By taking this class you will practice problem-solving in an international consulting context. Working in a team, you will propose solutions to real-world challenges experienced by wineries in Argentina, where wine making is a global business fueled by exports. You and your team will analyze problems, identify goals and requirements, evaluate alternative solutions, and present recommendations to real clients. Read more about students’ experiences on the 2018 program blog.
Location
Argentina is a place where cultural differences from the US are at the same time both overt and subtle. Mendoza, the heart of Argentine winemaking, is a city that holds onto Argentine traditions like siestas, mate, and late and long dinners. It is the ideal place for you to gain insights into the cultural differences between Argentina and the US and develop the ability to successfully cope with these differences.
Courses
GCI: IT Project Practicum in Argentina
(COMM 4293; 3 credits)
or System Case Studies
(SYS 2054/3054; 3 credits)
Course Information
While a student can choose which class they would like to enroll in, the UVA in Argentina program is the same regardless of the chosen course. The SYS course requires a 2.5 minimum GPA and is open to all UVA 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students, regardless of major. The Comm course requires a 3.0 GPA and is open to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students only. Students outside of COMM and SYS are encouraged to apply. There are no language requirements. Students will work in teams and a diverse set of skills are necessary to form strong teams. Students in the Commerce School can apply these credits toward the IT concentration, Global Commerce Track or as a Commerce Elective.
Additional materials are available on a site maintained by the Commerce School. The material on this page, while only referencing the COMM course number, applies to the entire program. You can also add yourself to our Collab site for students interested in the program - search for Arg-Swdn InfoSite here and join the site!
Program Objectives
Students shall gain an understanding of the cultural differences inherent to working within an international context, while expanding their knowledge of business and systems engineering concepts through a short project with a client in Mendoza, Argentina. After completing the course, students shall be able to:
Explain differences between engineering and business practices in US and Argentina.
- Identify client needs.
- Generate and evaluate alternative solutions to the identified challenges.
- Deliver effective oral presentations to clients.
- Write effective executive reports for clients.
The class is 3 credits and is cross listed as COMM 4293 and SYS 2054/3054. Students in the UVA in Argentina program all have the same experience regardless of which class they choose to enroll.
COMM 4293 has the following pre-requisites: Commerce standing or Instructor Permission. McIntire students: COMM 4293 can count towards (1) the IT concentration, (2) the Global Commerce Track, and (3) and as a McIntire elective. Please note, this course is not open to 1st year students.
To take SYS 3054, students need to have taken one of the following courses: SYS 2001, APMA 3100, APMA 3110, APMA 3120, or Instructor Permission. There are no pre-requisites for SYS 2054.
There is no language requirement. Please refer to the program web brochure for a detailed course syllabus and program itinerary.
Faculty
Stefano Grazioli | grazioli@virginia.edu
Professor Grazioli teaches in the McIntire School of Commerce. His areas of expertise are the design and management of business information systems. Professor Grazioli understands study abroad, as he completed his undergraduate college education in Europe and has taught IT and business classes in three continents. At the McIntire School of Commerce, Professor Grazioli teaches grad and undergrad classes that focus on how to use Information Technology to generate business value.
Ryan Nelson | rnelson@virginia.edu
Professor Nelson is active in the undergraduate, graduate, and executive education programs at the McIntire School of Commerce. In 2014, he received an All-University Teaching Award from the University of Virginia. He currently serves as the Director of the Center for the Management of Information Technology, a position he has held since the founding of CMIT in 1991. During his tenure at the McIntire School, he has also served as Associate Dean of the Undergraduate Program for five years, as Information Technology Area Coordinator for nine years, and as Director of the M.S. in MIT Program for 10 years
Accommodation and Meals
The group will stay at a hotel located on Plaza Chile in downtown Mendoza. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, A/C, TV, a bathroom and a kitchen in each suite. A complementary light breakfast is offered every morning. Most importantly, the hotel is in a central location for walking in Mendoza. The central Plaza Independencía, a grocery store, laundry, and restaurants are all within walking distance.
Accessibility
The University of Virginia believes in providing reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities on an individual basis. This course is intensive and planned activities can last over twelve hours per day. Daily client interactions require intense concentration for extended periods of time. If you believe that you would require adjustments in order to fully participate in this program, please contact the Student Disability Access Center at 434-243-5180 as early as possible in order to begin this dialogue.
Passport and Visa
All participants will need a valid passport in order to participate in the program. Students must ensure that their passport is valid at least six months past the program return date. International students should meet with their International Student Advisor in the International Studies Office as part of the application process.
Health and Safety Information
