University of South Carolina

1. Thomas Gaczkowski Michael Liberda Spring 2008 University of South Carolina Columbia, SC 29208 USA

2. Motivation • Facts • Housing • Courses • Fees and Tuition • Studying at USC • Around Campus & Columbia • Conclusion Agenda

3. MOTIVATION Choices included: • University of South Carolina • Clemson University • College of Charleston Choice fell on usc • Great reputation • Positive feedback from former students • A lot of students, a lot of student life

4. FACTS Studies start a lot earlier in the U.S. than in Germany (January 14th, 2008) Booked flights a few months earlier Arrived in the U.S. January 5th Welcomed by a former student of the University, Don Caughman Studies started January 14th

5. HOUSING Several different options for housing on-campus Our address: South Quad… …houses a living-learning community called the “Carolina Global Community” • participate in activities throughout the semester • placed intentionally mixed: International and American • apartment style living: own bedroom, share living area with three other students • very centrally located, which made finding our way around campus very easy

6. COURSES • International Financial Management (Schwerpunktmodul Financial Accounting) • The financial management of a multinational business enterprise • “Makroökonomie” - Prof. Dr. Kronenberger – but with a stronger financial aspect • International Marketing (International Aspects) • Cultural, legal, political, and economic factors affecting international marketing of products and services. Emphasis on differences in life styles, beliefs, attitudes, etc., and their influences upon marketing decisions • “Marketing” – Prof. Dr. Thomaschewski – but a lot more practical in nature

7. COURSES • Cross-Cultural Behavior and Negotiations (International Aspects) • Understanding of cross-cultural differences and their effects on individual behavior and business practices in organizations • This course involves a lot of practices in cross-cultural negotiations through group or one-on-one sessions • Organization Behavior (Schwerpunktmodul Strategisches Management) • Introduction to human behavior in organizations. Emphasis on factors that contribute to the effectiveness of individuals and groups in organizations • “Personalwirtschaft” – Prof. Dr. Möbius – but more in-depth

8. COURSES • Operations Management (Schwerpunktmodul Management II) • Management of activities/resources that result in the production of competitive goods and services in the global market place. Integrates cross-functional concepts from marketing, finance, and management • “Leistungswirtschaft” – Prof. Dr. Kals

9. FEES & TUITION Payable by cash or check Tuition fees: $ 4,700 / semester Residential fees: $ 2,970 / semester (= South-Quad) • $1,000 more than other on-campus housings • You may open a bank account in the U.S.

10. COSTS

11. STUDYING AT USC 5 courses = lot of work Classes were refreshingly different • Weekly home works (got graded) • Many presentations • Each class up to 3 exams

12. AROUND CAMPUS & COLUMBIA West of the University • District called “Vista” with a lot of restaurants, bars and “Publix”, comparable to “Aldi/Lidl” East of the University • District “Five-Points”, where the party goes on in the weekends, with a bunch of students’ pubs and clubs • Only opened until 2 a.m. on Saturdays! North-West of the University • “Harbison” with a huge buying center • Malls • Cinemas

13. AROUND CAMPUS & COLUMBIA South Carolina = Car state Public transport is nearly not available Leisure activities possible on campus • Basketball/Baseball /Football stadium • free entry into those games as a student • Two fitness gyms • Free cinema • Koger Center • Barrack Obama • Blue Man Group

14. CONCLUSION Excellent Time !!! • A lot of new American and international friends • Great Professors and great care • Many activities at campus and in SC

15. IMPRESSIONS

16. IMPRESSIONS

17. Thank you for your attention !!!