Who wouldn’t like to earn eight DU credit hours while touring the Nordic for three weeks?  That is just what you can do by enrolling in the travel course Darl Bien’s International Business in Europe.  The trip will take you through Stockholm, Sweden, Helsinki, Finland, Tallin, Estonia, Copenhagen, Denmark, and Oslo, Norway, where you will have the opportunity to hear presentations from top management, and directors of marketing, finance, human resources, and operations; as well as attend exclusive VIP company tours of manufacturing, production, and corporate offices.  Aside from business visits you will get to experience the Nordic culture, which is diverse and rich in history.  During June the Nordic is light for seventeen hours a day, and celebrates the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.  Needless to say, you will have plenty of free time to meet locals, visit cultural sites and museums, and get to know the Nordic region.  The trip is open to graduate and undergraduate students wishing to fulfill International Management, International Marketing, or other business electives.

This trip will give you insight into the various business industries including: management, marketing, finance, human resources, international trade, and manufacturing and distribution, as well as international culture and relations.  Some of the businesses include:

Norges Bank – This Norwegian based investment firm handles Norway’s 350 billion   USD oil fund.  Henrik Syse, the investment manager and philosopher, provided a fresh look at the investment banking industry during the 2007 visit.

Honka Homes – Is the world’s largest log home manufacturer, providing Finland with many of their saunas as well.  The Honka visit includes a tour of the model cabins, and a chance to meet the CEO.

Absolut Vodka – The name speaks for itself, which says something about their marketing.  The trip to Absolut will be sure to be memorable for everyone, and in 2007 ended with a private bartending lesson by an Absolut bartender.

Proctor & Gamble – Although P&G is an American Fortune 500 company they are also a good example of how culture plays a role in the way business is done internationally.

Nordea Bank – This investment firm, managing more than $100 million Euro is the most popular bank in Scandinavia.  This trip will strike the interest of everyone, even if you are not a finance major; Nordea provides an insight into every aspect of business.

Carlsberg Brewery – “Probably the best beer in the world”, Carlsberg is a humble and highly successful company which sponsors many museums and events within Denmark.  The 2007 tour ended with a trip to the bar for a tasting, where students got to taste over 16 different beers brewed on sight.

Weather

During June the Nordic region experiences average highs in the low 70’s (˚F), with lows in the mid to low 50’s (˚F).  You can expect around eleven hours of sunshine, and only five hours of total darkness.  It rains, on average, thirteen days a month – so pack an umbrella.  Overall the weather during June is comfortable and calm.

What to Pack

Let us begin by saying; PACK LIGHT! During the 2007 trip the transfer between Helsinki and Copenhagen was by plane. Intercontinental flights in Europe are cheap, but this is because baggage restrictions are strict and enforced – only allowing one bag weighing 22 kilos per person with high fees for being over weight.  Some of things we found most useful, or wished we had were:

• Suits and dress clothes
• An umbrella and a good raincoat
• A watch and/or alarm clock
• A small flashlight
• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
• A safe place to keep your money and valuables
• Warm clothes for the ferries
• Sunglasses
• Things you do not need:
• A hairdryer-because of the vaultage difference in european power outlets, your hair dryer will be destroyed.
• Swimming suit

Financials

In addition to the course fee you will be responsible for airfare, food, and spending money.  Airfare will vary but should be somewhere between $1000 - $1500; the cheapest places to fly into are usually London or Frankfurt.  Make sure to buy your tickets early.  Also invest in an international student ID card, which can be purchased in Driscoll for $25, this will save you money at various places including: museums, train stations, and subways.  Scandinavia is not cheap, breakfasts are included in your hotel fee, but plan on spending around $10 for lunch, and $20 for dinner – if you try you can find places for cheaper.  All-in-all expect to spend around $1000 during your three week stay.

Copenhagen is a busy, urban metropolis; you will encounter more bicyclists in suits than cars. This city is moving whether you are shopping on Stroget, listening to jazz in a local cafe, or checking out the nightlife in one of their many clubs - just make sure you pack your trendiest clothes, as jeans are not well accepted here. During the summer Tivoli Gardens, the second oldest surviving theme park in the world, is a popular attraction for young and old; whether you are looking to ride the rides, visit the gardens, or watch the ballet this is place to be. Tivoli Gardens has one of the world's oldest roller coasters and the worlds tallest carousel. Copenhagen is also the home of fairytale author, Hans Christian Anderson, author of the Little Mermaid, Princess and the Pea, and the Ugly Duckling; a mermaid sculpture was built in his honor and is another popular tourist attraction in the Copenhagen Harbor in Churchill Park. For those who want to travel outside of the city a half hour train ride will take you to Hillerod, home of Frederiksborg Palace, an immaculate palace built in the 1550's.

In 2007 the students took a day trip to Tallinn Estonia, a part of the eastern block until 1991, during which the Estonians celebrated the longest period of independence, 15 years, since 1219. Compared to other Nordic countries Tallinn seems to be in the developing stages, until you open your laptop on the subway; Estonians enjoy nationwide free wireless internet. Skype, the free online communication system, was developed in in Estonia and is the cheapest way to call mom. Old town is also on the Unesco World Heritage list, and will take you back to the 12th century. This is a good place to buy souvenirs, as the exchange rate is better here than in any other Nordic country.

Contrary to common belief Finland is not a part of Scandinavia; rather their language is closely related to the Estonian and Hungarian languages. The Finnish are very nationalistic and take pride in their history and heritage; over 90% of the people are native to Finland, however almost everyone speaks English fluently. Helsinki is different than any other city you will visit; because of its' extreme winters this city does not sleep from May to October. These people are not afraid to let loose, the average club stays open until 4am; when a sort of "third rush hour" takes place. Finland has a rich history, including the greatest sea fortress in the Baltic region, Suomenlinna, a Unesco World Heritage Sight. Although the prices are high just walking the streets provides as much entertainment as a museum.

Oslo is one of the world's ten most expensive cities; but there are also lots to do without spending a lot of money. On Sundays all museums are free, including the famous Monk Museum - home of the Scream painting, and the Nobel Peace Prize Center. The Aker Brygge Pier offers a wide variety of restaurants and nightlife; during the summer art exhibits and festivals dot the pier. Just minutes out of Oslo you can climb 60 meters to the top of Holmenkollen, the world's highest ski jump; the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships will return to Oslo in 2011. The famous Vigeland park, is an 80 acre park featuring 212 bronze and granite sculptures, all created by Gustav Vigeland. The vikings are a large part of Norwegian history; right outside of Oslo is the Viking Ship Museum with preserved ships from the 800's; this museum is home to the world's oldest wood sculpture in Scandinavia. Try your hardest to get off the tourist path and enjoy life with the locals; explore the many things Oslo has to offer. If you have a few days to spare explore the magnificent fjords of Norway. The easiest way to do this is by taking Norway in a Nutshell, a train and bus sightseeing trip; this is a trip worth taking.

Sweden is the home of the original Absolut Vodka Ice bar, located in the Scandic Hotel; this bar is a must, it is made entirely of ice including the stools and glasses. It is kept at a constant temperature of 28 degrees Fahrenheit, and for a little over 20 USD you will receive entrance, your first drink, and a coat - and gloves.For those looking for unbeatable shopping the Sturaplan shopping street is lined with high class european styles, this is also a great place to people watch as there are many street performers, restaurants, and open air beer gardens to keep you occupied for hours. The Vasa Museum is host to the only intact 17th century ship, built by Gustavus Adolphus. Good places for lunch are the cheap and delicious kabob restaurants. Sweden is one of the safest cities in the world; running, biking, and walking are great ways to explore this seemingly small city.