Carlson School of Management

Undergraduate Global Enrichment in Costa Rica

IBUS 3080: Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility

Location: Costa Rica

Dates: January 5 - 18, 2014; Mondays 3:45 -6:30 pm during 2014 Spring Term A

Term: 2014 Spring 2-8 weeks

Objective: This course focuses on the concepts of sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in cooperation with the Rainforest Alliance and Caribou Coffee. Achieving an in-depth understanding of the many interrelated and complex issues associated with sustainability and CSR requires an exploration into the entire value chain and the stakeholders who affect or are affected throughout the chain. Students will explore the value chain from origins through final product and the stakeholders involved. This includesexploration regarding the important interaction between multinational corporations and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) to promote sustainability and CSR. This course will also deeply explore the challenges regarding for how to effectively tell the complex story of sustainability and CSR in an authentic and meaningful way through such mediums as sustainability certifications and sustainability & CSR communications.

Program Benefits:
The benefits to students participating in this program may include:

  • Learn about sustainability and corporate social responsibility in a global context.
  • Explore business questions from the perspectives of multi-national corporations and non-governmental organizations.
  • Gain resume-quality experience writing sustainability and CSR report content.
  • Directly engage with the concept of sustainable consumption through products and tourism.

Audience

  • 20–30 University of Minnesota undergraduate students

Academic Credit

  • 4 credit
  • Grading is A-F basis

This course is approved for the Civic Life & Ethics theme.

Eligibility

This program is open to University students in good academic standing, with a GPA of 2.5 at the time of application or instructor permission. All students with an interest in the University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment are invited. Preference will be given to Carlson School students.

Location

Costa Rica is a world leader in sustainable development and the promotion of ecologically sound tourism practices. Geographically Costa Rica is bordered by Nicaraqua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Its location provides access to American markets as it has the same time zone in the central part of the United States and direct ocean access to Europe and Asia. As a small country which covers only 0.03 % of the surface of the globe, it proudly shelters a 6% of the existing biodiversity in the entire world. 25.58 % of the country is composed of conservation and natural protected territory. The country is ranked fifth in the world, and first among the Americas, in terms of the 2012 Environmental Performance Index. 

Schedule

The program comprises guest lectures, site visits, and case study. Costa Rica represents a critical coffee supplier to Caribou Coffee. Students will learn about the coffee supply chain firsthand with its complex environmental and social challenges through visits to coffee farms with Caribou employees. This course will enable students to deeply consider the people and communities involved in providing the customers of Caribou Coffee that daily cup of coffee. Cultural tours adn two group dinners will complement the academic program.

Housing and Food

Students stay in conveniently-located hotels and will share a room with one or two classmates of their same gender. Because networking and community-building are key parts of the program, students will not have the option of a single room. Guests are not permitted during the program. Breakfast daily, a welcome dinner, and a closing dinner are provided.

Cost Estimate

Fees are based on estimates and may change due to international economic factors. This information applies to 2013-2014 programs.

2013-2014 Tuition for 4 academic credits (included in the 13-19 credit tuition plateau) $0
Program Fee (including international group airfare, hotel accommodation, program events, daily breakfast, two group meals, and int'l health insurance*) $4,400
International airfare between Minnesota and Costa Rica (included in Program Fee $0
Passport and Photos $145
Textbooks $135
Hotel Accomodation (included in Program Fee) $0
Daily Living Expenses (local transportation, incidentals, internet, laundry, etc) $250
Meals (lunch and dinners not included in Program Fee) $450
Estimated Total $5,380

*Students should also maintain their U.S.-based health insurance plan while abroad.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Most financial aid may be applied to study abroad. University of Minnesota students are eligible for education abroad scholarships. See Costs & Billing for additional information on financial aid and scholarships.

Application and Admission

To apply, please visit the Apply page. Students will be charged a $50 application fee.

The application cycle starts on March 1 and the priority deadline is April 1. Applications for programs that do not fill by the priority deadline will be accepted on a rolling basis until full.

Applications will be reviewed and students will be informed of their status via email within 4 weeks of the priority deadline.

All details subject to change based on economic and international factors.

Quick Links

Faculty Leader

Robert Strand
Teaching Specialist
International Business
stra0438@umn.edu
Faculty Profile

Access Abroad

We encourage students who may have constraints to consult with our Education Abroad advisors and read information available at Access Abroad.

Contact Information

Carlson Global Institute
CSOM 2-210
Phone: 612-625-9361
cgi@umn.edu

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