This course investigates the cultural issues that inevitably surround working within a foreign environment. It will mainly be based on the intercultural knowledge that the intern stands to gain through the workplace experience. In addition to Intercultural Studies, we will also consider other diverse but related areas such as Organizational Theory, Human Resources, Ethics and Spain’s economic situation.
Companies increasingly value any international experiences on a candidate’s résumé. A worker with intercultural competence is more flexible, analytical, tolerant to change and open-minded. Everything that a global company needs!
The internationalization of companies and the consequent globalization of the economy is an unquestionable fact. Business and economic activities are dominated by two fundamental elements: The opening of the markets, with a progressive elimination of physical and administrative barriers, and the intensive use of information and communication technologies. Managers and employees in general must be prepared to think globally, act locally and work digitally. (3 credits)
Prerequisites:
Minimum four college semesters of Spanish language
Attendance policy:
Attendance is mandatory for all IES classes, including field studies. Any exams, tests, presentations, or other work missed due to student absences can only be rescheduled in cases of documented medical or family emergencies. If a student misses three classes in the Internship Seminar half of a letter grade will be deducted from the final grade. Four absences will result in a failing grade.
Learning outcomes:
By the end of the course, the students are able to:
· contrast different behavior patterns within the working environment, taking as a reference Barcelona and the USA;
· relate the theoretical concepts studied in class with their working experience;
· describe and analyze cultural differences based on critical incidents;
· identify cultural differences when it comes to organizational structures;
· recognize how their professional competences and skills have improved during their internship;
· practice negotiation in cross cultural situations;
· incorporate academic and work experience abroad in their résumé in an outstanding way.
Method of presentation:
Lectures, class debates on student’s experiences, case studies, written exercises, role play sessions for problem solving, simulation of cultural conflicts at the workplace based on intern’s experiences and field study.
Field study:
Field Study – “A social organization doing Business” – Mescladís
Required work and form of assessment:
1. Class participation (20%). Students will be expected to come to class prepared, and to participate actively in class.
2. Assignments (20%)
· Mescladís assignment (10%). The students will attend a mandatory Field Study to Mescladís. Furthermore, the students will answer a questionnaire based on the visit. It must be written in Spanish.
· Reading assignment (10%). Students are expected to read and prepare beforehand the materials designated for each session. Either individually or in pairs, students will read and prepare materials for the class. All class presentations will be in Spanish.
3. Workplace supervisor evaluation (30%). Students’ workplace supervisors will evaluate several aspects such as attendance, punctuality, interest and efficiency of the student. The criteria for this are determined by the internship supervisor.
4. Final paper (30%)
First part (10%). Due in Week 6. This will consist of a description, analysis and commentary of the student’s internship. The format of this part of the final paper will be a report of minimum 1500-2000 words (font size should be 12pt Times New Roman, double spaced). It must be written in Spanish and must include, at least, 1 citation source and you can follow a scheme similar to the following:
a) Description of the company
b) Description of the sector to which it belongs. Research and compare this sector in both countries, Spain and the USA (refer to content in session 2)
c) Description of your job position e.g. knowledge, competences and abilities needed. Cultural differences in time management, seniority, decision making, among others. (refer to content on session 3)
d) Description of your main tasks, duties and responsibilities
Second Part (10%). Due in Week 12. The format of the second part of the final paper will be a report of minimum 1000-1500 words. This part also must be written in Spanish and must include the following items:
a) What have you learned from this internship?
b) How will this internship enrich your resume? How will you apply it to your professional career?
c) Recommendations to improve the internship and yourself.
d) Conclusions.
Oral Presentation (10%). Students are expected to make presentations of their papers to the class. These Oral Presentations will be in Spanish.
content:
Session 1: Professors´ presentation of the course, contents, objectives, systems of evaluation and class norms. Individual goals- why they are doing this internship. Individual expectations.
Session 2: Spanish labour market, its current situation. Labour relations in Spain.
ACTIBVA- Comunidad de información financiera BBVA. El paro en España [video file]. Available: http://vimeo.com/37938606 Accessed: 26 April, 2013.
