India and the United Arab Emirates
International Marketing and Hospitality in Emerging Economies: A Comparative Global Perspective
Tentative Dates: January 2 -17, 2019
Either MGT 5954 (2 credits) or MGT 5954 (3 credits)
- Reed Kennedy
- 2092 Pamplin Hall
- 540-231-2156
- kennedyr@vt.edu
- Linda Tanko
- 1046 Pamplin Hall
- 540-231-3562
- ltanko@vt.edu
This study abroad program will consist of a combination of instruction and industry visits in India and United Arab Emirates. The intent is to provide firsthand exposure and experience to the business environment and culture in two distinct rapidly developing economies. Cities planned to be included in this trip include Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Hyderabad in India and Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE. All of these cities are known for the unprecedented growth in market and service oriented businesses as well as sites for world-renowned business institutions.
Additionally, leadership will also be a focus of the course. Students will learn various leadership styles and reflect on and develop their own leadership style. Seniors will serve as team and group leaders.
Cultural visits to significant historical and cultural sites are included. This includes the Taj Mahal, local markets, the tallest building in the world in Dubai, and visiting with students at the university in the UAE. Also, a visit to the US embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE, is planned.
Lodging will be in four star hotels or equivalent. Meals while abroad are included.
This program will provide students with an opportunity to observe the functioning of two economic “giant” countries, with heavy potential for growth and competition. It presents a fascinating learning experience for students to study countries in regions that are so close and yet diverse in their cultural, political, and economical outlook. In addition, progress made in a short period in both countries is exemplary. Small, medium, and large businesses both from product and service industries point of view are included in this trip. Interviews, guest lectures, and discussions will be intermixed while visiting local small and large-scale businesses. One particular aspect of the study will be to observe the business and service relationships in United Arab Emirates compared to a neighboring country in South Asia.
This study abroad program is designed for all undergraduates, with a special focus on freshman and seniors. Graduate students may also participate and will be required to complete additional assignments. Details are presented in the following table:
Course Number
|
VT course credit |
Credit toward International Business Minor |
MGT 3954 Study Abroad or MGT 5954 Study Abroad.
|
3 credit hours 3 credit hours |
Meets the requirements of the International Business Minor. Can substitute for an Area 7 requirement.
|
The program fee for students is $4,350. A $500 non-refundable deposit is required upon acceptance. The fee is based on a participation of 15 students. Costs include most meals and all lodging in 4-5 star hotels. Payment in full will be due no later than December 10th.
Cost Summary (estimated)
Cost |
In-State |
Out-of-state |
| Program fee | $4,190 |
$4,190 |
Tuition & fees* |
1206 |
2998 |
| Books & materials | Included |
Included |
| Meals not provided | 120 |
120 |
| Lodging | Included |
Included |
| Required Group Travel | Included |
Included |
| Airfare (estimated) | Included |
Included |
| Passport | 135 |
135 |
| Personal & Other Expenses | 100 |
100 |
| Personal Travel | 0 |
0 |
Total - 3 credits |
$5,751 |
$7,543 |
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.
Click here for the application link.
The application deadline is October 1st, but there are limited spaces, so apply early.
Prerequisites: 2.3 GPA
| Date | Day | Activities |
| March 02 | Friday | Fly from Washington Dulles to New Delhi, with a stopover in Dubai |
| March 03-05 | Saturday to Monday | New Delhi: Visit businesses, Institutions, and historical sites |
| March 06-07 | Tuesday to Wednesday | Agra: Visit businesses and historical sites |
| March 08-09 | Thursday to Friday | Jaipur: Visit businesses and historical sites |
| March 10-13 | Saturday to Tuesday | Hyderabad: Visit businesses, institutions and historical sites |
| March 14 | Wednesday | Leave for Dubai and United Arab Emirates; Businesses and Institutes |
| March 14-16 | Wednesday to Friday | Dubai and United Arab Emirates; Businesses and Institutes |
| March 16 | Friday | Leave Dubai for IAD |
| March 17 | Saturday | Arrive IAD |
Each student must have a valid passport from their home country. You can apply for a passport at the Acceptance Facility in Squires Student Center, the Blacksburg Post Office (540-552-2751) at the University Mall with appointment or at the Montgomery County Clerk's Office at the Christiansburg Courthouse (540-382-5760), no appointment required. You can get passport photos at most local pharmacies.
You should insure that you have the proper vaccinations for this program. This can be done through the University's recommended travel clinic (Intravene), a county health department, or your family physician. Your familiy physician usually does not have the more specialized vaccines and should refer you to the county health department. You can see a list of recommended vaccinations and other health information at the CDC travel website.
These sites have additional information:
- Passports
- U.S. State Department travel information
- Students Abroad - U.S. State Department
- Customs Information
- Medical Information
- CDC Medical Information
- Drug Offenses Overseas from the U.S. State Department
- CIA Factbook (A great place for information on the countries we visit.)
- State Department Travel Alerts and Warnings
- Cultural Insurance Services International - student emergency insurance
Packing list will be available shortly.
The brochure will be available shortly.
