Travel Seminars are offered by Sawyer Business School faculty. They are not Healthcare courses but could be of value to Healthcare students by providing an international perspective on business.

A travel seminar is taken as a 3-credit course, Directed Individual Study (HLTH 910), with permission from the Operating Director of Healthcare Programs.

Below is a description of seminar offerings for 2009-2010.

Bangalore, India

Travel Dates: March 12-21, 2010

This course will focus on how organizations have adapted their teams and management approaches in an increasingly globalized workplace.  A significant percentage of US based firms outsource their back office functions to capitalize on the low-cost of labor in developing nations.  India has captured a large percentage of this outsourcing because of a sizable workforce of English speaking, well-educated people with a focus on Information Technology.

Additionally, this course will focus on the impact on teams of having the work managed in the US and completed in India.  We will look at the impact on team development, effectiveness, conflict management, communication and motivation.  Specifically this course will be designed to help students learn how adding systems and structures such as increased communication, clarification, and creating a company culture within the country culture.

Visit the Bangalore, India travel page

Frankfurt, Munich & Berlin, Germany

Travel Dates: May 7-16, 2010

Experience business in Germany, Europe’s largest economy, by touring three of the world’s capitals of commerce: Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin, with Business School Associate Professor and German native Michael Behnam. As the world’s largest exporter of goods, Germany is home to a constellation of globally known and technologically advanced multinational corporations.

By visiting with executives from these leading companies – proposed visits include BMW and Lufthansa – students will experience German management culture and gain insight into business practiced on a global scale. At company visits students will discuss case studies, developed by Professor Behnam in partnership with the host executives, allowing for an intense, interactive learning experience. Lectures by German professors and cultural excursions will round out the itinerary.

Visit the Frankfurt, Munich & Berlin, Germany travel page

Beijing, Xian & Shanghai, China

Travel Dates: May 10-20, 2010

The rapid growth of China and its integration into the global economy continues to be the most important story in global business.  The swift and massive transformation has created enormous opportunities and challenges to those who want to do business in China and to those who must now compete with Chinese companies.  The strong development is also reorganizing Chinese society in unprecedented ways.   By joining us for this ten day experience in China you will engage in a series of interactive visits with Chinese and interational business leaders will provide direct experience and a unique exposure to China.  Combined with cultural immersion experiences, you will have an enriching, life changing experience.

Visit the Beijing, Xian & Shanghai, China travel page

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Over spring break, students registered in the PAD 840: Puerto Rico seminar visited government departments and cultural landmarks, and toured the Bacardi Distillery. They also benefited from lectures with key public and private officials and opportunities to interview and socialize with officials.

For more information, please contact Sandy Matava at mmatava@suffolk.edu

Dublin & Belfast, Ireland

In August students registered in the PAD 840: Ireland seminar were hosted by the Institute for Public Administration in Dublin and by Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Field trips and activities included attending a show at the Abbey Theatre, visiting the U.S. Embassy, and touring of Belfast. The trip was spaced over a weekend to give students free time to explore Dublin or travel to other parts of Ireland.

For more information, please contact Sandy Matava at mmatava@suffolk.edu