Thirteenth Annual Professional Development in International Business MERCOSUR PROGRAM May 9 - 20, 2009

As the new Obama Administration comes to power, many experts are waiting for a new “Age of Diplomacy” with a foreign policy that seeks to overcome the often strained relationship between the U.S. and its closets neighbor, Latin America, a partnership mostly based on anti-drug efforts and the, “trade, not aid,” mantra.

Indeed, the Bush era was marked by a lack of communication and often difficult relationships with some of the most important countries in the western hemisphere. During the last eight years, Brazil has transformed itself into a geo-political and economic global powerhouse, not only because of its size, but for its discovery of large oil fields.

The MERCOSUR PDIB will explore how Brazil, Argentina and Chile are dealing with the global economic crisis and how the “change” in the U.S. will affect bilateral relations and the regional trading bloc.

*Program Fee: $5,000 per participant.

Co-sponsorship Fee: $500

*Program fee includes round- trip airfare from Miami to South America (Argentina, Brazil & Chile), single occupancy lodging, some meals and ground transportation within the cities.

PDIB Mercosur Program:
The Professional Development in International Business – Mercosur program is offered by the Mercosur CIBER Consortium: (TBA) and organized by FIU, CIBER programs form a powerful network focused on improving American competitiveness by providing comprehensive services and research to assist United States businesses, colleges and universities to succeed in global markets.

Program Objective:
The main objective of the PDIB Mercosur program is to raise US business professional and faculty awareness of the social, political, economic, and business environments that exist in South America. Topics include national economic reforms and adjustments, the opening of markets to the global economy, regional integration as a basis for global competition, the impact of these domestic changes on commerce with the US, and both regional and country specific business practices. The program in Brazil, Argentina and Chile will include meetings with business faculty from leading academic institutions, business executives from multinational companies, and government officials. It will also include cultural events and city tours.

Comments from participants:
“I began this trip with the preconception that Brazil, Argentina and Chile were a homogeneous block of countries – nothing could be further from the truth. To understand their cultural and economic differences one has to get on the ground, walk the streets, and talk to business leaders as well as common citizens. This trip provides that opportunity with the benefit of first class accommodations and organization. Gracias!” – Eric Powers, University of South Carolina.

“The CIBER Mercosur program provides a unique opportunity for participants to deeply enrich their understanding of three cultures/economics in a relatively brief period of time. It moreover sets a standard of excellence in terms of program coordination and balance of academic, professional and leisure activities in a cross-cultural setting. KUDOS!” – Richard Sansone, Valencia Community College.

“The Mercosur program was carefully planned and highly organized, which enabled the focus to be on education and interaction. Equally as important to the country and cultural education was the relationships forged with other U.S. faculty and administrators. Further, in meeting faculty and business people from a variety of countries, we had a much more personal experience than a standard tourist would have in Brazil, Argentina and Chile” – Mindy Kraft, University of Florida.

“Mercosur has a different meaning to me after this eye-opening guided trip. Three economies striving to advance face unique challenges, which were clearly introduced by knowledgeable speakers and passionate entrepreneurs. A learning and cultural experience that came together thanks to an oiled organization, timely coordinated to maximize the time in South America. The CIBER and domestic contacts did not lose any chance to be helpful and be always ready to help us and make our travels enrichingly pleasant” – Juan Carlos Molleda, University of Florida.

“The MECOSUR PDIB is a must for faculty members who teach international business courses and who have never been to Latin America. The company visits, talks by central bankers, meetings with business association and educators as well as the cultural events help you to not only understand the features common to Brazil, Argentina & Chile but also appreciate the major differences in these economics” – Ravi Dharwadkar, Syracuse University.

Program Travel Itinerary (Subject to Change):
Group will spend 2-4 days in each country Argentina, Brazil and Chile. Business Sessions and Cultural Visits will take place in each city.

Program contact information:

CIBER Mercosur Consortium co-sponsoring members: