Exploring the World of Business

International Program Offers Insight into European ‘Best’ Practices

November 5, 2007

By Pam McLaren

In order to be a success in business, sometimes it takes more than business skill. Global business activity demands a company’s awareness and understanding of various cultural differences.

The College of Business and Economics, in collaboration with three European universities, offers a summer program that combines academics with first-hand insight into European business practices.
The Business Europe Study Tour, or BEST, however, offers more.

“It also highlights the social behaviors that incluence many of the business practices in France, Germany and Switzerland,” says Kim Tarentino, associate coordinator of the three-week summer program. “Students visit companies and attend lecturers presented by leading executives. Faculty from Nürtingen University in Germany, ISCID Universite du Littoral in France and the University of Applied Sciences Solothurn in Switzerland provide academic lectures and discussions throughout the tour.

“The ultimate goal is to enhance the business education our students receive on campus,” Tarentino notes.

The 2008 program begins June 1 in Amsterdam and includes visits in Belgium, France, Germany and Switzerland before returning home June 20. Program participants will visit such companies as Porsche, Christian Lacroix Fashion House, Deutsche and European Central banks and BMW headquarters.

“When our students meet with managers, executives and high level government officials from these countries, they will gain a better understanding of the economic and social dynamics that influence European-based businesses. It provides a great opportunity to compare to and contrast with U.S.-based businesses,” says Tarentino.

The program is open to all Cal State Fullerton students but can only accommodate 26. Most participating CSUF students can earn three units of credit upon completion of the program. Registrations before Dec. 15 include a $500 discount. Additional tour information is available at http://projekte.fhnw.ch/best.

For more information about the program, call Tarantino at 278-3932 or email at ktarantino@fullerton.edu.