Guest Speaker Nov. 14th: Elena Salsitz, Honorary British Consul in San Diego

 Elena Salsitz served as Chief of Protocol of the City of San Diego from 2000-2006.  She currently teaches International Diplomacy and Protocol in the College of International Business at San Diego State University. 

Salsitz previously served as Chief of Protocol for the NASA/Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.  Salsitz also served a NASA detail in the White House.  Before NASA, she was Special Assistant to the Mayor of Indianapolis and was a Financial Analyst at NBC in New York.     

Salsitz received her A.B. degree from Duke University and an MBA from Columbia University Graduate School of Business.

To hear more and meet Salsitz, come to the International Business Society meeting on November 14th, in room GMCS 301 @ 5pm. Free food and drinks!!!

Language Exams

EXIGE (Spanish)

The official website: http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~exige/.

CCIP (French)

 The official website is: http://www.fda.ccip.fr/. You may be able to find a few practice tests.

 The best thing you can do to prepare is FRENCH 423! The text book is structured almost exactly as the CCIP is. Professor Wilson does a great job of beating valuable info into students’ heads. Dr. Schorr coordinates the test, and he is very nice about answering questions and calming pre-test terror. Read Connie’s blog, it’s very thorough. I didn’t study as much as I could have, and I passed no problem. Results took FOREVER, so be patient. Good luck.” – IB Student, SDSU

 “We’ve all had hair-pulling, pimple-causing, unnatural heart-rate moments at SDSU. One of mine is when I was signing up to take the CCIP. I knew NOTHING about what I was in for, except that I HAD to pass it to graduate.
Here are some things I wish I had known:

1) You only need a 50%(+1) to pass. ( Not sure what the +1 was all about, but that’s what they kept saying…they’re French! )
2) Make sure you take French 423 in the spring. It’s the class that WILL, I repeat WILL prepare you for this test and the test is only administered once a year (in the spring).
3) The test is scheduled for an entire day. I think it was suppose to go from 8am- 4pm. We took a 45 min break for lunch but got out around 2:30pm. So it really wasn’t that bad.
4) It costs about $115, but the prices vary a few dollars each year.
5) You won’t get your results until a few months later. This is because the tests are sent back to Paris for the Parisians to grade. Then they send the scores back to SDSU and the IB office will email you your results. Eventually you’ll get an actual, tangible certificate. I just haven’t gotten mine yet.

The Actual Test Day:
There are two part to the test. Oral and written, which they tell you before hand. We did the oral part first which was also split up into two different parts.
We all had “interview” times with professors/French grad students. It was one-on-one and the first interview was more personal. They ask you standard “get-to-know-ya-questions” such as future goals, interests, etc. The KEY here is to take over the conversation by asking THEM questions. Trust me, it works. You can’t control what they ask you and so they may ask you something that you don’t understand. So…ask them questions back (as much as you can) and keep the conversation going in the direction you are comfortable with. JUST MAKE SURE– to keep the conversation moving.
The second interview was different. They give you 15 min to read a current event article (the article is in English). Then you go into your interview and they will ask you to give a brief summary (obviously in French) and ask you questions about it. We did this in Fr 423 so it wasn’t scary at all. You even have the article in hand with your own notes in the margin to refer back to. This is a huge help and I thought this was the easier interview.

Then when it’s all over you take your lunch break, and come back to do the standard reading/listening comprehension testing in the same ol’ format we have done in all millions of French classes we’ve taken over the years. The last part is to write a letter (the essay part).
The French have (as you know) very particular structure to their letters, which we have to be familiar with. My letter was to write to a furniture company that had gotten my order wrong. I had to make up what was wrong with my order, what I wanted to be done about it…etc.
BRING A HUGE HONKING DICTIONARY, with example letters in the middle (I used a lot of my opening and closing statements from that). I have the Concise Oxford French Dictionary that weighs about 164 lbs. It was 164lbs of salvation.

6) You mark the multiple choice scantron with pen (hence no erasing) so listen/read carefully before you mark anything.
7) I didn’t know this before I took it, but there are sample tests at the CCIP website with practice questions. I highly recommend studying that for confidence boost.
LASTLY- It is ALOT easier then it sounds. French is my weakest subject and I passed this thing with flying colors.
Feel free to email me for other questions.” – IB Student, SDSU

German

The German language exam must be taken in Reutlingen, Germany while studying abroad. Contact your advisor for details.

