IBUS 3062: Solving Wicked Cross Cultural Problems (equivalent to BA 3062)
Undergraduate Global Enrichment in GreeceProgram Dates:
This program is closed for 2024. Applications for 2025 will open September 1, 2024 with priority application deadline of October 15th at noon.
Classes: Tues/Thurs, 8:00-9:40am, Spring Semester 2025, B-term only.
Travel dates: May 15-29, 2025. The travel for this course will interfere with graduation/commencement. Students wishing to participate in graduation ceremonies should find an alternate option.
Here more about the course from the instructor, Amee McDonald, here! (Link opens to a new window.)
Program Details
Solving Wicked Cross-Cultural Problems prepares students to identify, analyze, and solve complex problems in a global setting. This course emphasizes the power of experiential education and professional relationships. The experiential learning portion of the curriculum teaches students how to disaggregate wicked problems and provide impactful solutions in a real-world setting. Students will work with an NGO (non-Governmental Organization) who is navigating Greek culture, Greek business norms, and leading an intercultural team. Students will also learn about the economic context in the EU and Greece, how to consult with refugee and migrant populations, and will work with a mentor in the consulting industry throughout the project.
Please note: This is an intense, hands-on course, just like the on-campus equivalent. Students should expect to work hard prior to departure, AND while in Greece. Because of this, however, it is an extremely rewarding course with very tangible, real-world skills, and experience gained.
"[This] was an unforgettable experience. During our trip, we worked as a team to propose business solutions for the Greek Council for Refugees. Problem-solving skills taught in the classroom were brought directly to Athens for real client application. Our time abroad was loaded with interesting cultural site visits, great food, and adventures- but it is important to acknowledge the work expected of you as well.
Our team did most of the work before departing to Greece, which made our client meetings far more productive. As a result, we helped create a viable, tangible solution for the GCR. I will always remember how overjoyed our client, Nikolaus, was after we finished presenting to the board. Our team had a little celebration, and in that moment, I would have done all the work again in a heartbeat. Putting in the effort ahead of time also allowed us to enjoy more free time to explore, which I highly recommend.
The lessons learned in [this course] are relevant everywhere you work. Cross-cultural communication can be difficult. Understanding your stakeholders' needs can be difficult. Both challenges are addressed while abroad. Even while I work cross-functionally in my current role, I find myself relying on speaking skills learned in this class. IBUS [3062] was meaningful, challenging, and fun." - Carter, 2024 Participant
The ancient city of Athens in Greece sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. The influx of migrants in recent years has opened the door to young entrepreneurs who are trying to make their way in a new country while navigating cultural barriers and obstacles. Hence, this is the perfect destination for exploring wicked cross-cultural problems in action. Students will also spend a weekend exploring the charming coastal city of Nafplion visiting some historical sites, AND relaxing from the hard work of the program with downtime at the beach.
The program hotels will be conveniently located to program activities; hotel specifics will be provided to participants in the program orientation. Because networking and community-building are essential components of the program, the expectation is that students will share a room with another program participant. If you have concerns about this, or want to explore accommodations for a single room, students should connect with their Program Manager. If there are other accommodations that would support a student's access and inclusion on the program, please bring those requests to your Program Manager as well. Guests are not permitted during the program. Breakfast will be provided daily at the hotels. A welcome dinner and closing dinner are also included in the program fee.
- 4 credits that substitute for Carlson's BA 3062 course; credit will not be granted if credit has already been received for BA 3062
Grading is A-F basis
- Prereq: BA 2062
- Priority will go to students who have 100+ credits. If you are a student with alternative considerations, such as DRC accommodations for a reduced course load, please contact the Program Manager to discuss how we can support your application.
- Students with a GPA below 2.0 will be conditionally accepted pending a conversation with the Program Manager about academic success
- Students cannot have already successfully completed BA 3062
U.S. citizens will need a valid passport to travel to Greece. If you already have a passport, you need to check the expiration date and confirm that it is more than seven months after the program ends. If you do not have a passport, or your passport needs to be renewed, you will need to apply for one immediately upon confirmation.
A visa is a document that proves that travel into a particular country has been approved by their governing body. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits up to 90 days for tourism in Greece. Non-U.S. passport holders should check with the Greek consulate regarding visa requirements and fees. A consulate is a foreign government's official place of residence and representation in a foreign country. While consulates provide passports, birth registration, and many other services, they also have consular sections which issue visas for foreign citizens to visit, study, and work in their country. If you carry a passport other than a U.S. passport and are required to carry a visa into Greece, you will be responsible for securing your visa; you will work closely with the Program Manager (Mary Krebs) to make sure you have any University-specific documentation that you need.
To apply, please visit the Apply page. Students will be charged a $50 application fee. The application cycle starts on September 1, 2024 and the priority deadline is 12:00 pm (noon) on October 15, 2024. Applications for programs that do not fill by the priority deadline will be accepted on a rolling basis until full. Applications to competitive programs will be selected via lottery. Students will be informed of their application decision in about seven to ten days after the priority deadline.
Most financial aid may be applied to study abroad. University of Minnesota students are eligible for education abroad scholarships. Please see Financial Aid and Scholarships for more information.
30 University of Minnesota undergraduate students.
T/Th, 8:00-9:40am, Spring Semester 2025, B-term only. This course will be taught by Amee McDonald, Managing Director of the Impact Lab, (amcdonal@umn.edu). The pre-departure classes are a fundamental component of the curriculum. These pre-departure classes are partly discussion-based given the broad range of diverse and complex challenges faced in international business, and therefore the quality of the student experience is dependent upon all students attending and participating in the pre-departure classes.
In order to be eligible to participate in the international portion of this class, students must maintain satisfactory academic performance as determined by the instructor. If your academic performance prevents you from participating in the international component of the course, you will not receive a refund of the program fee. Please bring any concerns about this directly to the Program Manager (Mary Krebs).
This course meets spring, B-term only.
The program starts with a city tour and welcome dinner. The program includes guest lectures, company visits and cultural activities. Included in the program is time for a small amount of independent exploration.
Please contact Program Manager, Mary Krebs, if you have additional questions about the schedule.
Cost Estimate
Fees are based on estimates and may change due to international economic factors. This information applies to 2024-2025 programs.
* Students should also maintain their U.S.-based health insurance plan while abroad.
** Costs are estimated for U.S. passport holders only. Non-U.S. passport holders should check with the Greek consulate regarding the visa application process and costs.
All costs are subject to change prior to departure.
| 2024-2025 Tuition for 4 academic credits (included in the 13+ credit tuition plateau. Please see One Stop for more information about tuition rate.) | $0 |
| Program Fee (includes international airfare between Minnesota and Greece, hotels, program events, two group meals, transportation, and international health insurance*) | $4,800 - to be approved for 2025 |
| International airfare between Minnesota and Greece (included in Program Fee) | $0 |
| Passport and Visa** | $165 |
| Textbooks | $150 |
| Hotel Accommodation (included in Program Fee) | $0 |
| Meals (lunch and dinners not included in Program Fee) | $300 |
| Daily Living Expenses (international cellular/data plan, local transportation, incidentals, laundry, etc.) | $540 |
| Total | $5,955 |