Upcoming International Trips
As business becomes increasingly global in nature, The Jack C. Massey Graduate School now appears to have been ahead of its time when, way back in 2000, it began requiring all of its students to take an international study trip at some point during their degree programs. The School views this practice as a way of expanding students’ views of culture and the interdependency that exists between companies and countries around the world. Only a handful of other graduate business programs hold their graduate business students to a similar requirement.
Proposed trips are included but are subject to change. Final decisions regarding trips will be determined by individual interest. Upcoming trips include:
Spain
March 1-8, 2008 This intensive program in Valencia, Spain, offers students an outstanding academic experience enhanced with a real-world European cultural experience. Valencia, whose founding dates back to 138 B.C., is the third largest city in Spain. It is especially famous for its orange trees, avenues lined with palm trees, regional cuisine, mild climate, sandy beaches and, above all, friendly people. Unlike the larger cities of Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia has managed to conserve many of its ancient customs and traditions and its small town atmosphere. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Valencia has the charm of an older European city, with the allure of a coastal town. Valencia's growing reputation is rooted in a stunning synthesis of the old and the modern. Valencia is one of the most economically dynamic cities in Europe. This dynamism is driven by the enterprising spirit of the city’s business community and its readiness to receive and promote contributions from outside the region. The Port of Valencia has the highest level of container traffic in all of Spain and aims to become the leading intermodal port in the entire Mediterranean region. Valencia is also home to the headquarters of the famed Lladró (maker of porcelain figurines), Bancaja, and DS2. Major multinational corporations such as Ford and IBM have made Valencia an important European business base. Internationally, Valencia has become a leading congress and conference venue in Europe. China May 15-24, 2008 This trip will focus on market entry strategies for foreign owned enterprises in China. You will examine the size and growth of the Mainland Chinese market along with the opportunities and obstacles for foreign-owned enterprises that have decided to seriously assess entering the country. This trip will include cultural, political, and business visits in either Beijing and/or Shanghai. China opens the door to vast historical riches, art and architecture, natural and man-made wonders, and a rich cultural heritage. You will have an opportunity to immerse yourself in China’s culture by visiting such sites as the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and Forbidden City.Summer 2008
Know Europe
June – July, 2008 Sponsored by Groupe ESC Normandie, Normandy Business SchoolVisit Belgium, Holland, France and Spain. For more specifics see the Know Europe website (http://www.know-europe.com). This trip counts for 3 courses (MGT 6300, MGT 6350 and one elective). Your cost is the cost of tuition for each of these courses and airfare to and from Europe. Students are responsible for arranging their own flights. Anyone interested should contact Melissa for more details. Please note, this will prevent you from attending the summer semester, but does earn you credit for 3 courses.
Brazil
August 9-16, 2008 Brazil for many years has been seen as the country of the future, occupying the largest amount of land mass in South America, its economy in the past has not reflected its size. However, with its inflationary problems now under control and way down from the 150% annual levels in the 70s and 80s, it is starting to become an economic giant in Latin America. The focus of the visit will be centered in the Sao Paulo area, a huge conurbanation of over twenty million people and ties in with the Brazilian Business School. The theme will be how Tennessee can increase exports to Brazil and over time how to improve economic relations between the two areas.Fall 2008
Prague
November 1-8, 2008 Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and the country’s industrial, commercial and cultural heart. There is ample evidence that the site of the modern city was an important trading crossroads as early as Paleolithic times. Past corporate visits have included: Skoda-Volkswagen, Hewlett-Packard, Philip Morris, Pepsi Americas and Bohemia Glassworks. The trip also includes a visit to Terezin, a walled city originally established by Empress Maria Theresa. The Nazis used Terezin as a detention and concentration camp during WW II. The city is quite beautiful and somewhat deceptive of what really occurred behind the walls. Prague is a wonderful musical and artistic city. Prague is also a very international city with many young people from all over the world. Sidewalk bistros are plentiful.
