Vienna, Austria; Prague, Czech Republic

The region of Central and Eastern Europe and Russia (CEE&R) is a collection of diverse economies with different levels of economic and institutional development, varying political systems, and different cultures. The objective of the course is to provide in-depth knowledge about the unique challenges and opportunities that conditions in the CEE&R territories create for global business.

• Potential Credit Earned: International Credit (3 hours), Upper BA Elective Credit (3 hours), or IBUS Regional Credit (3 hours)

Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Paris

Business practices of France and Belgium are differentiated to formulate strategies for responding to the European business environment. Explore the functions of businesses in the Eurozone, especially in relation to the region’s economic troubles. Emphasis will be put on understanding the key economic and institutional differences between operations in the United States and Europe.

• Potential Credit Earned: International Credit (3 hours), Upper BA Elective Credit (3 hours), or IBUS Regional Credit (3 hours)

San José, Monteverde, Alajuela

This course will examine Costa Rica's approaches to sustainability in business, industry, and community development. Participants will engage with local entrepreneurs, cooperatives, government leaders, and organizations leading efforts in sustainable practices while exploring Costa Rica’s natural wonders, diverse biodiversity, and progressive governance.

• Potential Credit Earned: International Credit (3 hours), Upper BA Elective Credit (3 hours), or IBUS Regional Credit (3 hours)

Munich, Stuttgart, Heidelberg and Frankfurt

Observe the unique business environment in Germany and gain insights into the German business culture with visits to companies in top industries and cultural sites. Identify Germany’s position within the European Union and the global economy, and the competitiveness of German companies on a global scale, with a particular focus on their role in South Carolina’s economic success.

• Potential Credit Earned: International Credit (3 hours), Upper BA Elective Credit (3 hours), or IBUS Regional Credit (3 hours)

Athens, Greece and Chania, Crete

This course introduces students to the dynamic business environment in Greece, with a focus on its economic landscape, cultural influences, and evolving role within the European Union and global markets. 

• Potential Credit Earned: International Credit (3 hours), Upper BA Elective Credit (3 hours), or IBUS Regional Credit (3 hours)

Florence, Rome and Sorrento 

Prepare for the challenges of competing in the global marketplace with a particular focus on the interdependence of culture and marketing retailing in Italy. Plan and participate in discussions about specific examples of Italian retailing such as cultural tourism, destination marketing, commercial vineyards, transportation, and fashion industries.

• Pre-requisite: MKTG 350
• Potential Credit Earned: International Credit (3 hours), Upper BA Elective Credit (3 hours), or IBUS Regional Credit (3 hours)

Catania, Siracusa, Palermo

Sicily boasts a rich and diverse environment conducive to thriving businesses in agriculture, tourism, and resource extraction. However, these sectors also face significant ethical challenges, such as the historical influence of the mafia, lower economic standards compared to other regions of Italy and Europe, and difficulties in achieving large-scale operations nationally and globally. This course will address these issues while highlighting the growing importance of sustainability in these sectors. Students will explore how some organizations are leveraging these opportunities to expand their reach on a global scale, setting an example for sustainable growth and ethical business practices.

• Potential Credit Earned: International Credit (3 hours), Upper BA Elective Credit (3 hours), or IBUS Regional Credit (3 hours)

Tokyo, Nagoya and Kyoto

Gain insights into culture and business practices through exposure to traditional and modern Japanese industries. Recognize distinct customs and observe cultural sites to understand the interdependence of history, culture and business in Japan.

• Potential Credit Earned: International Credit (3 hours), Upper BA Elective Credit (3 hours), or IBUS Regional Credit (3 hours)

Nairobi, Mombasa

This course introduces students to both challenges and opportunities in today’s Kenya. They will see how high levels of corruption and low standards of living exist alongside rapid technological innovation in this dynamic developing country.  

• Potential Credit Earned: International Credit (3 hours), Upper BA Elective Credit (3 hours), or IBUS Regional Credit (3 hours)

Rabat, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate

Examine business, society, and culture in the dynamic setting of Morocco in Northern Africa. With visits to local companies, manufacturing sites, and local institutes of higher education, students will gain the context and factual knowledge to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by industry and businesses in the country. Through this course, students will explore three key urban cities in Morocco– Rabat, the capital city of Morocco and an upcoming economic hub, Casablanca, a business and financial hub of Morocco and Marrakesh, – one of the four imperial cities of Morocco. Students will also visit Agadir and the Agafay Desert, to experience Morocco’s cultural and environmental diversity.

• Potential Credit Earned: International Credit (3 hours), Upper BA Elective Credit (3 hours), or IBUS Regional Credit (3 hours)

Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo and Wellington

As a small open economy, New Zealand provides a natural laboratory for understanding the effects of changing economic factors and government policy on business and economic outcomes. Standout cultural sites and business visits lead to awareness of investment flows in and out of New Zealand and an understanding of productivity and government policy on economic growth.

• Potential Credit Earned: International Credit (3 hours), Upper BA Elective Credit (3 hours), or IBUS Regional Credit (3 hours)

Oslo, Flåm, Bergen and Stavanger

It is a paradox that Norway, having some of the highest oil revenues per capita, also has some of the world’s highest taxes and strictest environmental regulations. In fact, it has saved most of its oil revenues in what has become one of the world’s largest funds, all invested outside Norway. Gain an understanding of the Norwegian mindset, culture, economic policy and  business practices.

• Potential Credit Earned: International Credit (3 hours), Upper BA Elective Credit (3 hours), or IBUS Regional Credit (3 hours)

Lisbon and Porto

This course provides students with an overview on the conduct of business in Portugal. It will focus particularly on how firms in both very traditional industries, such as food, wine and construction, and firms in some of the most innovative fields, such as IT and sustainable business, all make part of the country’s business environment. The course will demonstrate how a small country like Portugal, located in the edge of Europe, has managed to benefit from its potential limitations and thrive. The course covers the context, tools, and factual knowledge useful for understanding the institutional and competitive environment and managerial challenges of firms in Portugal.

• Potential Credit Earned: International Credit (3 hours), Upper BA Elective Credit (3 hours), or IBUS Regional Credit (3 hours)

Singapore

Introduces students to international accounting practices and the diversity that exists in financial reporting worldwide. Students will visit financial institutions and firms located in Singapore, a global financial hub in Southeast Asia, and interact with various stakeholders in an accounting context (managers, auditors, investors, regulators, and academics).

• Potential Credit Earned: International Credit (3 hours), Upper BA Elective Credit (3 hours) or ACCT Major Elective Credit (3 hours)

Bangkok, Krabi, and Chiang Mai

Culture, religion, history, government, and international relations have impacted the economic development of Thailand over the past several decades. Discover the dynamic impact of future economic development and articulate how globalization has affected Thailand’s culture and economy.

• Potential Credit Earned: International Credit (3 hours), Upper BA Elective (3 hours),or IBUS Regional Credit (3 hours)