Globalization & Business:
Has The Celtic Tiger Lost Its Roar?
2009 Exploration Seminar in Ireland

THIS PROGRAM IS FULL AND NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. PLEASE CONSIDER ANOTHER EXPLORATION SEMINAR PROGRAM!

Program Director: Leta Beard ~ Business
Dates of Instruction: August 30 – September 15, 2009

During the last twenty-five years the Irish transformed their agrarian third world economy into a “Celtic Tiger” economic powerhouse. Today however, things are different.  Has the Celtic Tiger taken its last breath and the luck of the Irish run out? Come study with us on the Emerald Isle as we explore the answers to these questions and more.   We will learn about global business practices, business etiquette, and pertinent Irish historical and social issues.  Our study will include an examination of the governmental, political, and economic issues which confronted Ireland in the 1980’s and an analysis of how Ireland developed a program to attract foreign businesses to revive its moribund economy. We will then assess whether or not this program has staying power.  Plan to meet us on August 30, 2009 in Dublin, our first stop on our seventeen day tour of Ireland’s businesses and countryside.

Historically, the Irish were very well educated but underemployed. Many emigrated to find a better life. That has changed with foreigners now coming to work and live in Ireland for the first time in its history. Ireland is also a country of contrasts.  In the country, farmers pursue traditional lifestyles and embrace the old language, traditions, music and folklore.  In the cities however, young highly educated urbanites constitute the workforce for very sophisticated bio-pharmaceutical and high-tech global companies.

Students will have the ability to observe these contrasts as we confer with business leaders at Dell, Waterford, Apple, VWR, Merrill Lynch, Pepsi, Pfizer, Guinness, and Jameson Distillery. We will meet with executives from the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and learn about the traditional Irish sport of hurling.   We will then tour the countryside to participate on a working sheep farm as well as experience Ireland’s rich culture.

Students should plan to:

In addition to Dublin, we will visit Waterford, Cork County, Kinsale, Dingle and Galway. A special guided day trip to Northern Ireland’s Belfast is also planned. Here we will see the famous political murals and visit the catholic and protestant neighborhoods.  We will also visit the shipyard where the infamous Titanic was built.

The faculty director, Leta Beard, teaches marketing and retailing in the Michael G. Foster School of Business and has international business experience. In addition to Ireland, Leta has travelled with students to Argentina, Montreal and Singapore. She has also taught business executives in Vietnam. Leta is popular with her students and has won several teaching awards.  If you have any questions about the seminar, please contact her at 206-543-4869 or at lbeard@u.washington.edu.

We will meet on campus for a week during spring quarter to learn about the selected companies, Ireland’s history, culture, business etiquette, economics, and social issues. Students will be responsible for researching a company  that we plan to visit.

This program is open to any university student but is particularly appropriate for students studying business, economics, pharmacy, information systems, communications, history, technology, and international studies.  

Credits: Students will receive 5 credits in CHID 472- Europe Study Abroad (I&S), International Business 490, or Marketing 490. Participants should check with their academic advisors to determine how these credits may apply to major requirements. 

Students will stay in hostels, or bed and breakfasts in Dublin, Cork, Dingle and Galway. Students should plan to work hard and play hard. This is a very popular exploration seminar so it is best to get  your application in early.

Student costs:  

• $3,395 Program Fee
• $200 International Programs & Exchanges Fee
• Click here for a Estimated Budget of Student Expenses (for financial aid requests)
  
• Additional costs include: RT airfare to Ireland, insurance, some meals, some entrance fees and personal spending money
  
  
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  A few insights from previous students about the program:
  
  “The Irish accent, the Irish scenery, the Irish pub, the Irish culture, and mostly the Irish people made the trip an experience of a lifetime! Leta Beard perfected her tour and guided us through the beautiful scenic places like the coastal town of KInasale, the mysterious gardens of the Blarney Castle, the young and vibrant city of Galway, and the famous city of Dublin”                         
  Beth R. Junior Business Student
  
  “Participating in the Ireland Exploration Seminar has been a highlight in my academic career. Leta put so much effort into making sure the experience was beneficial for everyone, and it definitely paid off. The trip was amazing.”                                                                         
  MacKenzie S.
  
  "Ireland was an excellent academic and life experience. Meeting with executive overseas, touring production facilities, and learning about the culture contributed greatly to my education. I also, met a lot of new friends. I would recommend the seminar to business and non-business school students alike.”                                                               
  Will M. UW Class of '09
  
  Ireland is a beautiful country with some of the most hospitable people in the world. From the dramatic scenery across Ireland's west coast to its bustling cities with incredible nightlife, there is really something   for everyone.                                                                  
  James O.
  
  Going to Ireland was the perfect way to end my summer. I learned a lot, but also had the opportunity to take in as much of the country in 17 days as possible. An awesome trip I will never forget! I am already planning a return visit.                                                                            
  Meghan R.