Go Global with Smith!

Brazil: Emerging Global Companies (Consulting project)

There are two sections for this course.

  • BUSI788B BA01 - One credit Spring Classroom Pre-departure meetings + Two credits Spring Travel (BUSI 798B)
  • BUSI788B BA02 - One credit Spring Classroom Pre-departure meetings + Two credits Summer Travel (BUSI 798B) PLEASE NOTE: If you intend to graduate in May 2013, you must talk to your campus coordinator, because these final two credits are a Summer 1 term course.
Cities Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Faculty Dr. Paulo Prochno, Associate Chair of the Management and Organization department
Dates Abroad Section BA01: Depart U.S. on Friday March 15, 2013 to arrive on Saturday, March 16 in Sao Paulo. First paid hotel night is March 16 and first scheduled activity is March 16 after lunch. Depart Rio de Janeiro on Saturday March 23 in late afternoon/evening. Last paid hotel night is Friday, March 22 and last scheduled activity ends in Rio on March 23 in the late morning.
Section BA02: Depart U.S. on Saturday, May 18, 2013 to arrive on Sunday, May 19 in Sao Paulo. First paid hotel night is May 19 and first scheduled activity is May 19 after lunch. Depart Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, May 26 in late afternoon/evening. Last paid hotel night is Saturday, May 25 and last scheduled activity ends in Rio on May 26 in the late morning.
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.
Post- and Pre-departure Meetings Sun., February 3, 2013 from 1-4 p.m. in 12 12 Van Munching Hall, College Park
Sun., March 3, 2013 from 1:30-5:30 p.m. in 1212 Van Munching Hall, College Park
Sun., April 21, 2013 from12:30-5:30 p.m. for coursework presentations in
1212 Van Munching Hall, College Park
These meeting dates are for ALL STUDENTS registered for BUSI788B in
Sections BA01 and BA02
Register Register for the appropriate section of the BUSI788B class on Testudo.
Registration for the 2-credit BUSI798B course in March or May will be handled automatically by Education Abroad.

Please Note: Education Abroad’s new withdrawal and refund policy is now in effect. More info

The Smith School is committed to growing global citizens, and both the Smith School and the University of Maryland are committed to engagement with Brazil and South America, and student understanding of the BRIC countries.

Emerging markets have become one of the main drivers for global growth in the past few years. After two decades of economic turbulence (1980's and 1990's), Brazil certainly seems to be on the right path for sustained growth. This course will bring a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities related to doing business in and from Brazil. We will focus both on multinational companies operating in Brazil and local companies at different stages of globalization.

The course comprises lectures, company visits, cultural activities and an opportunity to work directly with a company on a critical issue. Through direct contact with executives and academics working in the country, students will obtain hands-on knowledge of Brazil and expand their business network.

We will:

  • Conduct team consulting projects with real problems and issues
  • Look at the main challenges and opportunities that global companies face in Brazil
  • Expose students to emerging global companies with rapid growth and high potential
  • Interact with local companies looking to expand abroad

As Brazil looks to host the soccer World Cup in 2014, we will also take some time to learn about the business and cultural implications associated with the event.

Note:

Please do not purchase airfare until class is confirmed, December 15th. Students are advised by UMD Education Abroad to purchase refundable airline tickets, and we recommend STA Travel.

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 course is confirmed, December 15th, 2012.

A visa is required for US citizens, and costs around US$140 - $160. Students of other nationalities should check the consular office for visa information and requirements. Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your return date, and you should have 2 blank visa pages available. We will send the letter of invitation you need after the course is confirmed.

In-country flights are expected to be about $200. We will advise as to dates, times and recommended airline.

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.