 Portuguese

The website for the Exige (Portuguese) test is:

http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/%7Ecba/ibiz/exige-brasil/centros.html

Here you will find sample questions, advice, etc.

 Italian

 Dr. Steve Sacco, Professor of European Studies at SDSU, has this advice for students taking the Italian language exam:

The language exit requirement is an effort to
ensure that SDSU IB majors can work successfully in the target
language. Companies desperately want to know if a potential employee
can fluently speak a foreign language. SDSU is the only IB program
in the top 25 (US News & World Report) that requires a language exit
exam and, as a result, places us as the elite IB program in the U.S.
when it comes to language expertise and intercultural understanding.

The best way to study for the language exit exams is to complete
one’s study abroad or internship abroad experience. Spending 4 or
more months completing discipline-oriented coursework in the target
language will more than prepare the IB major for the exam.

Japanese

 Dr. Higurashi, professor of Japanese at SDSU, had this advice for IB Students taking the Japanese language exam:

The Japanese Language Program has been using the past versions of the Japan
Foundation’s Japanese Language Proficiency Examinations (Levels I-IV: Level
IV is the easiest, Level I is for native fluency, and Level II for IB
majors) with their permission for placement purposes at the Test Office and
for assessment purposes in classes.. The exam has three parts: Listening
Comprehension, Reading Comprehension, and Vocabulary and Grammar.

The SDSU General Catalog states: “Students who have special backgrounds, and
those SDSU students who took Japanese elsewhere, including SDSU students who
participated in exchange programs, are required to meet with the program
adviser and to take this examination.” If they take it at the SDSU Test
Office, which is given at the beginning of each semester, it costs $25.00.
The test schedule is posted on-line.

In order to take the proficiency exam at the Test Office, the student has to
(1) be interviewed by the adviser (Professor Ryu Kitajima), (2) receive the
pre-registration form with her signature, and (3) pre-register in person
with an SDSU ID at the Test Office.

The Japanese Language Program has been assessing the proficiency of all
students who are enrolled in all core courses. Those who are enrolled in
Japanese 312, 411, and 412 (the last course to take) are taking different
versions of Level II examinations as part of the course requirement at the
end of the course. This is free.

As you can see, our IB majors have ample opportunities to take Level II
examinations. The Japan Foundation publishes recent examinations through
Bonjinsha in Tokyo. ALC Press in Tokyo published some reference books
including sample exams for those who wish to be better prepared. You can
get more information from JP Trading:

JP Trading, Inc.
800 Burlway Road, Unit A
Burlingame, CA 94010
www.jptrading.com <http://www.jptrading.com&gt;
Tel: (650) 340-6130 Fax: (650) 340-6133

 “There are 2 parts to the test: reading and comprehension. It is all multiple choice. If taking the test at the Testing Office, be sure to have a pencil and a photo ID with you.

When you take Japanese (upper division), you are given these tests in the end of the school year, but don’t worry! The tests do not affect your grade. As long as you pass them, you will be fine.” – IB Student, SDSU

Comments for Studying Abroad

Universidad de Barcelona- class recommendations

 “Prof. Joan Elias – Direccio Comercial (Mktg 370) is a very good class to take in la facultat de empresariales. He is very clear to understand and fair.

Recursos Humanos (Mgmt 350) was a very good easy class as well.

Stay away from Integracio Europea (Regional Elective or Spanish credit). The book is dry and endless. Tons of info to remember. I passed the final but only because I studied 5 hours a day for 1.5 weeks.” – IB Student, SDSU

“Direccion General Estrategia de la empresa
Teoria de Seguros
Estructura de Mercados

All good classes!” – IB Student, SDSU

 “Mkt 370- Direccio Commerial (Carla Tortosa) – okay class.
Historica Economica- Easy class (able to take final in English)
Poliques Internacionales – Very hard (Mele)” – IB Student, SDSU

 “These have all been recommended by a student who studied at the Universitat de Barcelona:

-Marketing 376
-Communicacion
-Integracion Europea
-Intergacion Economica
-Europea y Globalizacion” – IB Student, SDSU

