Mendel University, Czech Republic
The Oregon State University College of Business offers a fall term exchange program to Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic.
Background
Long considered the cultural crossroads of Europe, the Czech Republic (site of the ancient kingdom of Bohemia) has had a profound influence upon other European countries and cultures. With the breakup of Czechoslovakia, the republic became the youngest member nation of the European Union and NATO.
Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic. Rich in culture, Brno has castles, cathedrals, museums, zoos, gardens, and is a venue for the World Moto Grand Prix. As the economic seat of Morevia, it is the site of many international trade fairs and exhibitions. It’s location as part of the Central European Railroad Junction linking Budapest, Prague, Berlin, and Scandinavia makes Brno an ideal hub for travel throughout Europe.
Mendel University, named for the famous geneticist, was established in 1919 and today boasts a student population of 5,000 students. The Business Department offers Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate degrees and has a total enrollment of 1,600 students.
Academic Program
Students complete course work in International Finance, International Marketing and European Culture and Communication. A typical class size is between 12-20 students. The semester ends in January, but arrangements are made for students to take final exams in December. A certain amount of self-study is required to accommodate this arrangement.
Eligibility
The program is open to all OSU Business majors who have a 2.75 GPA in the College of Business retention courses and have attained senior or late junior status at the time of participation. Pre-requisite courses include:
- BA 340, Financae
- BA 347, International Business
- BA 352, Organizational Behavior
- BA 390, Marketing
All applicants will be interviewed and acceptance will be based on academic preparation, personal motivation, and perceived adaptability.
Living Arrangements
Students stay in on-campus dormitories. There are double and triple rooms available. An attempt is made to place exchange students with Czech students. The University does not help students to find private accommodations.
Cost
Students pay fall term tuition to OSU for the autumn semester at Mendel University. OSU Student fees are waived. There is a $50 non-refundable application fee submitted with application and a $250 non-refundable program fee payable after acceptance. Living expenses are generally much lower than in Oregon. The main additional cost is airfare and addtional travel.
Financial Aid
Most financial aid that students are eligible to receive (Guaranteed Student Loans, Pell Grants, Veteran's benefits) is applicable to this exchange program. FINANCIAL AID IS NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL CLASSES BEGIN AT OSU, so students must budget accordingly. There are also study abroad scholarships available for those students with excellent academic records. Contact the Office of International Education (Snell Hall-444, 737-3006) for more information. College of Business Scholarships are also available.
Application
Applicants must submit the following to the College of Business:
- A completed application for admission to the Arthur Stonehill International Business Program (available in 214 Bexell Hall)
- Two reference forms
- Autobiographical essay
- Resume
- Cover letter
- A $50 application fee
The APPLICATION DEADLINE is January 15. If the 15th falls over a weekend, the deadline is the following Monday.
Interviews will take place during Winter Term and involve a short, informal presentation by the applicant on a pre-selected topics.
Students chosen for the exchange program will participate in a mandatory orientation class Spring Term prior to departure.
For more information contact Carol Leder at (541) 737-3716 or leder@bus.orst.edu.
