6-9-08

Lycoming College faculty and students on the Westminster Bridge in London

Nine Lycoming College students participated in the College’s Institute for Management Studies’ May-term study abroad program titled “European Business Experience.” The program helped students gain a better understanding of the concepts of globalization and internationalization through two weeks of business and financial institution visits, as well as outings to historical and cultural sites in London, Prague and the Czech Republic.

The trip was organized by Anne Landon, IMS coordinator, and instructed

by Drs. Bonita Kolb, assistant professor of business, and Mehrdad Madresehee, professor of economics. Students who attended were Emily Snyder, Markell Sitler, Heather Scott, Kristen Schellhase, Terra Erway, Tiffany Medley, Megan Runyon, Shannon Halferty and Bruce Withey.

“I think the most rewarding experiences that I had on the trip was interacting with people of different cultures and seeing the similarities and differences that connected us,” said Snyder, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in corporate communication. “It was interesting to learn how people from other cultures think and work on a daily basis.”

While in London, students toured the Bank of England Museum and attended a lecture by a bank educator. The students learned about the bank’s history and function from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the central bank of the United Kingdom. Other excursions included a double-decker bus tour of the city, a train trip to Windsor, a tour of the Victoria and Albert Museum and journeys to the Globe Theater and Camden Market.

“A group of us took a train to Windsor hoping to tour the castle, but there was a royal wedding scheduled for that day,” said Erway, a psychology major. “Instead, Dr. Kolb and Anne Landon were interviewed by the BBC and we were all filmed for television.”

In Prague, Petr Srsen from the KTHL Ltd. - Czech Office, presented a program “Doing Business in the Czech Republic.” In his role as Pennsylvania Trade Representative, he explained how he promotes the increasing number of Pennsylvania companies who want to export their products to the Czech Republic. He also assists them with market research and developing a marketing plan for their product.

At the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), students learned that American companies establishing business in the Czech Republic have unique needs. For example, the AMCHAM was recently instrumental in setting up an international school in Brno for Americans who have relocated.

At ORCO Properties, students met with Barry Coleman, human resources director, who was an IMS visiting executive in March 2007, and other top-level executives. They also learned about marketing strategies for ORCO’s new luxury accommodations in Bratislava from Jason Cahill, marketing director. Lycoming student Kayla Scott, a corporate communication major from Pen Argyl, Pa., and ORCO’s marketing department summer intern, was also present at the meeting.

Through the trip, the students gained a more sophisticated way of looking at the world and better awareness of cultural and economic systems differences.

“I learned a lot about the history and culture of London and Prague,” Snyder said. “My research topic deals with organizational structure in the office and I discovered significant differences in how foreign businesses are run compared to those in America. It was such a fun time and we also learned a lot. The trip was a very rewarding experience and it’s something I would have never done on my own.”

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