 Valparaiso, Chile – Class Recommendations and Advice

 “Recommended:
Negociaciones w/ Cadiz
Comercio exterior w/ Jaquin
Derecho w/ Olguin
Com. Oral w/ Jose Luis

NOT Recommended:
International Marketing w/ Max Hardy” – IB Student, SDSU

 “Not recommended:
Oral Comm. w/ jose luis meza
Recommended:
Marketing w/ Max Hardy
Bus Law w/ Roldolfo Olguin
Negociaciones w/ Cadiz” – IB Student, SDSU

 “Negociaciones – very boring, but EASY.
Comunicacion Oral – Jose Luis Meza is a funny, (guapo) teacher.
Derecho Internacional – Olguin is very funny, nice, but a hard class.
Administracion de Comercio Exterior – Jaqin is very helpful and nice.” – IB Student, SDSU

 “Taller de Creatividad – awsome class, loved it

Negociaciones – yes it is boring, but easy if you give a little effort
Logistica – Good class, 80 pg final report with group, The teacher Esteban
Sefair, is the best
Formulacion de Proyectos- dun, dun, duuun. Hard class, Mr. Belastigui is a
good guy, but a lot of foriengers did not like him, I had a hard
time in the class.

Note: I have all my old tests from all these classes, and notes.” – IB Student, SDSU

 “Go a couple of weeks early. Remember the seasons are opposite of the U.S. If you are going to live in apartments, visit Propiedades near the apartment you want to live in.

Travel to:
Buenos Aires
Easter Island
Patagonia
San Pedro de Atacama

For more info, kclark8@gmail.com has offered to give advice to students.” – IB Student, SDSU

 “Do’s:
Travel, speak the language, watch local TV, read local papers, find a local bf/gf, keep an open mind, party.

Dont’s:
Speak English, be ethnocentric, be a homebody.” – IB Student, SDSU

 “Before going, look into buying the book “How to survive in the Chilean Jungle”. It really helps because the slang in Chile is terrible.” – IB Student, SDSU

 Chilean School System

“Ok, you are going to start classes in Chile. The recommendations of teachers that they have in this forum is important, as other Chilean students do not have the option to choose who there teacher is, they get what they get, so take advantage of choosing class times and teachers.

1. Get here early. I got here two weeks before The semester started. This gave me the necessary time to get settled, and familiar with my new surroundings, tambien tiempo para practicar el español. The first week of school, everyone told me was not important, and many of the functions for the new students is during this week. I would go if you could, because teachers are still having class, and I was actually counted down on my attendance. Although its not imperative, I think it a good idea to check it out for yourself.

2. Classes are different in Chile. Although the lengths and times of the classes are generally the same as in SDSU, the material and how it is taught can be different depending on your class and teacher. For example, 80 page reports are not uncommon (written in Spanish), there are a lot of group projects, teachers expect a class captain, someone who makes the email accounts for the class. OJO: these e mail accounts are used to send homework and grades, so make sure you know the account and password to access it. I have found that the communication in general of holidays, due dates and whether or not there is a class can be a bit vague so pay attention, and have the phone numbers of other Chilean students, they always know what is up. As many announcements are passed down through students or the email page, so don’t expect a flier.

3. You don’t need to buy books. Text books are expensive, so Chilean students…do not buy them, they photocopy everything. So don’t worry about having a book budget. My most expensive copying was around US$10 for one class. Teachers at the begining of the semester will give a syllabus with the book and page numbers necessary for the class.

3. There are a lot of holidays, take advantage of this time for traveling.

4. Get MSN Messenger. As having a phone can me kind of pricy for students down here, messenger is used as the communication tool for all things like group projects or then next party, sign up, its also a good free way to stay in contact with buddies back in S.D.

