BSAD 3750 - International Short Study:
Chinese Business Practices and Cultures
Spring Break 2014: March 7-22, 2014*

Course Description:

The Chinese Business Practices and Culture Course is designed to help students develop an understanding of the world’s fastest growing economy – China.  The globalization of technology, capital, industries, systems, goods, services, and inputs has enhanced much of the international issues in business practices and cultures.  An overview of the Chinese business environment, including business strategies, history and cultures will be covered.  Specifically, this course will take a close look at how to conduct business in the rapidly developing country of China.  This course will address issues relating to investments, trade, finance, exchange controls, partnership, legal rights, and business climate.

Course Structure:

ORIENTATION:  Prior to departing for China, participants will attend a mandatory traveler meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 from 5 to 7 p.m. in 1136 Ullsvik Hall.  This meeting includes, but is not limited to, getting to know each other, brief information, and assignment of research projects to be presented at the Pre-Orientation meeting.

Participants will attend a mandatory orientation session on China on Thursday, February 20, 2014 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the University South Room of the Pioneer Student Center.  The orientation sessions include, but are not limited to, the Chinese economy and the business environment; business, family, and social protocol; dress; host families; food and entertainment; instruction on using public transportation; importance of business dress, appointment keeping, and promptness; and other topics as deemed necessary for a successful international experience.  Participant research projects will also be presented (3-5 minutes each).

IN CHINA: Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing – participants will visit businesses and cultural sites.  Presentations will be provided by local businesses and will include topics such as organization, products, human resources, education, training, compensation, market strategy, international marketing, and other relevant topics.  A question and answer session for the participants will follow company presentations. 

*please note that students will be in China the week of spring break and the week before

POST TRIP: Upon return from China, participants will attend a post-orientation session on Tuesday, April 8, 2014, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the University South Room of the Pioneer Student Center to discuss experiences and outcomes of the trip.

EVALUATION: Students will be evaluated on the basis of attendance at the orientation sessions, lecture presentations, participation in group discussions, and participation in all organized site visits.  In addition, students will be required to write a research paper (about 10 pages) on a selected topic of interest and the outcomes of the study experience. The critique of student experience of the program through the paper is due on or before Tuesday, April 22, 2014.  A letter grade of A, B, C, D, or F will be assigned upon completion of the paper. 

Level: 3000-level course work

Term: Spring 2014

Prerequisites: Freshman and above, student must be in good academic standing
                       2.5 GPA or permission of the instructor

Application Materials required:  one letter of recommendation (from professor or academic advisor) and Statement of Purpose

Course load: One 3-credit course

Grading: A-F only, cannot be audited; must be enrolled in course for credit

Students receive credit for BSAD 3750.  This course satisfies the criteria for General Education Requirements in International Education.

Program Leader:

Louis Nzegwu is a professor of business administration and the Director of the International Business Resource Center (IBRC).  He has extensive international experience and has led the program to China many times.

Housing and Meals:

Students are housed in 4 and 5 star hotels. Single room supplement is available at an additional cost of $1200.  One overnight train ride is included in cost of program. 
Breakfasts are included in program fees, all other meals are out-of-pocket.

PAACE:
This course routinely applies for PAACE funding.  If PAACE funding is granted students are required to participate in follow-on project and PAACE poster session.
PAACE funding grants $500 per student.

Fees:

A $50 application fee is due before applications will be reviewed.

The estimated program cost is $4,550*.  This includes program administration fees, 3 credits, transportation (international airfare and in-country), accommodation, breakfasts, entrance to course related excursions and site visits, visa service, and emergency sickness/accident insurance. 

*Program cost based on 15 students

Cost DOES NOT include passport, visa ($140), transportation to gateway airport (Madison), most meals, tips to drivers and guides, and personal spending. Out-of-pocket estimated costs: $800

•    Fees may change based on final enrollment, changes in fuel prices, and exchange rates
•    Fee differentials apply for non-WI/MN residents ($100) and TSI students ($40)
•    Veterans: Please contact the Education Abroad office if you have eligibility under the Post-911 GI Bill or the Wisconsin GI Bill

Payment Schedule:

A first payment of $2000 is due on November 15, 2013
Second payment of $1275 is due December 15, 2013
Final payment of $1275 is due January 15, 2014

Apply for the UW-Platteville International Study Grant by visiting the Education Abroad website.  Applicants must show financial need on their FAFSA to qualify.  Grant awards will be dispersed into student's PASS account approximately two weeks before program departure.

Applying for a Passport:

Passports should be valid for at least six months after program end date (September 28, 2014).  To learn more about applying for a passport, please visit the U.S. Department of State website.

Visa:

This program requires a visa for entrance to China.  Please note that students must have their passports by December 15, 2013 in order to receive visa on-time.
Visa cost ($140) is not included in program fee.  Visa service (delivery to China consulate in Chicago and pick-up) is in included in program fee.

For more information:

Program Director:
Louis Nzegwu
Business and Accounting
Email: ibrc@uwplatt.edu
Phone: 608-342-1597
Office: Ullsvik 1120

Education Abroad Program Coordinator:
Krista Uhrig
Email: uhrigk@uwplatt.edu
Phone: 608-342-6151
Office: Royce Hall 102