Arellano, M., & Bentolila, S. (2011). La burbuja inmobiliaria: causas y responsables. La Crisis de la Economia Española. Lecciones y Propuestas. Publicaciones de FEDEA- Fundación de Estudios de Economía Aplicada, 28-31. Available: http://www.crisis09.es/ebook/PDF/05-la-burbuja-inmobiliaria.pdf Accessed: 26 April 2012
Garcia, J., (2011). Los orígenes inmobiliarios de la crisis económica actual. La Crisis de la Economia Española. Lecciones y Propuestas. Publicaciones de FEDEA- Fundación de Estudios de Economía Aplicada, 32-36. Available: http://www.crisis09.es/ebook/PDF/06-los-origenes-inmobiliarios-de-la-crisis.pdf Accessed: 26 April 2013.
Laborda, A. (2011). El mercado laboral español: Situación y perspectivas a corto plazo. Cuadernos del Mercado de Trabajo-Observatorio de las Ocupaciones del Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal. Dirección Provincial de Zaragoza, nº 7 Junio, 22-39.
Session 3: Spain vs. USA. Soft skills.
Novas, H., Szerlip, B., & Watson, T. (2001). Passport Spain: Your Pocket Guide to Spanish Business, Customs & Etiquette. 22-25, 33-42, 48-55. Novato, CA: World Trade Press.
Session 4: Placements. In today’s session you will also receive more details regarding the first part of your Final Paper.
Session 5: Corporate Social Responsibility. Ethics in Business.
Argandoña, A. (2008). La ética en los negocios. IESE Business School, Occasional Paper OP nº 08/10 Enero, 2008. Available:
DGIPYME- Dirección General de Industria y de la PYME, [DGIPYME] (2010, March 22). Responsabilidad Social Empresarial [video file]. Available: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5uiH5fmYwo Accessed: 26 April, 2013.
Moneva, J.M. (2011). Responsabilidad social y prácticas laborales: una aproximación. Cuadernos del Mercado de Trabajo-Observatorio de las Ocupaciones del Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal. Dirección Provincial de Zaragoza, nº 7 Junio, 100-107.
Session 6: Midterm feedback. First part of Final Paper due.
Session 7: Field Study – “A social organization doing Business” – Mescladís. Habiague, M. (2005). Objetivos de la Fundació Ciutadania Multicultural. Available: http://www.mescladis.org/es/quiensomos/objetivos.html. Accessed: 26 October, 2012.
Goodman, D. A. (2000). Wanted: Behavioral Skills: Use behavioral interviewing to detect skills you can’t teach on the job. Nursing Management, February 2000: 27-29.
ACTIBVA- Comunidad de información financiera BBVA. El paro en España [video file]. Available: http://vimeo.com/37938606 Accessed: 26 April, 2013.
Arellano, M., & Bentolila, S. (2011). La burbuja inmobiliaria: causas y responsables. La Crisis de la Economia Española. Lecciones y Propuestas. Publicaciones de FEDEA- Fundación de Estudios de Economía Aplicada, 28-31. . Available: http://www.crisis09.es/ebook/PDF/05-la-burbuja-inmobiliaria.pdf Accessed: 26 April 2012
Argandoña, A. (2008). La ética en los negocios. IESE Business School, Occasional Paper OP nº 08/10 Enero, 2008. Available:http://www.iese.edu/research/pdfs/OP-08-10.pdf Accessed: April 26, 2013.
DGIPYME- Dirección General de Industria y de la PYME, [DGIPYME] (2010, March 22). Responsabilidad Social Empresarial [video file]. Available: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5uiH5fmYwo Accessed: 26 April, 2013.
Garcia, J., (2011). Los orígenes inmobiliarios de la crisis económica actual. La Crisis de la Economia Española. Lecciones y Propuestas. Publicaciones de FEDEA- Fundación de Estudios de Economía Aplicada, 32-36. . Available: http://www.crisis09.es/ebook/PDF/06-los-origenes-inmobiliarios-de-la-crisis.pdf Accessed: 26 April 2013.