5. Overall, I like the school system here, in my opinion it is a bit easier and more relaxed, but this comment can vary on the person.” – IB Student, SDSU

Barcelona Fun

 “For a great time at a popular tourist bar, try l’ovella Negra.
Calle: Sitges

Get a metro map before you leave.” – IB Student, SDSU
“Las Ramblas and Plaza Espana are highly recommended from students staying in Barcelona.” – IB Student, SDSU

 Italy

 “Do’s and Don’t’s
-don’t call home to often
-if people want to visit, try to have them come towards the middle or
the end or your stay to avoid homesickness
-Try to surround yourself with people from your host country if you
want to integrate into the culture and obtain fluency in your language
-See as much of the area/country as you can.
-Joining an organization like the Red Cross in your host country is a
great way to meet people in your host country.” – IB Student, SDSU

Japan Recommendations

 “Pokarier, Chris –Hard professor, knows his stuff, well—connected in
Business of Japan
Bernard, Rosemarie – Harvard Educated anthropology Professor, good for
elective credit.” – IB Student, SDSU

 “Talk to your professor, especially those you like, since this is an
unique opportunity to meet contacts who are doing exactly want you
want to do, such as Japanese Executive. Also study as much in class as
outside, talk to Japanese people to improve at this language.
Don’ts:
Hide out in your room, neglect Japanese studies., worry more about
MUNBY than having fun, (you will regret it), Forget to review the
language placement test at the start of the year.” – IB Student, SDSU

 Universidad de Valladolid, Espana Class Recommendations

 “Classes NOT recommended:
Introduccion a la economia financiera w/ Jose Maria Fortuna
Mercados e instituciones financiera internacional w/ Jose Fernandez” – IB Student, SDSU

 Socializing in Europe

“For those of you studying abroad in Europe, you might want to check out the “Erasmus” parties and events.

Erasmus is the term for exchange students in Europe and they tend to do a lot of fun stuff. “ – IB Student, SDSU

 

Housing

Barcelona housing

“Here is the contact info for an amazingly helpful and nice housing service. I used a different service that was terrible.” – IB Student, SDSU

Bed & Breakfast Barcelona
Rda. Universidad, 12, 7-20
08007 Barcelona, Spain

Phone: 93 304 00 55
FAX: 93 304 00 56
email: bedandbreakfast@doomlain.es

“Housing can also be found on craigslist.com, this was the best cheapest way that one student found to get an apartment.” – IB Student, SDSU

“One student recommended exploring the city before deciding on where you would like to live. There are plenty of hostels where you can stay at in the mean time. Check out www.hostelworld.com to make reservations.” – IB Student, SDSU

“Another website you might try is:

www.Barcelona-home.com

It has a lot of nice options for short term housing, i.e. a year or less. I would recommend getting on the internet up to 6 months before leaving for Barcelona if you hope to secure lodging prior to arrival. For those who are particular about where they stay might want to do some extra work. Often times the best flats in the city are booked months in advance.

There are many great locations in which to live in Barcelona. The university is just a bit out of the center of the city. However it is a simply and quick metro ride to arrive on campus. Some locations I might suggest are;

Barrio Gothico, for those who want more of a downtown old Europe feel.
Poble Nou, which is nice and quiet but a bit out of the way.
Barceloneta, is the trendiest beach area in town.
The Parrell area is nice as well.

Areas that I would avoid are:
The Raval, lots of crime in this area, although it is right downtown.
Anything that requires the “ferrocarrill de la generalitat” in order to get to the integrated metro systems.” – IB Student, SDSU

Chile

“From personal experience, I came down to Chile without much planning as to where I am going to live. As most of you have found out, it can be difficult to secure a place to live before you come down and unless you plan to live with a family, I believe it is better not to do so much planning. Although a little bit of background research of apartments in Chile is good to do, I find that you can get a better deal by coming down and negotiating yourself. So if you are interested in living with other roommates down in Chile here is some advice.

1. When you get down here have a reservation at a Hostel or Hotel, whatever you prefer. that way you can go out to look at houses without all your tons of luggage you will have with you. You can find recommendations in any travel book of Chile (a very good investment!).

2. Find a roommate. I organized to room with other people from SDSU and before I came down. It worked out well. Another option is to wait until you get down here to find roommates. There are usually a lot of people, from all over the world looking for roommates as well. You just need to be open and willing to deal with cultural conflicts living with two or three other people from around the world. But on the other hand you will learn a lot. There is a group orientation for all the new foreigners at the University, you will meet people there and the first few days of classes. A final resort, is to organize with people already down here, sometimes they have roommates leave on them and are looking for someone to fill the room.

