Austria Study Tour 2002
One of the International Business program’s major goals is to expose students to different cultures and ways of life. Because the best way to understand other culture is to experience them firsthand, the International Business and Art History Departments at the University of Missouri – St Louis co-organized a study tour in Austria for a group of undergraduate students. This trip was the first of many IB study tours that will continue to take place annually.
In July 2002, Dr. David Ricks of International Business and Gertraud Wild of Art History led 34 students (16 from International Business and 18 from Art History) through a whirlwind tour that began in Vienna. The tour officially lasted two weeks, but many students turned it into a month-long trip to take advantage of the opportunities offered in the beautiful country!
The travel group stayed at the House Dobling, which is a student dorm in Vienna. However, the activities were certainly not limited to this picturesque city. The group also visited museums and companies in Krems and Melk, absorbing the local culture and practices of each town. The International Business students visited a variety of companies in Austria, and met with managers to discuss conditions from both the Austrian and American points of view.
These types of experiences are critical to preparation for a future in international business, but also bring students closer together as a group. The International Business and Art History students participated in joint cultural events and soaked up the scenery of the gorgeous cities. According to student Amy Puchta, one of the greatest benefits of the trip was that “I had the opportunity to go out of my comfort zone, and travel to five different countries and thirteen cities in Europe!” The travel group had several reunions throughout the following semester to relive their experiences and catch up with one another. After the success of the Austria trip, the IB faculty members are planning a study tour to Hong Kong for the summer of 2003.