Travel Time:

May 22 – June 10, 2023

Course fee:

$2500 – includes room & group activities such as local trips, group meals and events (does not include airfare to Sibiu or individual meals and personal expenses)

Instructors:

Dr. Simona Stan
Professor of Marketing, University of Montana
Email: simona.stan@umontana.edu
Note: I am on sabbatical leave for Spring 2023. I will conduct and supervise the summer travel to Romania in person and coordinate the spring portion of the course online and via zoom. Therefore, Instructor of Record for this course is:
Nader Shooshtari
Professor of Marketing and International Business, University of Montana
Email: nader.shooshtari@umontana.edu

Host School Program Coordinator:

Dr. Liviu Rosca
Professor of Management Science
University Lucian Blaga of Sibiu (ULBS)
Tel (mobile): +40-751-28.17.00
Email: liviu.rosca@ulbsibiu.ro

Course Description:

This is a faculty-led, intensive, three-week summer study abroad program in a unique setting: Lucian Blaga University in Sibiu, Romania. The program is designed to expose students to the realities of conducting business in an international environment and provide a rich and real cross-cultural experience by immersing students in local and multinational companies or non-profit organizations via a program of customized mini internships. In addition, students will participate in workshops and seminars organized by Romanian experts in a variety of fields, field trips, and a range of socio-cultural events. By the end of the program students will:

1. understand the challenges of doing business across cultural, economic, geographic and administrative boundaries;
2. assess market-specific considerations that affect the different aspects of business practice;
3. receive in-depth exposure to the Romanian culture and business practices. The course strives to embed students in the fabric of the local community so they can develop an understanding and appreciation of the local business and society realities. To prepare for this intense immersive business experience, students will participate in a series of lectures and work on assignments during the spring semester.

Student Evaluation:

• Pre-trip preparatory work (Spring 2023) 30%
• Romanian immersive business experience and project presentation 40%
• Overall level of participation and engagement in course activities 30%

Course Expectations:

We expect you to prepare and participate to the best of your abilities and to have a continuously positive attitude. Much is unpredictable in international travel and it is important to be positive, constructive, and to attempt to make the most out of every situation. Treat everybody with respect and be engaged. We will attempt to keep a good balance between professional work and social and cultural activities but there is a learning opportunity in everything. Do your best to contribute value to the organization to which you are assigned for the internship/project. Try to develop personal connections and friendships that will last beyond the course. Most importantly, remember you are an ambassador for the US and Montana so act accordingly!

Course Structure Overview:

• Spring 2023: Pre-course preparation activities (specific tasks TBA). The spring term engagement will be online or via live/recorded zoom sessions.
• May 22 – June 10, 2023: Actual international trip (all participants are expected to arrive in Sibiu, Romania, by Sunday May 21); specific times and activity details TBD

Partners

Organizations for your immersive business experience will be determined by April 1. Here is a list of past organizations but others will be added, based on students’ interest:

• University Lucian Blaga of Sibiu (university administration) http://www.ulbsibiu.ro/en/
• Continental Automotive Systems S.R.L. www.continental-corporation.com
• Marquardt Schaltsysteme S.C.S. http://ro.marquardt.com
• Banca Carpatica https://www.carpatica.ro/index.php?lang=en
• ASTRA Museum http://www.muzeulastra.ro
• Polisano Hospital and Pharmacy
• ULBS Athletic Club

2023 Partners