Table of Contents: Overview Requirements Itinerary Academics Accommodations Cost Information Resources

Overview

The International Business Seminars Winter Two 2017 program is designed for students majoring in business with no foreign language background. Over 10 days, you will travel to Europe to explore London and Paris over New Year's Eve. Ring in 2017 on the Thames with millions of other people and make a resolution to become a global citizen, to learn about other cultures and view the world in a totally different light! This program will provide you with an incredible opportunity to discover international business practices, especially as they pertain to the European business environment. You will gain valuable knowledge of the culture, societal and political environments of western Europe. If you intend to pursue a career in international business, or a related field, this program will allow you to obtain real world experience of operating with and considering international business practices, especially if you want to pursue your professional career in Europe.

Alongside taking in the important cultural and historical sites in these cities, you will visit companies that are global powerhouses in a variety of industries and fields, such as Lloyd's of London and Hard Rock. These visits give you important intangible benefits that you just can't pick up back home on campus or even in a traditional study abroad program where you simply attend English lectures at foreign universities. These visits will consist of presentations from executives in upper-management positions, networking opportunities to learn from and gain advice from these individuals, and facility tours of select organizations.

Students will immerse themselves in the rich and diverse European culture, exploring its cities and indulging in delectable diverse cuisines while staying in four-star hotels. This experience is meant to be the first international business experience of your career, helping you learn and earn priceless lessons you aren't able to capture otherwise!

Program Highlights

The highlights of this program include our Classic London Tour of the Financial Capital of the World, Lloyd's of London, taking the high speed train between London and Paris, our Paris City Tour, visit to the Paris Hard Rock Cafe and most of all, celebrating New Year's Eve in London!

London

First founded in AD 43 as Londinium, London is a mass of contradictions--some dating way back in history. On the one hand, London is a decidedly royal city--studded with palaces, court gardens, coats-of-arms and other regal paraphernalia. Yet, London is the home of the second-oldest parliamentary assembly. The huge, gray building that houses Parliament and its famous clock, Big Ben, is more truly symbolic of London than Buckingham Palace. It was there that Prime Minister William Pitt said, "You cannot make peace with dictators, you have to defeat them!" This was at a time when England stood alone against the might of Napoleon. Winston Churchill repeated these sentiments in even better phrases when England--again alone--held out against Hitler. Nevertheless, London was largely shaped by the monarchs who ruled her: imposingly by the tough Tudors; beautifully by the wicked Georges; clumsily by the worthy Victoria. Today, London is (arguably) the center of the financial world and is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. You will never fail to find something amazing to do while exploring it!

Paris

Paris is roughly the size of San Francisco and is home to 10 million people. The river Seine divides Paris into the Right Bank (Rive Droite) to the north and the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) to the south. Thirty two bridges link the right and left banks, some also providing access to the two small islands at the heart of the city, Ille de la Cité and Ile St. Louis. The site of Notre Dame found on Ile de la Cit and Ile St. Louis, is a moat-guarded oasis of sober 17th century mansions. The islands can confuse you if you think you've crossed a bridge from one bank to the other, but find that you are caught up in an almost medieval maze of narrow streets and old buildings.

It has been said that if you are going to visit only one city in the world, make it Paris. Walk along the broad, tree-lined boulevards, visit the world renowned art museums and Gothic cathedrals and sample the meticulously prepared cuisine. From the smoky cafes to the river Seine, Paris always manages to live up to its reputation as one of the world's most beautiful and romantic cities.
 
The individual discovery of Paris has always been the most compelling reason to visit. Ernest Hemingway referred to Paris as a "moveable feast." He wrote, "There is never any ending to Paris and the memory of each person who has lived in it differs from that of any other."

 

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Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

1. Overall GPA 2.50 or higher.
2. Program open to all majors but specifically designed for students with background in business, marketing, management, finance, accounting, economics, supply chain management, business law and entrepreneurship.

Program Requirements

Students are required to take this course for credit. Please be aware that IBS is NOT a credit-granting institution and you will need to go through your home university (or a different university if your home university declines to grant credit). Contact your advisor about how to complete a UM course approval form for this program.

When taking it for credit, students will be evaluated on:

1. Attendance: Weight = 10% of Grade
2. Participation: Weight = 20% of Grade
3. General Citizenship: Weight = 15% of Grade
4. Final Paper: Weight = 55% of Grade

 

Itinerary Please click here to view the IBS Winter Two 2017 Itinerary.

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Academics Academic Nature of IBS Programs Your academic responsibilities as a student taking an International Business Seminar for undergraduate or graduate credit is clearly defined. The Seminars are designed to provide a valuable and enjoyable learning experience for students at the junior, senior, and/or graduate levels. As planned and presented, the Seminars offer the opportunity to gain on-site exposure to the international business environment from the executives who practice and faculty who teach international business. Therefore, students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner.   IBS courses are open to university students in good standing from an accredited university as well as business/professional people. Students may earn undergraduate or graduate credit for a semester.  In some instances it is possible to participate in a Seminar without taking it for academic credit. We would still expect the same professional behavior, attendance, and standards of participation in the Seminar sessions, but we would not expect the written academic work required of the registered students. Some universities may not allow their students to take the Seminar without academic credit, or may have standards of participation that differ from what is noted above. Please check with your individual faculty member regarding your requirements.                                                   We believe that you will enjoy learning about international business in the arena where it is taking place. Our goal is to help you learn international business from international business practitioners. In this way, you will be exposed to the subtle differences in culture and tradition that you, as an executive, must understand to be a successful international manager.

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Accommodations Participants will be staying in four-star (or equivalent) hotels that include breakfast in all cities. Only breakfast is included with the hotel accommodations, other meals are not included and are the responsibility of the student. Accessibility Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation in one of more of this program’s locations very different from what you find in the United States.  Depending on the program, there may be a great deal of walking or the regular use of public transportation.  International Business Seminars cannot guarantee access to public transportation, buildings, or public sites on this program.

 

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Cost Information

Contact IBS directly at kayla@ibstours.com for the program cost.

The cost of the program does include:

1. Four-Star Hotel Accommodations for every night of the itinerary (including breakfast).
2. All travel between IBS-sanctioned activities.
3. Travel between program cities.
4. Meals included on the itinerary.

The cost of the program does not include:

1. The cost of tuition for three credit hours (if you opt to take the seminar for credit).
2. The cost of most meals (unless otherwise noted in the itinerary).
3. Personal expenses while on the seminar (most meals, souvenirs, etc).
4. International airfare (unless otherwise noted; this can be arranged with IBS).
5. The cost of your passport and the cost of your UK and Shengen Visas (if applicable).

Financial Aid & Scholarships

 Costs for UM Students (Winter 2017)

Program without international airfare: $5,721.00