Faculty-led programs
Business and language in Guadalajara
Mexico
3 credits in Business
May 29-June 12, 2010
Michael W. Pitts, Ph.D., and Charles M. Byles, Ph.D.
$1,495 plus airfare and applicable VCU tuition
Registration deadline: March 26, 2010
Status: Program open
The School of Business and the Office of International Education at VCU are pleased to sponsor a 14-day Spanish language, culture and business program in Guadalajara, Mexico in conjunction with the Centro de Estudios Para Extranjeros and the University of Guadalajara. The program will run from May 29 until June 12, and will begin with a guided tour of the historic downtown area. Guadalajara was founded in 1542 and known as the “City of the Roses.” It is in fact the second most important city in the Republic of Mexico after the capital, Mexico City. Guadalajara is also the cradle of Mexican folklore and the traditional culture that is most representative of the nation: mariachi music, charrería and tequila.
Course and credit options: 3 credits in MGMT 318: Study Abroad
Course description
While in Guadalajara, students will have the advantage of taking Spanish language instruction as well as learning about the Mexican business environment. Students are required to attend all classes, field trips and other events associated with study abroad. The business portion of the course grade will be based on attendance and participation, a personal journal and a paper (an industry and company analysis). The Spanish language portion of the course will be evaluated based upon recommendations provided by CEPE. All written work must be turned in no later than June 30, 2010. Students are required to purchase “Management in Two Cultures,” Revised Edition by Eva Kras, Intercultural Press, 1995. Additional readings will be assigned by the instructors.
The program is directed by Charles M. Byles, Ph.D., and Michael W. Pitts, Ph.D., both associate professors in the VCU School of Business. Byles and Pitts have traveled extensively and have led and participated in numerous study abroad programs. They can be reached at either cmbyles@vcu.edu or mwpitts@vcu.edu.
Registration deadline: March 26, 2010
Registrations will be accepted until the deadline or until participant space is full.
Program cost
$1,495 plus airfare and applicable VCU tuition
The program fee covers accommodations and three meals a day while in Guadalajara, study visits and tours, VCU administrative fees, the International Student Identification Card and program director’s expenses. Students are responsible for the cost of airfare, transportation from and to the Guadalajara airport, tuition, taxis, some meals while on excursions and personal expenses. Please budget for these additional expenses. The estimated cost for personal expenses, not including tuition and airfare, is $500.
Airfare
Airfare is not included. Participants are responsible for their own round-trip travel arrangements from the U.S. to the Guadalajara airport. Byles and Pitts will assist participants in identifying a low-cost option for the group. For best fares you should purchase your ticket prior to April 15.
Eligibility
Students must have at least a 2.0 GPA to register. Registrations will be accepted on a rolling basis.
While in Mexico
Participants will visit regional cultural locations such as Lake Chalapa and Tequila.
Home stay with local families and three meals per day are arranged. These costs are included in the program fee.
Important facts
- Tuition
- Financial aid
- Passports
- Payment of fees
- Refund policy
Tuition and fees is charged separately and additionally at standard VCU rates for in-state students and at a 40 percent discount for out-of-state students. Estimated costs, based on current tuition per credit and fees, are as follows: undergraduate in-state, $221 (per 3 credit class: $655); undergraduate out-of-state, $439 (per 3 credit class: $1,309); graduate in-state, $455 (per 3 credit class: $1,357); graduate out-of-state, $567 ($1,693 per 3 credit class).
Eligible VCU students may apply for need-based financial aid to participate in this program. Contact VCU Financial Aid, Ginter House, Room 110B at (804) 828-6669 or e-mail faidmail@vcu.edu. VCU offers its students a limited number of scholarships for study abroad participation. Contact VCU Education Abroad or see our Web site for further details.
If you have a passport, make sure it is valid for at least six months after your return date. If you do not have a passport, apply early because the processing time can take up to eight weeks. For more information on how to apply for a passport, visit http://travel.state.gov.
The non-refundable registration fee of $250 is due upon registration. The balance of the program fee and the tuition costs (based on the number of credits taken) will be billed separately through VCU Student Accounting after May 2010 (both amounts may be billed at the same time).
All withdrawals must be made in writing and submitted to the Director of Education Abroad.
The refund schedule is as follows:
- Prior to April 15: I am eligible for a refund of the portionof the program fee that has not already been expended in payment of costs outlined on the individual program sheet in support of my participation. I understand that, as the spring progresses, the charges may reflect an increasing amount, depending on what payments have been made on my behalf. After April 15, I understand that the entire program fee may be due. I understand that the refund amount cannot be determined until I formally submit written withdrawal from the program.
- After April 15: I will be responsible to pay the entire program fee. In the event of an unexpected emergency that occurs after April 15, I understand that I must provide a physician’s certification that my condition prohibits participation. In this case, refunds will be limited to recoverable expenses.
Every effort is made to provide updated and accurate information at the time of publication. The sponsors reserve the right to make necessary changes to the programs and costs. The university reserves the right to revise or alter all fees, regulations pertaining to student fees, and fee collection procedures at any time.
