Program Description

Traditional labor unions worldwide are facing membership declines due to a variety of factors, including international market forces, changing technologies, and government interventions. Such challenges are present in the U.S., where several major unions "broke away" from the AFL-CIO in 2005 to form their own "Change to Win" coalition.

In several South American countries, previous government/labor alliances are being eclipsed by grass roots worker movements, such as worker-managed enterprises in Argentina and community collaboratives in Bolivia. In fact, Evo Morales, a former union leader, was elected President of Bolivia in 2005.

This trip will compare/contrast the changing face of unions in the U.S., Argentina, and Bolivia. Students will conduct research, meet with academic, business, government, and union leadership, and tour a variety of businesses. In addition, there will be numerous opportunities for cultural and recreational activities in both Argentina and Bolivia.

Lake Titicaca

Philip Deger MSIR, is a Management instructor at the University of Minnesota, Morris. He is a graduate of Loyola University-Chicago Institute of Human Resources and Industrial Relations. Phil also serves as faculty advisor for two UMM student organizations: Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) student chapter, and the Nordic Ski Club.

Deborah Kerr Deger, BSN, RN, CNP, is a Public Health Nurse for Benton County MN, as well as a free lance Spanish Interpreter/Translator. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Program in Translation and Interpretation. Deb lived in Sucre, Bolivia in the 1970's.

For further information about this program, please contact Philip Deger at philipd@morris.umn.edu or at 320-202-0885.

Course Description

Mgmt XXXX Comparative U.S./South American Labor Relations, 4 cr.

Analysis of changing labor-management relations in U.S., Argentina, and Bolivia. Activities include classroom instruction, multimedia research, meetings with academic, business, government, and union leadership, company tours. Guided tours to cultural and historical sites. Assessment may include pre-trip research, trip journal, post-trip correspondence, post-trip presentation at UMM.

Cultural Activities:

Argentina: Soccer match, tango lessons, Evita museum
Bolivia: Lake Titicaca, Tiwanacu ruins, Potosi mines

Itinerary

Itinerary is subject to change due to local scheduling.

Budget

Program Cost: $4,850

Includes: tuition, round trip airfare, ground transportation, lodging, most meals, program excursions, insurance and instruction fees.

Estimated Extra Costs: $1,000

Includes but not limited to: Meals not covered by program and personal spending.


Application Deadlines

Initial Deadline: Friday, December 14, 2007
- receive a $150 program fee reduction
-entered into a $500 fee reduction drawing

Early Deadline: Friday, January 25, 2008
- receive a $100 program fee reduction

Final Deadline: Friday, February 15, 2008

Regardless of when you turn in your application, you may be eligible to apply for UMM scholarship worth up to $750. For scholarship applications, contact the Center for International Programs.