The Innsbruck Graduate Business School Program
European Experience 2009

Need a graduate elective? Want to do more than sit in a classroom? Take advantage of this opportunity to spend two weeks in Europe and experience international business and the European Union first hand. European Experience 2009 includes classes in Innsbruck and site visits in Frankfurt and Munich that provide unique opportunities to experience European culture and learn more about European business practices.

2009 MBA Course Offerings

BA6375 [International Business Core] and BA6323 [The Strategic Importance of the European Union]. These courses will satisfy an MBA core and an elective requirement at St. Mary’s University and may satisfy graduate electives in other programs. Courses will be taught by Dr. Richard Menger, MBA Director, St. Mary's University and Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, CGBP and Director, Center for Global Business Studies, St. Mary's University with special guest lectures by Prof. Dr. Manfred Herbert, Professor of European Law, Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences (Germany). Students may register for either or both courses.

BA6323. In this course, you will learn about [1] the infrastructure of the European Union and why an understanding is important for U.S. firms, [2] implications of the Euro for European pricing strategies and global competitiveness, [3] importance and implications of the Single Market, [4] implications of EU enlargement into Central and Eastern Europe and [5] impact on the practice of management, marketing, governance and competition of EU policies, regulations and culture.

BA6375. The course introduces [1] the major institutions and organizations affecting the international economic and political context in which firms operate, [2] the international economic, political and cultural milieu, [3] the growing globalization of business and its implications and [4] the growing complexity of doing business within a rapidly changing global economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do we leave and return?
TBA: Introductory/orientation class(es) to provide background information and begin the course of study
July 11-12: Depart San Antonio and arrive in Innsbruck and proceed to Hotel Karwendel.
July 13-15: Classes in Innsbruck. Travel by train to Mainz after class on July 15
July 16: Mainz/Frankfurt field trips/tours: Deutsche Bundesbank and Deutsche Bourse
July 16-19: Free time to travel following last meeting in Frankfurt on Thursday
July 20-21: Classes in Innsbruck
July 22: Travel by bus to Munich for field trips/tours: BMW and RUAG Aerospace
July 23: Munich field trips/tours: Dachau Concentration Camp and Erdinger Brewery
July 24: Return to San Antonio from Munich or travel in Europe
TBA: Wrap-up session where students will present findings from their research project

Do I need a passport?
You must have a valid passport. Without one, you will not be accepted into the program or classes or be allowed to board the plane for an international flight. Begin applying for a passport immediately online at travel.state.gov/passport.

Do I need a visa?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for Austria, Germany, or most European countries. However, if you are a citizen of another country, you may need a visa for Austria, Germany, and any other countries that you may want to visit.

What will it cost?
The estimated cost of European Experience 2009 is $1,500, plus airfare, Eurail pass and tuition. The cost includes housing in Innsbruck, Frankfurt and Munich (private bath) with breakfast and lunch on class days in Innsbruck, breakfast in Munich and Frankfurt. Students are responsible for purchasing their own airline tickets and Eurail passes. Exact costs depend on airline tickets and the Eurail Pass option selected. The additional cost for a spouse or guest for the two weeks is $1,500 plus airline ticket and Eurail pass.

How can I reserve my place?;
Reserve a place by March 1. Contact Dr. Richard Menger (210) 431-2027 or rmenger@stmarytx.edu if you have questions regarding the 2009 Innsbruck MBA program. If you are interested in reserving a space, please contact Richard Menger to receive a Reservation Form and Application/Medical Information/ Release Form. These forms must be returned to Richard Menger with a receipt from the Business Office for your $300 deposit no later than March 2, 2009. Innsbruck classes will be canceled if enough students do not pay a reservation deposit by March 2. Deposits are refundable if courses are canceled by the University or your reservation is canceled before any related costs (such as hotel) are paid on your behalf by the University. Students are responsible for all costs incurred on their behalf by the University if a reservation is canceled after March 16.