3. Viña del Mar o Valparaíso. Many students, well most from SDSU, choose to live in Viña. It is close to the beach, school, but it is also a bit more expensive than Valpo. Valparaíso (or Valpo) is more of a port city. It has a great night life, but as a city there are more people, and it is your cheapest option. I live in Viña, as I was told that Valpo is too dangerous. I am doing my internship in Valpo, and don’t believe it is more dangerous, but you need to be alert and know what streets not to walk down. Many Europeans prefer to live in Valpo. I like Viña because I can walk to school and I live right on the beach. For my 3 and a half bedroom, 3 bath apartment on the 16th floor, I pay about $433,000 Chilean pesos after utilities etc. which is about a little under $800. Not bad for a nice apartment.

4.How to search for an apartment? You got a couple of options, you can go through propriedades (realtors) or call numbers in the window. If you go through propriedades, just remember you can go to five different ones that will show you apartments, don’t feel that you need to stick with just one, go with whatever gives the best deal. And look around at Viña before you go so you have an idea about where you would like to live, and what amount of rent you are willing to pay. The farther away from the beach the cheaper! Now, if you call number in the window, first you got to have a cell phone (prepaid is what i like, you can get one for $20.000 Chilean pesos) and you won’t have so many options, but you may avoid the fee associated with the realtor.

5. A final note, if your staying for a year look for a year lease, as prices go up very high for summer renters. Or if you plan to travel during the summer a semester lease would work and you loose your apartment for summer. My apartment has taken in a lot of luggage of the people who do just that. Or, as my friend Travis did, live and work at a hostel. He lived at a hostel in Valpo and worked a few hours a week, he paid no rent!” – IB Student, SDSU
Hirosake, Japan

Housing info for Hirosaki university:
http://www.hirosaki-u.ac.jp/english/i-house.html

“Housing was provided through CSUIP. So everything was set up
automatically. I lived in an all male dormitory called Wakei-Juku,
which was a great way to jump right into Japan’s youth culture and
make friends fast.” – IB Student, SDSU

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Here’s the info regarding housing at National Sun Yat-Sen University:
http://www.oia.nsysu.edu.tw/oia_n/index_e.php?lang=en&sec=exchange&page=information&picname=i

La Coruna, Spain

Here’s the info regarding housing at Universidade da Coruña:
http://www.udc.es/dppeu/coruna/
CLICK on ‘Residencia Rialta’

Madrid

Here’s the info regarding housing at Universidad Antonio de Nebrija:
http://www.nebrija.com/internacional/studyabroad/information/accommodation.htm

Mexico

Housing info for Monterrey:
http://www.udem.edu.mx/residencias/
Housing info for Tijuana (CETYS AND UABC):
– These universities don’t have on-campus housing, but school officials can help you when you contact them. Here are some average costs of living in Tijuana:
Casa de Asistencia (home stay): 330 dlls us Mensuales con comidas incluidas.
Renta de departamento: 200-300 dlls us Mensual (variable)
Transporte (bus, taxis): 40 dlls us Mensual (variable)
Libros de texto: 100 dlls us Mensual (variable)
Alimentos: 150 dlls us Mensual (variable)
Entretenimiento: 150 dlls us Mensual (variable)
http://www.tij.cetys.mx/
http://www.tij.uabc.mx/campus/index.php

Reutlingen, Germany

Here’s the info regarding housing at Reutlingen University:
http://www.hochschule-reutlingen.de/englisch/
CLICK on ‘Student Services’ and then ‘Accommodation’.

France

Here’s the info regarding housing at EPSCI, Ecole De Management International:
http://www.essec.fr/grande-ecole-commerce-etudes/logement-etudiant

Wuhan, China

Here’s the information regarding housing at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law (ZUEL):
http://www.znufe.edu.cn/eng/Admissions/Living.htm

Quebec, Canada

Here you can find all the information regarding housing at Universite du Quebec a Chicoutimi:
http://www.uqac.ca/administration_services/sae/logement/index.php

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Here you can find all the information regarding housing at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro:
http://www.puc-rio.br/ensinopesq/ccci/housing.html

SDSU (San Diego Area)

HERE ARE THE WEBSITES WHERE YOU CAN FIND EVERYTHING RELATED TO HOUSING IN SAN DIEGO:
-ON CAMPUS-
http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/housing/
-OFF CAMPUS-
http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/isc/prospective/res_housing_off.html

