1998 UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON MISSION TO CENTRAL ASIA |
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MISSION DESCRIPTION
An opportunity to enhance the academic experience is offered to a limited number of participants. For two weeks this summer, travel to Central Asia and experience the romance of commerce on the fabled Silk Road, live in Bishkek the capital of Kyrgyz Republic, hike in the Alpine wilderness of the Ala Archa National Park, swim in the warm waters of the mile high Lake Issyk Kyul, and experience first hand the birth pangs of a fledgling market economy. It will be an experience of a lifetime!
Dr. Satya P. Chattopadhyay, Associate Professor of Marketing and the Faculty Coordinator of the Mission to Central Asia will be leading the group of University of Scranton students on this, his sixth visit to Central Asia. Trans-Atlantic travel will be arranged directly with Northwest/KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The group will be taken through a comprehensive program encompassing cultural, historic and economic panorama of Central Asian Region and The Kyrgyz Republic in particular. Bi-lingual liaisons and escorts will ensure quality of the experience, assuring safety and comfort level of participants.
Participants will be provided with double occupancy accomodation in a hotel attached to the Academy of Management in Bishkek. Visits to museums, cultural events and performances will be important components of the mission. A critical aspect of the mission will be the meetings arranged with government officials and executives of private and joint venture firms where participants will be able to have their questions on aspects of the Central Asian economy and management practice answered. The mission will encourage and promote interaction of participants with local population from all walks of life in order to foster understanding and goodwill between the US and the Kyrgyz Republic. All participants will be attending special classes and pairing up with MBA students at the Academy of Management. In addition there will be time to take in excursions to the Ala-Archa National Park and Preserve, a weekend of sun and swimming at Lake Issyk-Kyul, a mile high lake in the Alatoo Mountains and to Almaty, the capital of Kazakhstan. The evenings will offer opportunities to savor the variety of culinary delights and explore the emerging club scene in this reopened pit-stop of the Silk Road.
ACADEMIC CREDITS
Participants can obtain three academic credits at the University of Scranton by registering for MK 490 / MKT 569 Special Topics (International Markets- Focus on Central Asia) in Summer I 1998, paying half price tuition (in addition to the participation fee), and completing specific academic requirements.
TOUR EXTENSION
Participants may choose to extend the duration of their trip on their own. The participants also have the option, subject to availability of bookings, to stopover in Amsterdam and spend time in Europe on their way back to the United States. All extensions are the responsibility of the participants, and any cost of re-booking of air tickets incurred will be their responsibility.
TRIP DETAILS
PARTICIPATION FEE $2500.00
Above amount covers ground transportation in the US (Scranton-New York-Scranton), transatlantic airfare (Northwest/KLM) and taxes; airport transfers; organizational fee; visa; maps and brochures; accommodation, daily breakfast and some meals, educational & cultural program, internal travel and staff support in Central Asia.
Passport fee and personal purchases and personal spending money will be extra and are NOT covered. Tuition (at 50% of regular) for 3 academic credits (optional) will be extra and payable directly to the University.
IMPORTANT:
Major inflation in the CIS, could increase expenses there. The participation fee is guaranteed only on full payment.
Transatlantic flights will be on Northwest/KLM Royal Dutch Airlines via Amsterdam. Participants will fly into and out of Almaty, Kazakhstan. Cost of transportation between Almaty and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan is included in the trip cost. Costs are based upon air fares valid at the time of this announcement. After receipt of your deposit, $100 will be deposited with the airline to protect against any fare increases in the transatlantic portion of the trip.
PASSPORTS
Obtain your passport now if you do not already have a current one; it is needed for your Kyrgyz Republicn visa application. US passports cost $55 renewal/$65 new. Make three extra photos for your visa, and keep another three as spare.
NOTE: The passport application asks when you will travel. Give a date prior to when your visa application is due, not the actual travel date.
DEADLINES
Application and $250.00 deposit by February 12, 1998.
Balance of $2250.00 due March 27, 1998.
Registration (half-price tuition) for 3 credits in Summer I by March 27, 1998.
Passports and completed visa applications due March 27,1998.
(Please note that it may take up to 45 days for a new passport to be issued. So please apply immediately if you do not have a valid one at this time. Make sure that existing passports are valid through the end of 1998.)
These deadlines are required to give sufficient time to purchase airline tickets, to process visa applications, and to transfer funds for expenses in Kyrgyz Republic. Deposits can be made by personal check. Final payment MUST be by certified or cashiers check payable to the University of Scranton.
INSURANCE: All tour participants are strongly recommended to purchase personal liability insurance for the duration of the tour since the University of Scranton and/or its faculty and agents accept no responsibility for the personal liability of the tour participants. It is also advisable to procure baggage and trip cancellation insurance individually. Your insurance agent can advise you on insurance.