Goodman, D. A. (2000). Wanted: Behavioral Skills: Use behavioral interviewing to detect skills you can’t teach on the job. Nursing Management, February 2000: 27-29.
Laborda, A. (2011). El mercado laboral español: Situación y perspectivas a corto plazo. Cuadernos del Mercado de Trabajo-Observatorio de las Ocupaciones del Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal. Dirección Provincial de Zaragoza, nº 7 Junio, 22-39.
Moneva, J.M. (2011). Responsabilidad social y prácticas laborales: una aproximación. Cuadernos del Mercado de Trabajo-Observatorio de las Ocupaciones del Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal. Dirección Provincial de Zaragoza, nº 7 Junio, 100-107.
Novas, H., Szerlip, B., & Watson, T. (2001). Passport Spain: Your Pocket Guide to Spanish Business, Customs & Etiquette. 22-25, 33-42, 48-55. Novato, CA: World Trade Press
This course investigates the cultural issues that inevitably surround working within a foreign environment. It will mainly be based on the intercultural knowledge that the intern stands to gain through the workplace experience. In addition to Intercultural Studies, we will also consider other diverse but related areas such as Organizational Theory, Human Resources, Ethics and Spain’s economic situation.
Companies increasingly value any international experiences on a candidate’s résumé. A worker with intercultural competence is more flexible, analytical, tolerant to change and open-minded. Everything that a global company needs!
The internationalization of companies and the consequent globalization of the economy is an unquestionable fact. Business and economic activities are dominated by two fundamental elements: The opening of the markets, with a progressive elimination of physical and administrative barriers, and the intensive use of information and communication technologies. Managers and employees in general must be prepared to think globally, act locally and work digitally. (3 credits)
Minimum four college semesters of Spanish language
Attendance is mandatory for all IES classes, including field studies. Any exams, tests, presentations, or other work missed due to student absences can only be rescheduled in cases of documented medical or family emergencies. If a student misses three classes in the Internship Seminar half of a letter grade will be deducted from the final grade. Four absences will result in a failing grade.
By the end of the course, the students are able to:
· contrast different behavior patterns within the working environment, taking as a reference Barcelona and the USA;
· relate the theoretical concepts studied in class with their working experience;
· describe and analyze cultural differences based on critical incidents;
· identify cultural differences when it comes to organizational structures;
· recognize how their professional competences and skills have improved during their internship;
· practice negotiation in cross cultural situations;
· incorporate academic and work experience abroad in their résumé in an outstanding way.
Lectures, class debates on student’s experiences, case studies, written exercises, role play sessions for problem solving, simulation of cultural conflicts at the workplace based on intern’s experiences and field study.
Field Study – “A social organization doing Business” – Mescladís
1. Class participation (20%). Students will be expected to come to class prepared, and to participate actively in class.
2. Assignments (20%)
· Mescladís assignment (10%). The students will attend a mandatory Field Study to Mescladís. Furthermore, the students will answer a questionnaire based on the visit. It must be written in Spanish.
· Reading assignment (10%). Students are expected to read and prepare beforehand the materials designated for each session. Either individually or in pairs, students will read and prepare materials for the class. All class presentations will be in Spanish.
3. Workplace supervisor evaluation (30%). Students’ workplace supervisors will evaluate several aspects such as attendance, punctuality, interest and efficiency of the student. The criteria for this are determined by the internship supervisor.
4. Final paper (30%)
a) Description of the company
b) Description of the sector to which it belongs. Research and compare this sector in both countries, Spain and the USA (refer to content in session 2)
c) Description of your job position e.g. knowledge, competences and abilities needed. Cultural differences in time management, seniority, decision making, among others. (refer to content on session 3)
d) Description of your main tasks, duties and responsibilities
a) What have you learned from this internship?
b) How will this internship enrich your resume? How will you apply it to your professional career?
c) Recommendations to improve the internship and yourself.
d) Conclusions.
Session 1: Professors´ presentation of the course, contents, objectives, systems of evaluation and class norms. Individual goals- why they are doing this internship. Individual expectations.
Session 2: Spanish labour market, its current situation. Labour relations in Spain.
