Undergraduate Global Studies Courses 2011-12

BMGT 469F: Doing Business in the France & Germany: Entrepreneurship

Term Summer 1 (May/June)
Travel dates: Depart US on May 23 to arrive in Paris May 24. Depart Munich June 2 (day free for travel, no class activities are planned).
Destination(s) Paris, France and Munich, Germany
Professor Oliver Schlake
Mandatory Pre-Departure Meeting: Wednesday, May 02, 2012
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM VMH 1411
Anticipated program fee $2600
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Castle grounds in PragueThis trip will give a real-life insight in the entrepreneurial and business culture of Germany and France. Students will have the opportunity to experience two distinctively different cultures in one trip. We will examine the EU economic model, and Germany's and France's euro management policies and attitudes. We will learn about business and entrepreneurship in the two countries.

We will spend the first few days in Paris, exploring the capital’s rich culture, architecture and history. Paris is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and will be an exciting place to explore and of course to indulge in some French delicacies. We will meet with entrepreneurs in Paris and learn more about the opportunities and challenges of establishing a business within this economic model that is very different from our next country, Germany.

We will transfer by train (via Mannheim) to Munich, the capital city of the state of Bavaria, Germany. Munich is of course known for the Oktoberfest, which attracts people from around the globe. But Munich is also the Entrepreneurial hotbed of Germany. We have visits planned to the BMW production facility and we will meet with German entrepreneurship students of the Technical University of Munich for an interactive workshop. As part of the business visits we have scheduled time at the Bavarian Economic Development agency to explore how US companies do business in Germany. Among others, Microsoft choose Munich as it European headquarter.

Of course, we will have time to explore Munich and the beautiful Alps in the south. There is an option to visit the world-famous castle of Neuschwanstein, the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. The time in Munich will be ended with a good-bye-dinner at the Hofbraeuhaus, the most traditional German meeting place.

Dr. Schlake grew up in Germany, so there will be many opportunities for true insider tips on what to do while in Munich – including recommendations for delicious German cuisine.

The Spring 2012 Program Fee is $2,600, not including airfare or personal expenses.

Not included: personal expenses, meals, trip insurance and international airfare and any Tourist Visa application fees, if needed.

Included: The Program fee includes UMD Tuition (same for every student), $250 Education Abroad fee, shared hotel room lodging, some meals, local transportation to company visits and required program activities, any tickets or fees for required program activities, 1-2 group meals, and professor and partner fees. A $250 study abroad fee (included) goes directly to the campus office to maintain the emergency plan.

Payment information: The program fee is divided into three separate charges over the course of the semester:

  1. A non-refundable $50 application fee is payable online via credit card at the time of application via www.MyEA.umd.edu.
  2. Upon acceptance into the program, a $250 non-refundable deposit is payable online via credit card at www.MyEA.umd.edu.
    Applicants: When admitted to the program, you will have a maximum of ten business days to pay this deposit, which is non-refundable under any circumstances.
  3. The remaining balance, including UMD $250 Education Abroad Fee, will be charged to the student's UMD account upon registration for the course.