Global FIRE: North Macedonia /Slovenia
May 15-May 26
This study abroad program will focus on providing students with an understanding of the business climate in two former communist countries, as a complement to the Introduction to International Business course they will complete during the spring. The group will visit a cross-section of different types of companies in each country visited, to apply the concepts learned in class about international business. . In addition, the program will incorporate cultural visits to sites important to the region to better understand the country and culture. Particularly interesting will be the comparison of North Macedonia, which has not fared very well since converting to a democracy, with Slovenia, which has progressed nicely. A visit to the US Embassy in North Macedonia is also included. The connection with a local university will provide students the opportunity to get to know their European peers. The program will help students gain cultural and international competences so that they feel more confident in an international setting, and give students an understanding and appreciation of cultural differences and how other societies operate.
The program is 12 days long, and is led by Professor Reed Kennedy from the Management Department. He has led many study abroad programs, and has been in North Macedonia seven time. Lodging will be in hotels or hostels.
This is a 1-credit hour add-on to Pamplin’s International Business course. Students will be required to keep a journal, do an observation sheet on how US culture differs from the host countries’ cultures, and turn in a poster after returning on what they learned.
Here is the tentative schedule for the program:
Tentative Schedule for the N. Macedonia/ Slovenia May Course
Date |
Activities |
2020 |
Class attendance at recitations to prep |
DAY 1 May 15 |
Students depart for travel to DC/ IAD, flight to Skopje |
DAY 2 May 16 |
Arrival to Skopje, transportation to hotel, Group Dinner |
DAY 3 May 17 |
AM: Orientation, Lecture – Darko Petrovski (Macedonian HR Association), VT Alumnus Clay and Jonathan Mangels (Link Across). Topic: Overview of country, context, business environment, developments in the 21st century since 2000, present and future opportunities (and challenges). Macedonian cultural nuances of doing business. PM: Group Visit to cultural site (US Embassy TBC) |
DAY 4 May 18 |
AM: Lecture – University of Cyril and Methodius, Ass. Prof. Mijalce Santa, PhD.: Innovating globally competitive digital solution: touchpoints as business model PM: Business Visit – YES incubator |
DAY 5 May 19 |
AM: Lecture – University of Cyril and Methodius, Prof. Ljupco Eftimov, PhD.: Human resources role to leapfrog from developing to developed Macedonian economy PM: Business Visit – Seavus Education and Development Center |
DAY 6 May 20 |
AM: Business Visit Am Cham – Dijana Dispodova, CEO – case studies of doing business in Macedonia and experiences of USA companies; Business Visit – Coca Cola (Hellenic Bottling Company – Skopje Brewery) PM: Business Visit Veze-Sharri (Eggs Production Factory) |
DAY 7 May 21 |
AM: Lecture - Brandon Filipovski, Research Manager Macedonia 2025 - case studies of doing business in Macedonia and diaspora’s influence Expert led tours:
PM: Group Visit to cultural site and group dinner |
DAY 8 May 22 |
AM: flight to Ljubljana, breakfast PM: Orientation, Cultural Site Visit – TBA Topic: Overview of country, context, business environment, developments in the 21st century since 2000, present and future opportunities (and challenges). Cultural nuances of doing business in and with Slovenia |
DAY 9 May 23 |
AM: Lecture - University of Ljubljana - Innovations Perspectives in Slovenia for the Next Decade PM: Business Visit – TBA |
DAY 10 May 24 |
AM: Lecture - University of Ljubljana Entrepreneurship Setup vs. Intercultural Differences between USA and Slovenia PM: Business Visit – TBA |
Day 11 May 25 |
AM: Business Visit - AmCham - case studies of doing business in Slovenia Business PM: Cultural site visit and farewell group dinner Own time and packing (airport depending on location and length of return flight) |
Day 12 May 26 |
AM: Travel to airport for return flights |
Travel: We will travel as a group from Washington Dulles to Skopje, North Macedonia, then to Ljubljana, Slovenia, and back to Dulles. If a student wishes to make their own travel arrangements to stay in Europe following the program, they will be refunded the cost of the group airfare.
Packing: The weather and temperature in the Balkans in May will be very similar to Virginia; warm in the day, a little cool at night. The European electrical system requires the use of an adapter to charge phones and laptops, and a converter to power anything else that doesn’t have a built –in power source.
The program fee is $3.900. A $500 deposit is required once you are accepted into the program. You will get an email about paying the program fee. The program fee includes roundtrip airfare from Dulles Airport, DC to North Macedonia and Slovenia, lodging, meals, local transportation, and entrance fees.
Deadline for Applications: December 1. Apply Early!! Acceptance is on a first come basis.
The balance of the program fee is due on December 10
Cost Summary (estimated) |
|
|
Pre-trip Personal Costs: |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
VT GEO Application fee |
$50 |
$50 |
VT GEO Participation fee |
$50 |
$50 |
Air here if they purchase on own |
$0 |
$0 |
Books and materials they will purchase |
$0 |
$0 |
Passport or Passport/Visa |
$145 |
$145 |
|
|
|
Pamplin billing: |
$3,900 |
$3,900 |
Lodging |
Included |
Included |
Airfare if included in program fee |
Included |
Included |
Required Group Travel |
Included |
Included |
Medical Insurance |
Included |
Included |
|
|
|
VT tuition & fees-if a Full-time student in Spring 2020 |
$25 |
$25 |
|
|
|
Funds required during program: |
|
|
Personal Expenses |
$100 |
$100 |
Meals not provided |
$360 |
$360 |
|
|
|
Total Estimated Costs |
$4,630 |
$4,630 |
Virginia Tech reserves the right to make cancellations, date and cost adjustments, and other necessary changes in the program. Prices may change due to global economic conditions.Note:
Optional pre-program available to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef for $795 plus transport.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Contact the VT Financial Aid office for assistance.
You must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the University FInancial Aid Office. In addition, you must submit the study abroad cost documentation form to the study abroad office at the International Afffairs building, 526 Prices Fork Road, room 131. The form can be found on the Global Education Office Financial Aid page.
More information on financial aid and scholarships is available at Scholarships and Financial Aid page on the Education Abroad website. You must submit a FAFSA to receive one of these scholarships.
All scholarships require the completion of a FAFSA. Even if you don't quality for financial aid on campus, you might qualify in study abroad. You won't know unless you complete the FAFSA.
Contact Information
Reed Kennedy
2092 Pamplin Hall
540-231-2156
kennedyr@vt.edu
Linda Tanko
1046 Pamplin Hall
540-231-3562
ltanko@vt.edu