International Dimensions of Hospitality Business in China

Summer 2008 closed

May 31 - July 1, 2008

Sponsored by the Eli Broad College of Business

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

China’s increasing importance for U.S. Businesses is not debatable but a daily unfolding and inevitable reality. Riding this wave, U.S. based hospitality businesses are increasing their presence in China and have well formulated China strategies. The purpose of the program is to provide a learning opportunity for students interested in developing and conducting business in China and with China, specifically with a hospitality business focus. The course will provide students with an understanding and appreciation of the growth and development of various dimensions of hospitality businesses in China. Tourism, Hotels, Casinos, Clubs, Recreation and Food Service businesses are a sample of sectors that will be part of the coursework and field trips included in the program.

The objectives of the program include:

• An understanding of the challenges associated with developing and managing hospitality businesses in China both from the perspective of multinational and domestic firms.
• An understanding of issues associated with investing, financing and developing international hospitality businesses.
• An appreciation of the importance of societal and cultural context of conducting business in an international environment.
• An exposure to the complexities associated with differences in regulations and operating norms.
• Sensitivity to the changing context of the global environment and the increasing importance of Asia in general and China in particular.

What can I study?

Students will be required to enroll for a minimum of six (6) credits in the following courses:

*Student assignment load will vary based on three versus six credits.

Courses will be a combination of instructor-led lectures, field trips and discussion with regional experts. Classes will be at Michigan State University, Hong Kong Polytechnic and University and University of Macau.

The program will be jointly conducted and coordinated by three faculty members from The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University, in association with faculty members from Hong Kong Polytechnic University and University of Macau. The MSU faculty members and their affiliations are: Dr. A.J. Singh (Associate Professor) Mr. Richard Bruner (General Manager, University Club) and Mr. Michael Rice (Director, Housing and Food Services MSU)

What are the requirements?

This program is open to Hospitality Business majors or undergraduate business majors with an interest in international business and hospitality sector focus.

Students must have at least junior status and be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.5 at the time of application. Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

The first week of the program will be on the MSU campus where students will reside at McDonel Hall.

During the second and third weeks, students will travel to China and reside in residence halls at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (http://www.polyu.edu.hk). Students will also stay in residence halls during the final segment of the program in China at the University of Macau (http://www.umac.mo).

Who can tell me more about this program?

A.J. Singh, Associate Professor
The School of Hospitality Business
242 Eppley Center
Phone: (517) 353-9211
E-mail: singharj@msu.edu

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States. If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date. If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of twelve weeks are usually required for processing. During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required. Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices. They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/passports.html

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose. The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early. It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.

For more information about visas visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/visas.html

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

For further health information and recommendations visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/health.html

How much does it cost?

The program fee is $3,239 and includes the following:

• application fee ($100)
• deposit ($200)
• pre-departure orientation
• accommodations
• meals
• accident and sickness insurance
• field trips

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

• MSU tuition and fees*
• airfare
• books and supplies
• passport application fee ($100)
• visa application fees (if applicable)
• pre-departure doctor visits
• pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
• personal spending money

Students may request a cost sheet which estimates these additional expenses not included in the program fee by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee. Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses. (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

*Check http://www.ctlr.msu.edu/studrec/ for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate, regardless of state of residence.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid.

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing. This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university. If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

For further information about financial aid visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/finaid/index.html

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships. Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need. Requirements are listed in the scholarship application. The deadline to apply for these scholarships is March 1st for summer programs.

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/scholarships/index.html

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form by visiting http://studyabroad.msu.edu/applications/index.html

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by March 1st for summer programs. However, it is strongly recommended to apply well before the March deadline due to travel specifications for the region such as airfare, visa, passport and immunizations

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year. Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required. Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program. Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter. You can also read the handbook online at http://studyabroad.msu.edu/abcs/index.html.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.