Objective:

This program explores in depth the concepts and principles of corporate social responsibility. The focus is on providing students with a comparative U.S. – European perspective on ethical business practices. Students meet with leaders of multinational firms, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations in Brussels and London develop an understanding of the effect of globalization on ethics, culture, and business.

Dates:

May 25 – June 5, 2009 in Brussels and London. Pre-departure classes during Spring Term B.

Audience:

25 Carlson School Graduate students

Credit:

4 graduate credits. Grading is A-F basis. 2 credits substitute for Carlson’s MBA 6315 and 2 credits are graduate elective credit. If you have already taken MBA 6315 you are NOT eligible to participate in this program.

Location:

Brussels, Belgium is the headquarters to the European Union (EU), the political seat of NATO, and is home to many U.S. based multinational corporations. As such Brussels is an international metropolis home to many cultures, traditions, and languages. The city boasts an array of cultural activities, markets, museums and bistros to explore.

London, United Kingdom is one of the world’s leading business, financial, and cultural centers. It is the home of many multinational corporations and non-governmental organizations, and is the most populous city in the European Union. With a wide variety of public transportation options, travel in and around London is fast and efficient. Cultural attractions abound with opportunities to spend time exploring theatre, museums, and the arts.

Schedule:

Pre-departure class sessions prepare students for the overseas academic program by familiarizing them with the background and terminology of corporate social responsibility. There will be extensive readings, assignments, and research during Spring Semester in preparation for the overseas program. In addition, the final coursework will be done during Summer Term after the program has ended. The coursework is not confined to the two-week overseas program.  The academic load is strenuous and we encourage students to plan their schedule accordingly.

The overseas program starts with an orientation, city tour and welcome dinner. Students spend the first week in Brussels meeting with leaders of the European Union and multinational firms such as Nike, Toyota, and Johnson & Johnson before proceeding to London.

In London an introductory city tour is arranged for the students. Sunday is free for exploring the city. The program will continue to visit with business executives from companies like GlaxoSmithKline, Rio Tinto, and British Petroleum and representatives from NGO’s such as Amnesty International and Forum on the Future. Class sessions will be interspersed with site visits to offer students the opportunity to review the information gained, and prepare for future visits. This program has a demanding schedule and academic standards are high. (All specific company visits are tentative.)

Housing & Food:

Students are housed in double or triple rooms in centrally located hotels in each city. Breakfast is provided daily. A welcome dinner, pub lunch, and closing dinner are provided. To the extent possible, arrangements can be made for an extra fee for students to bring a guest.

Costs & Financial Aid:

Participants pay $5,100 directly to the University of Minnesota. This fee covers tuition for 4 credits, international health insurance, course materials, housing, transportation to all site visits, and transportation between each city, 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.

Application & Admission:

Visit our website to complete an online application. Application materials include the online application form, a resume, and essay. Students will be charged a $50.00 application fee. The application deadline is December 1, 2008.

This program is open to Carlson students in good academic standing, with a GPA of 3.0 at the time of application. Applicants cannot have already completed MBA 6315. The application process is competitive, and space is limited.  Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

Submit all applications to:

Global Enrichment Application

International Programs

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.

Access Abroad:

Contact Information:

All details subject to change based on economic and international factors.