MEDICAL: Please check with your insurance carrier to make sure that you are adequately covered. It is strongly recommended that the students purchase an International Student ID Card. It costs under $20 and may save the students hundreds of dollars on travel related costs. The card can be obtained through the International Students' Office at the University of Scranton. The ISID card provides travellers with basic medical insurance (obtain details from them). Also, please contact Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, GA (1-800-232-1311) for latest information on necessary immunization and submit proof of compliance prior to departure. This is important.
CANCELLATIONS: See cancellations and refund policy attached
RESPONSIBILITY:
The hotels, airline and other suppliers providing services are independent contractors. The University of Scranton and the Faculty Director are not responsible for the negligent acts and/or omissions of these independent contractors, their employees, agents, servants or representatives. The University of Scranton and the Faculty Director will accept no responsibility or liability in respect of either person or property for any loss, damage, injury, accident, delay or irregularity however occasioned, sustained or suffered in or during any package, journey, trip or tour or in carrying out of any arrangements booked by or through them, and notwithstanding that their principal may be a foreign company, corporation or person that the University of Scranton and the Faculty Director are not acting as agents for passengers effecting the bookings. The Faculty Director has booked with an international air carrier which is subject to international conventions limiting its liability; the limitations of liability are contained on the reverse side of your airline ticket and form part of the terms and conditions hereof.
NOTE: Tour price is subject to change prior to full payment.
All participants must sign and return a Release Form (See attached). By sending a completed application, and a signed release form, the applicant agrees to be bound by the conditions therein.
A $250 reservation deposit is due with the application.
Drop off or send your application with a check for $250.00 (Payable to University of Scranton) to:
Ms. Amanda McIver, Secretary
Department of Management and Marketing
409 Ohara Hall.
Phone: 941-7612 Electronic mail: mcivera1@tiger.uofs.edu
or
Dr. Satya P. Chattopadhyay
Faculty Director, 1998 UofS Mission To Central Asia
Department of Management and Marketing
603B Ohara Hall.
Phone: 941-6196 Electronic mail: spc354@tiger.uofs.edu
BROAD ITINERARY
May 31 Depart Scranton. Depart New York.
June 1 Arrive Amsterdam, Sightseeing, Leave for Almaty in the evening
June 2 Arrive in Almaty, Kazakhstan and arrival in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan by ground transportation.
June 3 - June 5 and June 9 - June 11
Attend Special Lectures at Kyrgyz Academy of Management
Business Meetings with Companies
Briefings from International Aid Agencies
Visits with local Commercial Organizations and Plants
Cultural Events
Visit Attractions in and around Bishkek.
Half-Day Trips to the Mountains, Hot Springs, Silk Road Relics
Free Time to Explore On Your Own
June 6 - June 8
Trip to Lake Issyk Kyul
Cultural Events
Free Time to Explore On Your Own
June 12 Leave for Almaty, early, and spend day in Almaty. Closing Banquet till....
June 13 Depart for New York via Amsterdam, arriving JFK same day Arrive Scranton late evening
1998 UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON MISSION TO CENTRAL ASIA
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Any intended tour participant who paid a deposit of $250 to make a reservation for the 1998 UofS Mission to Central Asia will receive the entire $250 as a refund if they cancel their reservation on or before February 16, 1998.
Any intended tour participant who paid a deposit of $250 to make a reservation for the 1998 UofS Mission to Central Asia, but fails to make the final payment ($1675 balance) on or before March 29, 1998 will have their reservation canceled and their deposit will be refunded to them, less $100.00 (Deposit to guarantee airfare and land package in Kyrgyz Republic that will be forfeited)
After March 29, 1998 and once final payment has been paid by the intended tour participant, a $250 cancellation charge will be assessed that individual should he or she cancel their reservation for any reason up to 21 days prior to the commencement of the 1998 UofS Mission to Central Asia. This charge covers cancellation fees of the airline and land package provider, and will be assessed even if a substitute can be found to fill the intended tour participant's place on the tour.
Any intended tour participant who cancels their reservation 21 days or less prior to commencement of the 1998 UofS Mission to Central Asia will be assessed at least a 50% cancellation charge and perhaps as much as 90% of the total tour cost. Only in case of death or a life threatening illness to the intended tour participant or in case of death of an immediate family member (father, mother, brother, sister, wife or spouse) of the intended tour participant will the intended tour participant receive more than 50% refund of the total cost of the 1998 UofS Mission to Central Asia. The refund is at the discretion of the airline and land package provider. When such refunds are granted they often take several months and they are made only after sufficient documentation has been submitted by the intended tour participant.