TEMPORARY HOUSING

Before you arrive in San Diego, you should make arrangements for temporary housing. If you have signed a contract to live on campus, you can not move into your residence hall until the weekend before classes. If you plan to live off campus, you will need some time to search for an apartment. The ISC does not arrange temporary accommodations, but several options are listed below. You must contact the hotel or hostel directly. Here are some options near SDSU:

Howard Johnson Hotel
6440 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115
Phone: (619) 286-2040 Fax: (619) 286-2517
Web: www.hojo.com
Cost : starting $69 (for 1), $79 (for 2) per night. Hotel room accommodations with coffee, TV, micro., mini-refrigerator, and free breakfast. Near restaurants and shops. Transportation: Public Bus #1, transfer to #55 or #15. Twenty minute bus ride. Thirty-five minute walk to SDSU Campus.

Best Western Lamplighter Inn & Suites
6474 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115
Phone: (619) 525-3088 Fax (619) 582-6873 Reservations: (800) 545-0778
Web: www.lamplighter-inn.com
E-mail: bwlamplighterinnandsuites@nethere.com
Cost: $69-$89+tax (except holidays) per night, $350 per week, September-June Only 1 km from SDSU. Rooms have coffee maker, iron, hair dryer, TV/HBO, phone/ data port and free local calls and breakfast. Transportation: 10-15 minute walk to SDSU campus. Public Bus #1, transfer to #55 or #15. Twenty minute bus ride.

Comfort Inn & Suites
631 Camino del Rio South, San Diego, CA 92108
Phone: (800) 433-0452, (619) 881-4700
Fax: (619) 881-4701
Suites (living room/bedroom) sleeps six. Each has a micro., fridge, coffee maker and TV. Free breakfast. Two km to shops/food. Transportation: May need car or taxi. Bus #81 goes to SDSU, but bus stop is located 2 km from hotel. Twenty-five minute bus ride.

Studio 819
819 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 542-0819 Fax: (619) 688-6512
Web: www.studio819.com E-mail: info@studio819.com
Cost: $60-75/night, $680-820/mo. (for 1 or 2) – Depending on duration of stay. Short or long-term in basic rooms with micro., TV, and fridge. Close to restaurants and shops. No non-smoking rooms. Transportation: Public bus #11 stops outside hotel door. Forty minute bus ride to SDSU

San Diego Hostel
521 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 525-1531 Fax: (619) 338-0129
Web: www.sandiegohostels.org
E-mail: Program@Sandiegohostels.org
Cost: Dorms are $17-$22.50 / Private Rm: $47-$59 Student Housing: $350-$650 per month Private and shared rooms with cable TV, fridge, microwave & desk. Library, laundry and internet access. Free breakfast. In the downtown Gaslamp Quarter near, restaurants/ shops. Transportation: Public bus #11 goes to SDSU. Sixty minute bus ride. Public bus available from airport to hostel.

Valparaiso, Chile
It is good to stay with a family. Go to:
www.uvm.cl
Violetta is the housing coordinator.
“The property manager had several properties to show us, and my apartment was one of the best parts of my experience. I would definitely recommend what I did, it is a great learning process.” – IB Student, SDSU

Valladolid, Spain

Go through the international relations office at the university – it has been recommended.
”Go through Fatima, she’s very nice and helpful.” – IB Student, SDSU

Study Abroad Advice- Before You Go

Application Process

Allow for Government Hesitation

Some of the students complain of a lengthy application process due to difficulties. Make sure you apply with plenty of time to spare in case something goes wrong.

Call visa office (embassy) before going and make sure you have everything. Don’t forget money, and make copies of everything.

One Year Study Abroad Advice

Make sure you tell the US Consulate if you plan on being gone for 2 semesters.

Be especially sure to do this when studying in Barcelona. Students have had problems with the length of validity on their student visas.

Info Session to Study Abroad

The following link has all the details regarding the information sessions to study abroad.

http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/isc/study_abroad/pr_Information_Sessions.html

The following link has all the details regarding the information sessions to study abroad.

http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/isc/study_abroad/pr_Information_Sessions.html

Guest Speaker: Bella Huelle, President of SD World Trade Center

The International Business Society is pleased to announce that we will be hosting guest speaker Bella Huelle, President and CEO of the San Diego World Trade Center, at our next meeting: October 17th in Room PS 130 @ 5pm.