ACTIBVA- Comunidad de información financiera BBVA. El paro en España [video file]. Available: http://vimeo.com/37938606 Accessed: 26 April, 2013.
Arellano, M., & Bentolila, S. (2011). La burbuja inmobiliaria: causas y responsables. La Crisis de la Economia Española. Lecciones y Propuestas. Publicaciones de FEDEA- Fundación de Estudios de Economía Aplicada, 28-31. Available: http://www.crisis09.es/ebook/PDF/05-la-burbuja-inmobiliaria.pdf Accessed: 26 April 2012
Garcia, J., (2011). Los orígenes inmobiliarios de la crisis económica actual. La Crisis de la Economia Española. Lecciones y Propuestas. Publicaciones de FEDEA- Fundación de Estudios de Economía Aplicada, 32-36. Available: http://www.crisis09.es/ebook/PDF/06-los-origenes-inmobiliarios-de-la-crisis.pdf Accessed: 26 April 2013.
Laborda, A. (2011). El mercado laboral español: Situación y perspectivas a corto plazo. Cuadernos del Mercado de Trabajo-Observatorio de las Ocupaciones del Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal. Dirección Provincial de Zaragoza, nº 7 Junio, 22-39.
Session 3: Spain vs. USA. Soft skills.
Novas, H., Szerlip, B., & Watson, T. (2001). Passport Spain: Your Pocket Guide to Spanish Business, Customs & Etiquette. 22-25, 33-42, 48-55. Novato, CA: World Trade Press.
Session 4: Placements. In today’s session you will also receive more details regarding the first part of your Final Paper.
Session 5: Corporate Social Responsibility. Ethics in Business.
Argandoña, A. (2008). La ética en los negocios. IESE Business School, Occasional Paper OP nº 08/10 Enero, 2008. Available:
http://www.iese.edu/research/pdfs/OP-08-10.pdf Accessed: 26 April, 2013.
DGIPYME- Dirección General de Industria y de la PYME, [DGIPYME] (2010, March 22). Responsabilidad Social Empresarial [video file]. Available: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5uiH5fmYwo Accessed: 26 April, 2013.
Moneva, J.M. (2011). Responsabilidad social y prácticas laborales: una aproximación. Cuadernos del Mercado de Trabajo-Observatorio de las Ocupaciones del Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal. Dirección Provincial de Zaragoza, nº 7 Junio, 100-107.
Session 6: Midterm feedback. First part of Final Paper due.
Session 7: Field Study – “A social organization doing Business” – Mescladís. Habiague, M. (2005). Objetivos de la Fundació Ciutadania Multicultural. Available: http://www.mescladis.org/es/quiensomos/objetivos.html. Accessed: 26 October, 2012.
Habiague, M. (2005). Código ético Mescladís. Available: http://www.mescladis.org/es/quiensomos/codigoetico.html. Accessed: 26 October, 2012.
Habiague, M. (2005). La cocina como herramienta educativa. Available: http://www.mescladis.org/es/quiensomos/cocina.html. Accessed: 26 October, 2012.
Session 8: Mescladís assignment due and discussion.
Session 9: CVs, Networking.
Auzenne, M., & Horstman, M. (2005). Your Resume Stinks! Available: http://www.manager-tools.com/2005/10/your-resume-stinks Accessed: 30 October, 2012. (podcast).
Auzenne, M., & Horstman, M. (2006). Building a Network. Available: http://www.manager-tools.com/2006/05/building-a-network Accessed: 30 October, 2012. (podcast).
Session 10: Interviews (Theory).
Goodman, D. A. (2000). Wanted: Behavioral Skills: Use behavioral interviewing to detect skills you can’t teach on the job. Nursing Management, February 2000: 27-29.
Auzenne, M., & Horstman, M. (2006). Accomplishments – Connecting Resumes & Interviews. Available: http://www.manager-tools.com/2006/09/accomplishments-connecting-resumes-and-interviews Accessed: 30 October, 2012. (podcast).
