In the push to offer relevant, innovative study options to area college students,
Xavier
University is offering two new business-oriented study abroad programs in Israel, beginning this summer.
This new series of programs adds to Xavier's offerings in China, Jordan, Egypt, Korea, and Japan.
The program provides students a peek into the business, political and social landscape of Israel. Special emphasis will be given to social entrepreneurship and the influences of culture on business.
The inter-religious culture of contemporary Israel will also be explored through the Study of Western Religions, rounding out the last three credit hours of the program.
“I anticipate a very positive experience for the travelers,” says George Gordon, instructor in Xavier's MBA program at the Williams College of Business and leader of the undergraduate trip. “It is not only a chance to earn 6 credit hours, but it’s an opportunity to look at history and tradition in order to understand today’s business values as well as Israel and the Middle East’s role in today’s flat world. Is there any better place to study comparative religion than in Jerusalem?”
But undergrads are not the only ones to benefit from this program launch. Israel, a land known for its prevalence of social entrepreneurship and strength in all things high-tech, offers an excellent case study for examining global economic forces.
Thus, MBA students and alumni can participate in the three credit hour course, Doing Business in Israel, which promises to explore global market forces affecting Israel, foster an understanding of Israel's importance as a global economic power and compare and contrast Israeli and American business culture.
Taking education beyond classroom walls, students in both programs will observe business operations Cincinnati-side then observe the same companies as they do business in Israel.
Guest instructors will include government and business leaders, entrepreneurs and Israeli business students.
“According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Israel has more companies on the NASDAQ than any other country, except the U.S. and Canada,” says Art Shriberg, Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship and leader of the graduate trip.
Participating students will also have opportunity to visit various sites of cultural and religious significance throughout the program.
For those interested, the application deadline for both programs is March 15, 2009. The cost of both programs is the tuition fee, plus $3,200, which covers all travel and hotels, most meals and other miscellaneous expenses.
Writer: Jonathan DeHart
Source: Laurel Bauer, Xavier University
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