Go Global with Smith!

Singapore: The Business Hub of Asia

One-credit fall term BUSI788Y & Two-credit winter term BUSI798Y

Cities Singapore
Faculty Dr. Sandor Boyson, Co-Director of the Smith Supply Chain Management Center
Dates Abroad January 4th – January 13, 2013 (1st paid hotel night in Singapore is January 4th. Last paid hotel night in Singapore is Saturday, January 12th).
Anticipated Costs Program Fee is $3,000. There is an additional $250 and approx. $20 for mandatory insurance, both of which go directly to the Education Abroad Office to maintain the Emergency Coverage plan.
Pre- and Post- Departure Meetings Sunday, December 9th from 9 am - 5 pm, Room #C3 at the Ronald Reagan Bldg., Washington, DC
Sunday, January 20th from Noon - 6 pm, in Van Munching Hall, College Park, MD
Register Register for the fall term BUSI788Y BA01 class on Testudo at the same time as your other fall courses.

The Smith School is committed to growing global citizens, and working with our Centers to promote student understanding of center research and knowledge.

How has Singapore, a tiny island, a colonial outpost with no natural resources and poverty stricken as recently as 30 years ago, become the business transaction hub of the world? Consider just a few facts: 50% of the world's goods pass through its port. Over 7000 multinational corporations have made it their base in Asia. In 2010 and again in 2011, it was ranked #1 in the world (out of 183 countries studied by the World Bank Group) in the ease of doing business.

The Singaporean State and the enterprises sector have worked together to mobilize the most business-friendly environment in the world, a capitalist revolution started here by the charismatic Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew that has spread across Asia to China and India. This study tour will enable students to engage with key government officials and multinational corporation executives who will give us insights into the island's success.

We anticipate that our itinerary will include briefings at the Economic Development Board, the catalytic agent of the revolution; site visits to the incredible port; and face to face meetings with thought leaders at the regional innovation labs established by companies like IBM. Finally, we will learn about the Trans Pacific Partnership, perhaps the largest free trade zone in history, and how Singapore will be a critical launching pad for business success in Asia over the next decade.  

Note:

This class has been confirmed and students may go ahead and purchase airfare. (See above for exact dates). Students are advised by UMD Education Abroad to purchase refundable airline tickets in case of unforeseen circumstances.

The UMD drop schedule and refund schedule apply for the one-credit BUSI788 course. There is an additional $500 penalty if you drop the course after the semester start, August 29, 2012.

Passports must be valid at least through July, 2013. No visa is required for US citizens to travel to Singapore. Students of other nationalities should check the consular office for visa information and requirements and are responsible for obtaining it and paying any fees.

The time abroad IS the class and any instances of: being late and therefore delaying the group, noise in hotel hallways, damage to hotel rooms, hung-over behavior, sleeping during meetings or public displays of affection will be frowned upon as it would for any business traveler on meetings or conferences abroad. You are expected to incorporate professionalism while abroad, and professionalism is part of your total grade. It is our intent to develop world citizens and savvy business travelers, and the courses abroad should be undertaken as serious academic endeavors.