues of sustainable development and environmental strategy for business around the world.

January 5 - 16, 2009 in Costa Rica. Pre-departure classes during Fall Term B.

30 Carlson School Graduate and Senior Level Undergraduate students; classes will be a mix of INCAE and Carlson students

4 graduate elective credits. Grading is A-F basis. Please note this class is NOT a substitute for the Ethics core requirement.

Costa Rica is a world leader in sustainable development and the promotion of ecologically sound tourism practices. Costa Rica is recognized for its cultural and historical traditions of peace, democracy and education. Over 25% of Costa Rica’s land is held in protected forests and reserves which contain 5% of the world’s biodiversity.

Instituto Centroamericano de Administración de Empresas (INCAE) is the top MBA program in the Latin American region, and emphasizes research and innovation. INCAE boasts the Center for Competitiveness and Sustainable Development and is a recognized leader in the study of corporate environmental strategy. The main campus of INCAE is located near Alaju

ela, just twenty-five miles from the Costa Rican capital, San Jose.

Pre-departure class sessions prepare students for the overseas academic program by familiarizing them with the background and terminology around sustainable development. The program starts with an orientation and welcome breakfast. Students take classes over the two weeks from a Carlson faculty member and INCAE faculty members. Cultural tours, field trips, and site visits complement the class sessions. Students are paired in multicultural teams for group work and case presentations. This program has a demanding schedule and academic standards are high. Students should be prepared for this to be one of the most academically rigorous courses of their program.

During late Fall Semester, students participate in mandatory class meetings to develop basic background knowledge of the history, economy, and culture of Costa Rica and Central America, and to acquire a background in the terminology and issues of environmentally-friendly business. Class sessions are held November and December. Students will also receive a reading packet that makes up the majority of readings for the course.

Students are housed on the INCAE campus in double rooms in bungalows. The bungalows include shared kitchen, bathroom, and living facilities. Lunch and dinner Monday – Friday are provided in the INCAE cafeteria. To the extent possible, arrangements can be made for an extra fee for students to bring a guest. Please note that due to cultural norms only married participants will be able to share their bungalow with a guest of the opposite gender (their spouse).

Participants pay $4,500 directly to the University of Minnesota. This fee covers tuition for 4 credits, international health insurance, course materials, housing, some meals, site visits and group excursions. Airfare, personal travel and expenses are not covered by the course fee. Fees are based on estimates and may change due to international economic factors. Financial Aid can be applied to study abroad programs.

Download an application from the Applications page and submit a completed application with a $50 application fee, transcript, resume and essay. Undergraduates must apply using the graduate application for Costa Rica.  The application deadline is June 15, 2008.

This program is open to Senior level Carlson undergraduate students and Carlson graduate students in good academic standing, with a GPA of 3.0 at the time of application. The application process is competitive, and space is limited.  Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

Carlson School of Management
321 19^th Avenue South, Suite 4-104
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Applications will be reviewed by a committee and students will be informed of their status within 4 weeks of the application deadline. Once selected, you will be asked to pay a $500 non-refundable deposit in order to confirm your place in the program.