RU’s SUMMER PROGRAM IN GREECE, 2005   

Global Economics and Business Leadership

 

June 1 – June 15, 2005

 

                             

 

·       This is a 2-week, 3-credit program offered by the College of Business and the Department of Economics

·       Open to all majors and all classifications; No prerequisites

·       Counts for General Education (Areas 5 and 8) and Business Core credit when taken as: ECON 340: Global Economy and Business

·       Class is also offered as ECON 495/695: Special Topics

·       Program is led by Dr. John Roufagalas, a native of Greece

·       Program has three components:

Ø      A. Four pre-departure lectures: Greek Art, Architecture, History, Philosophy, Economics, Politics and Language elements

Ø    B. Athens component: Lectures on International Economics at University of Piraeus, Visits to banks, businesses, museums, archaeological sites

Ø    C. 5-day hike in Central Greece: Stress on experiences involving teamwork interactions and leadership training. Indoor stay every night. Hike ends up in Delhi

·       For past programs visit: http://www.radford.edu/~jroufaga/Business_03/business_intro.html

·       Cost:  Estimated at $2500 (does not include tuition, airfare (~$900), and meals (~$300)). Includes lodging, and in-country transportation related to the program

·       Participants are responsible for their air-ticket and may arrange to extend their stay overseas beyond the conclusion of the program

·       Application Deadline: January 15, 2005. A $500 deposit is required

(The deposit is non-refundable if the student withdraws from the program, but will be returned if the program does not get the minimum number of 10 participants)

·       More information: Contact Dr. John Roufagalas, 831-5892, jroufaga@radford.edu, Davis 118.

 

Program Details

 

This is a very unique summer study abroad program.  I know of no other such program among US universities that combines an international academic experience with the study of business practices in a foreign country; the exposure to the ancient culture that sprang the Western Civilization; and the hands-on application of leadership, teamwork, cooperation, and competition concepts.

 

It is a common knowledge among faculty who lead study abroad programs that the participating students are profoundly changed by their international experiences.  I have personally met students 10 years after a summer program who told me what a life changing experience it had been.  It will not be an exaggeration to say that university education is not entirely complete without an international experience (and many universities are making such an experience a graduation requirement!).

 

This program intends to offer Radford University students a fairly affordable opportunity to enjoy such a mind opening activity.  This is a 3 credit class offered to all Radford University students.  Participants may register for ECON 340: Global Economy and Business, or ECON 495/695: Special Topics.  ECON 340 is a General Education course that qualifies for Areas 5 (International) and 8 (Social Science).  It is also part of the Business Core.

 

The program starts is late March, when students are required to attend four lectures related to Greece: History, Philosophy, Art, Economics, and Politics.  These lectures are given by Radford University professors with expertise in the corresponding fields, and are held at night to facilitate the participants.

 

On June 1 the program leaves for Athens, Greece.  It stays there two weeks, one week in Athens and the second week in Central Greece.  The week in Athens is devoted to lectures (usually using the facilities of the University of Piraeus), business visits (in the past we visited the central Bank of Greece, the Coca Cola Bottling facilities, the plant of the major ice cream and dairy products company, etc.), and visits to the Museums and archeological sites, including the Acropolis. Since 2004 was the year when the Olympics were held in Athens, arrangements will be made to meet with the organizers of the games and visit some of the facilities.

 

During the second week, we travel by bus in Central Greece and we spend five days hiking on the E-4 Long Distance European Trail. This is a moderate hike (past participants were hiking for first time in their life and made it!) and involves indoor stay every night.  The group is accompanied by a professional trail guide as well as a vehicle that carries the luggage.  This means that participants have access to their personal items every night and, if need be, they could skip the day’s hike by riding the vehicle.

 

The group is usually split in two teams.  Participants take turns into leading the teams for a day’s hike and make all decisions required by a leader.  They also have to engage in teamwork to keep the team together, set goals for the day and may engage in cooperation or competition with the other team! 

 

The hiking group is rewarded with spectacular views of virgin Greek mountains, achieving the summit of two of them, and ending up in the ancient cultural center of Delphi, the home of the famous oracle of antiquity.  While arriving in Delphi, the view of the archaeological site from the top is unforgettable.

 

The cost of the program is $2500 plus tuition and airfare.  Tuition is not included since it depends upon the status of each student.  Airfare is also not included since participants may choose their own arrangements, such as use frequent miles, stay in Greece or Europe beyond the conclusion of the program etc.  However, past experience indicates that most of the students like to travel together.  Therefore, a main group will be organized to leave from Washington DC, on June 1, 2005. Airfare is estimated at $900.

 

An application accompanied by a $500 deposit is required by January 15, 2005.  The deposit is non-refundable if the program makes.  Otherwise all deposits will be returned.  Student accounts will bill the balance ($2000) and tuition in late April.