Location: St. Petersburg, Russia
Host University: Graduate School of Management
Travel Dates: March 12-21, 2010
Pre-departure Session Dates: January 29 & 30, 2010
Faculty Lead: Bill Coyle, Associate Professor of Accounting, Lenta Term Chair in Russian Studies
Contact Info: X4366; coyle@babson.edu   
Credits: 3 credits
Program Fee:   $1,700
Application Deadline: Wednesday, Sept 23, 2009
Waitlist Timeline: Tuesday December 1, 2009

Description: This course introduces students to the Russian business environment but goes beyond merely doing a business study of Russia or industries within Russia. Students will learn more about Russian history and its heritage, culture, what the people have endured under communism, and the struggle to free themselves from their history. The role of customs and tradition and the government all shape the current nature of the Russian business environment. There will be pre-departure sessions held at Babson during the weekend of January 29/30 (subject to change). The purpose of these sessions is to get students up-to-speed on what has and is happening in Russia that affect the Russian business environment. The group arrives in St. Petersburg on Saturday, March 13th. On Sunday we visit many of the cultural sites of St. Petersburg including the Hermitage. On Monday and Tuesday the group will attend company visits and lectures at our host, the Graduate School of Management (GSOM) at St. Petersburg State University. St. Petersburg State is the oldest university in Russia, founded by Peter the Great. Its alumni include President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin. GSOM is considered to be the finest management school in the country. On Wednesday and Thursday the class is broken into industry groups where they will visit companies specific to their industry. This allows a more in-depth analysis of a particular industry. On Friday each industry group will present their findings to the class. We depart St. Petersburg on Sunday March 21st. Upon return to the United States, students should have a far greater appreciation of Russia’s achievements, challenges and obstacles as they relate to the business, social, and economic environment in that country. 

Transportation: The program travel dates are March 12-21, 2010. A group flight will be arranged by the program, and details on the flight will be provided to enrolled students through the program manager. It is important to note that the flight cost is not included in the program fee.