What is the WTC?

SDWTC provides comprehensive international trade services and key global contacts to facilitate and expand trade for regional worldwide clients. Leveraging its global network of World Trade Centers and affiliate partners, SDWTC is the proven forum for international information, communications and connections.

SDWTC was established in 1994 to serve the growing needs of San Diego businesses. It is an international business organization licensed by the World Trade Centers Association in New York, WTCA. Members include businesses or organizations involved in world trade.

What does the WTC do?

The San Diego World Trade Center acts as a matchmaker and reference for members, providing data on overseas markets and suppliers. Members benefit from counseling at each step of the export and import process. The staff resources and proprietary networks of SDWTC work to connect members with the full range of international business opportunities. Some of the many services we provide include: trade missions, information, connections, communications, educational seminars and training programs, export assistance services, and administrative support.

INTERNSHIPS:

SDWTC offers six unique intern programs. You will be assigned a manager and be given a variety of duties within the scope of the program. In order to maximize the experience, we ask for a minimum commitment of six months from you. If applicable, check with your educational advisor to see if you can receive credits for time you spend on your SDWTC internship.

***Please email your resume to Judy Long or fax to (619) 615-0876, Attention: Human Resources.

To learn more, visit http://sdwtc.org/

The Benefits of Joining IB

The benefits of joining the International Business Society:

– Attend meetings and fun events

– Emails with Career and Internship opportunities

– A professional certificate to include in your portfolio (for interviews and applying for grad school, etc.)

– A graduation gift from us

– Meet people in your major, find someone to study abroad with you

How can I join?

-Visit our website: http://www.ibsocietysdsu.com. Click on “Join Us” tab to the right and click on the PayPal icon. You may pay credit or debit and its only $40 for the whole year through August 2008!

– Attend a meeting and pay using cash, a check, money order, or use our laptop setup after the meeting.

Professional Dress Guidelines

Men’s Interview/Business Attire

Dark colored full suit and tie, but exceptions may include a collared shirt, tie, and slacks

Business suit- jacket and pants combination is the norm.

Overcoat- a solid color overcoat (mid to long length) may be used when needed.

Professional

Business Suit

• Dark colors: black, navy, gray, etc. (avoid bright colors)
• Jacket should fit comfortably on shoulders and can either fit over your hands or a little longer than
• Pants should be fit and comfortable, but watch the length
• Solid or stripes (avoid flashy appearance)
• Include a long-sleeved button down shirt that is solid and coordinates with suit
• A conservative solid color or even striped tie is a must
• Dark color belt should go with suit and match your shoes

Shoes

• Must be leather, dark color and should match the suit
• “dress shoe” or similar design

Accessories

• Jewelry should be kept at minimal or taken off
• Briefcase or portfolio recommended

Women’s Interview/Business Attire

A conservative dark navy or gray skirted wool blend suit (beige or brown are also acceptable). Red is a power color. A blazer with blouse and skirt is a possible second choice to a suit. You should always wear a jacket.

Skirt length should be a little below the knee Avoid wearing a dress (unless accented with a jacket). Blouses should be cotton or silk and should be white, or some other light color. Shoes should be low-heeled.

Professional:

Matched skirted suit- skirt and jacket in same color and fabric is traditional and the most formal choice.

Unmatched suit- skirt and jacket in coordinating colors and fabrics is only slightly less formal than a matched one.

Business dress- worn with or without a coordinated jacket creates a more relaxed, friendly message

Matched pantsuit- trousers and jacket in same color and fabric is a popular choice

Ensemble- fitted dress with long or short matching jacket is an elegant way to simplify business dressing.

