Marketing and International Comparative Dimensions of Business in France, Spain and Belgium

Summer 2010

May 9 – June 2, 2010

Sponsored by the Department of Marketing and the Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) in the Eli Broad College of Business

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

This program includes international site visits and European business content. It combines marketing and the international comparative dimensions of business into a six-credit summer experience.  Students will receive extensive contact with European executives and officials, while staying in the heart of Paris, France and traveling to business and cultural centers in Barcelona, Spain and Brussels, Belgium.

Eurail passes will be provided for travel in France, Spain and Belgium.  Field trips will include:

The learning objectives for the program include course content while providing students an international experience that integrates aspects of the French and European business climate.

What can I study?

Students are required to enroll for six (6) credits from the following courses:

On-campus pre-departure sessions will introduce course content and provide an orientation to international study.  Included will be information on Europe and the organizations which will be visited during the program.  Additional content sessions will be held by Professor Harrell in Paris, Barcelona, and Brussels, and at companies and/or organizations on site.

The program will include interaction with EU officials and business leaders, a hands-on project with a local business entity and small group development of a marketing plan.

Course prerequisites may apply; see Course Descriptions (on the MSU Website) or program leader for details.

NOTE:  Participants will be required to prepare for, participate in, and attend all program meetings and events.  As representatives of Michigan State University and the United States of America, students are expected to behave appropriately at all times. Inappropriate behavior and/or inadequate academic preparation either before or during the Program will result in immediate dismissal or disciplinary action.

What are the requirements?

Students must be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 3.00 at the time of application.  Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission. After initial application, some students might be asked to write an essay regarding their reasons for selecting this program. 
 
This program is open to Eli Broad majors only (or sophomores who expect to be admitted to the Eli Broad College of Business by Spring Semester 2010).

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Student accommodations will be arranged at appropriate hotels or university student housing.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Dr. Gilbert D. Harrell
Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management
329 N. Business Complex
Phone: (517) 881-4016 Cell

Beverly Wilkins
International Business Center
7 Eppley Center
Phone: (517) 353-4336

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States.  If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date.  If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of eight to ten weeks is usually required for processing.  During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required.  Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices.  They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose.  The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early.  It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements. If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.

For more information about visas visit the web page.

If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

For further health information and recommendations visit the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook.

How much does it cost?

The program fee in 2009 was $3,975 and included the following:

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

Excluding tuition and fees*, these additional costs are estimated at $2,795 (US09).  Students may request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and an estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

*Check Student Accounts for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee.  Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses.  (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid. 

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing.  This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university.  If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships.   Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.  Requirements are listed in the scholarship application.  The deadline to apply for these scholarships is March 1st for summer programs.  

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the web page.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form.

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by March 1st for summer programs.  We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to this deadline. Last year this program was filled by the end of fall semester.

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year.  Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required.  Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program.  Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.