Session 11: Interviews
Session 12: Oral Presentations I
Final Exam: Oral Presentations II
ACTIBVA- Comunidad de información financiera BBVA. El paro en España [video file]. Available: http://vimeo.com/37938606 Accessed: 26 April, 2013.
Arellano, M., & Bentolila, S. (2011). La burbuja inmobiliaria: causas y responsables. La Crisis de la Economia Española. Lecciones y Propuestas. Publicaciones de FEDEA- Fundación de Estudios de Economía Aplicada, 28-31. . Available: http://www.crisis09.es/ebook/PDF/05-la-burbuja-inmobiliaria.pdf Accessed: 26 April 2012
Argandoña, A. (2008). La ética en los negocios. IESE Business School, Occasional Paper OP nº 08/10 Enero, 2008. Available:http://www.iese.edu/research/pdfs/OP-08-10.pdf Accessed: April 26, 2013.
Auzenne, M., & Horstman, M. (2005). Your Resume Stinks! Available: http://www.manager-tools.com/2005/10/your-resume-stinks Accessed: 30 October, 2012. (podcast).
Auzenne, M., & Horstman, M. (2006). Accomplishments – Connecting Resumes & Interviews. Available: http://www.manager-tools.com/2006/09/accomplishments-connecting-resumes-and-interviews Accessed: 30 October, 2012. (podcast).
Auzenne, M., & Horstman, M. (2006). Building a Network. Available: http://www.manager-tools.com/2006/05/building-a-network Accessed: 30 October, 2012. (podcast).
DGIPYME- Dirección General de Industria y de la PYME, [DGIPYME] (2010, March 22). Responsabilidad Social Empresarial [video file]. Available: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5uiH5fmYwo Accessed: 26 April, 2013.
Garcia, J., (2011). Los orígenes inmobiliarios de la crisis económica actual. La Crisis de la Economia Española. Lecciones y Propuestas. Publicaciones de FEDEA- Fundación de Estudios de Economía Aplicada, 32-36. . Available: http://www.crisis09.es/ebook/PDF/06-los-origenes-inmobiliarios-de-la-crisis.pdf Accessed: 26 April 2013.
Goodman, D. A. (2000). Wanted: Behavioral Skills: Use behavioral interviewing to detect skills you can’t teach on the job. Nursing Management, February 2000: 27-29.
Habiague, M. (2005). Código ético Mescladís. Available: http://www.mescladis.org/es/quiensomos/codigoetico.html. Accessed: 26 October, 2012.
Habiague, M. (2005). La cocina como herramienta educativa. Available: http://www.mescladis.org/es/quiensomos/cocina.html. Accessed: 26 October, 2012.
Habiague, M. (2005). Objetivos de la Fundació Ciutadania Multicultural. Available: http://www.mescladis.org/es/quiensomos/objetivos.html. Accessed: 26 October, 2012.
Laborda, A. (2011). El mercado laboral español: Situación y perspectivas a corto plazo. Cuadernos del Mercado de Trabajo-Observatorio de las Ocupaciones del Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal. Dirección Provincial de Zaragoza, nº 7 Junio, 22-39.
Moneva, J.M. (2011). Responsabilidad social y prácticas laborales: una aproximación. Cuadernos del Mercado de Trabajo-Observatorio de las Ocupaciones del Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal. Dirección Provincial de Zaragoza, nº 7 Junio, 100-107.
Novas, H., Szerlip, B., & Watson, T. (2001). Passport Spain: Your Pocket Guide to Spanish Business, Customs & Etiquette. 22-25, 33-42, 48-55. Novato, CA: World Trade Press
Alcaide, J. (2012). El Mercado de Trabajo Español. Situación, Propuestas y Reforma de 2012.Boletin Económico de ICE, No 3026, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Secretaría de Estado de Comercio, Madrid. Available: http://www.revistasice.com/CachePDF/BICE_3026_29-44__8AA36ECC9D655B2F8AD560E9715095F2.pdf Accessed: 26 April 2013
Green, B. P., Graybeal, P., & Madison, R.L. (2011). An Exploratory Study of the Effect of Professional Internships on Students' Perception of the Importance of Employment Traits. Journal of Education for Business, 86(2): 100-110.