Matched Suit

• Solid colors are best, but stripes or light plaids are okay, should not cling or shine
• The best basic colors for women are black, brown to camel, burgundy, blue to navy, beige to taupe, and all shades of gray. The darker the color, the more authority the suit will impart to the woman wearing it
• A skirt is considered more formal but pant suits are more appropriate with less conservative organizations

Blouse

• Should be clean, pressed, and well tailored
• White, ivory, or light blue are best, solid colors or subtle patterns are acceptable
• Fabric should be cotton or silk and avoid lace, ruffles, and shinny fabrics

Shoes

• Choose basic conservative pumps, no strappy sandals and extremely high heels
• Should be closed toe and heel and the heel should be between 1” to 3” high
• Dark blue, brown, black or maroon. Should match the hemline or be darker
• Fashion colors such as red or purple are impractical because it only goes with one outfit and it may be too bold for the boardroom.
• Must match the conservative tone of the suit

Accessories

• Jewelry should be minimal and subtle such as pearls (not too big) or a simple silver or gold necklace
• Use a briefcase rather than a purse
• Hosiery should match your skin color not bright colors

Business Casual for Men

Pants

• “Dockers” or similar, slacks, and dress pants are acceptable (dark, solid colored)
• Pants should be pressed and well tailored

Jacket

• Sport coat
• Blazer
• Suit jacket

Shirts

• Collared (solid or stripped) and pressed
• Long sleeve recommended
• Collared polo or sweater is acceptable
• Should be well fit but not too tight

Shoes

• Leather required
• Dark color

Accessories

• Matching belt is required
• Ties are optional
• Head Covers used for religious purposes/cultural traditions are allowed
• Jewelry should be minimal to none (remove sunglasses when appropriate)
• Aftershave/cologne should be minimized

Business Casual for Women

Pants/skirts/dresses

• Conservative pants, skirts, and dresses are acceptable
• Skirts and dresses should be knee high or longer
• Pants should be well tailored but not overly tight
• A Varity of colors are okay but solid tones are safer; navy, black, gray, brown khaki
• Avoid flashy, shinny, or revealing looks
• For the most business-like appearance, pants should be creased and tailored; neither extreme of tight or flowing
• Your skirt should come at least to your knees while you are standing. 
• Slips should not be visible.

Jacket

• Creates a more professional look
• Can be removed to have a more casual look
• Solid shade or subtle design

Shirts/blouses/sweater

• Should be well fit but not too tight
• Cotton, silk, and blend are the most appropriate
• Pastel colors are recommended

Shoes

• Should be closed toe and heel
• Color must match the outfit
• Approach the slingback and open-toe with great caution because this may be inappropriate for the organization.

Accessories

• Use a briefcase instead of a purse. If you must have a purse it must be small and conservative. Something that is structured not floppy, canvas and straw are not acceptable
• Jewelry should be minimal
• Panty hose are recommended with a skirt or dress but not essential and should match your skin tone.

 

 

Featured Guest Speaker: Curtis Baffico

Curtis Baffico was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and moved to San Diego in 1993. He started his first business at age 19 and has had many successful small ventures including an E*Trade Financial partner ATM company which he sold in early 2004. Having traveled to over 30 countries in his young life (now 37), he’s learned that life is much more than a paycheck. That’s why he arranges his entire life and business around what he’s passionate about, travel, adventure, & environment. His latest venture promises that it will raise massive funds for 20 of the world’s top caretakers who remain under-funded in pursuit of their missions. Individual and business supporters get a real sense of ownership in the difference they’ll each make in an innovative way found nowhere else. While Curtis has no formal college education, he’ll surprise you with the books he’s read and the work he’s done to learn how to enjoy an average of 4-5 months of holiday annually for the past 15 years while still paying the mortgage and seeing the world at the same time.

To hear more about Curtis’ experience with International Entrepreneurship, come to our meeting on September 19th @ 5pm in GMCS 301 at San Diego State University.

 

 

New Blog!

Hello members, students, faculty & staff, and guests who are interested in International Business!

You may have been familliar with the Member’s Forum on our website for the past year but, as with anything, organizations evolve over time. We have decided to replace the Forum with a Blog, so that it can be more accessible, with no complicated log-in and passwords.

You will find advice and comments about Studying Abroad, Language Exams, Internships (and so much more) written by students like you who have already experienced what it is truly like to be an International Business Student at SDSU. Also, there will be announcements and interesting acticles. And anyone is free to leave comments and questions.

See you at our next meeting, enjoy!

Joanne Nikolov
President
International Business Society
SDSU

Student Organization Fair, Fall 2007

Travis (Exec VP), Jen (VP Admin) and Joanne (President)