*If the intended tour participant is concerned about cancellation expenses it is strongly recommended that he or she insure their tour against cancellation incurred as a result of illness, accident, etc. Participants may want to look into the trip-cancellation insurance that is available (at an additional fee) with the ISID card. Please consult your insurance agent in any case.
Application Page 1of2
APPLICATION FOR 1998 UofS MISSION TO CENTRAL ASIA
Trip: May 31, 1998 - June 13, 1998
NAME____________________________________________
(Full name as it appears in your passport)
BIRTH: _______/_________/__________ SEX: M F
DAY/MO/YR (eg, 11 Jun 60)
SOC. SEC. # ________________________________
PASSPORT #________________ EXPIRES ON_____________________
MAJOR_______________________
ACADEMIC STANDING___________(Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate)
SEEK ACADEMIC CREDIT (SUMMER I 1998) ____________(YES/NO)
HOME ADDRESS_______________________________________________
CITY_____________________________________ STATE/ZIP___________
SCHOOL ADDRESS_____________________________________________________
HOME PHONE (_____)_____________
SCHOOL PHONE (_____)______________ E-mail:__________________
WORK PHONE (______)____________
Briefly describe your purpose for making this trip, and what you expect to get out of it:
Application Page 2of2
If available, do you prefer to leave from and return to: Please circle one:
Leave From: Scranton? New York (JFK)?
Return To : Scranton? New York (JFK)?
Do you want a late return from Amsterdam? Date: ____________ This will be subject to availability and will incur a penalty if changes are made at later date. Responsibility for such change will be the participant's.
If applying for a passport, send the information as soon as you receive it.
Smoker? yes /_/ no /_/ Dietary restrictions? None /_/ Yes /_/
Details of Dietary Restrictions if any:
The information provided above is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
_________________________________ _____________
Signature of Applicant Date
------------------DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE--------------------
FOR DEPTT. USE ONLY
$250 deposit rec'd ___________ Visa applic. rec'd __________
Balance ($ ) rec'd ___________ Waiver rec'd __________
Gateway city ___________ Health form rec'd __________
Information sent ___________ Readings sent __________
COMMENTS:
RELEASE FORM
Agreement: (To be signed by applicant)
I, the undersigned, an applicant for a program co-sponsored by the University of Scranton and Faculty Director (hereinafter referred to as USFD) agree to the following understandings:
1. I waive any and all claims against USFD and its agents or contractors, domestic and overseas, and any staff members accompanying the group, their heirs or their estate arising from any death, injury, loss, damage accident, delay, irregularity or expense to person or property incurred from the use of any vehicle or service, strikes, war, weather, sickness, quarantine, government restrictions or regulations, or arising from any act or omission of any steamship, airline, railroad, bus company, sight-seeing, hotel or any other service or transporting company, firm, individual, or agency. I also release USFD and its agents, servants, employee officers or their assigns or contractors from any financial obligations or liabilities that I may incur or any damage or injury to me or to the person or property of others that I may cause while participating in this program, and I agree to indemnify them against any such financial obligations or liabilities.
2. I understand that the air carrier's liability for loss or damage to baggage, or for death or injury to person or property, is limited by their tariffs and/or by the Warsaw Convention. USFD is not responsible for loss, theft or damage to my belongings or to the belongings of any other person, including passports and travel documents.
3. If I become ill or incapacitated, I grant USFD or to any of its officers, staff or agents, full authority to take whatever action they feel is warranted under the circumstances in regard to my health and safety, including securing medical treatment (at my own or my parents' expense) and transporting me home. I further release any of these persons from any liability for such decisions or actions which may be taken on my behalf. USFD cannot be held responsible for the quality and timeliness of any such medical care received, nor for any expenses incurred.
4. I understand that USFD and/or the airlines reserve the right to make changes in tour itineraries and departure dates, to substitute airlines and equipment or to make cancellations for insufficient participation or any other reason.
5. I understand that in the even of cancellation or changes being made, refunds will be given in accordance with the provisions of the policy explained in the 1998 UofS Mission to Central Asia brochure. I understand that if I wish to cancel my reservation in the program, I must do so in writing. The refund to which I will be entitled will be as outlined by the 1998 UofS Mission to Central Asia and further explained by the Faculty Director.
6. Furthermore, I realize that the Tour prices quoted by the 1998 UofS Mission to Central Asia brochure are based on applicable tariffs, rates of currency exchange, and government regulations, and for this reason are subject to change depending on those tariffs, rates, and regulations in effect at the actual time of departure.
7. I understand and accept that it is my personal responsibility to obtain a valid Passport in order to travel overseas. Further, I shall hold USFD harmless in the case where I may not obtain the necessary documents for participation in the program and understand that the inability to obtain the necessary documents does not constitute grounds for withdrawal with refund.
8. I understand that this agreement and 1998 UofS Mission to Central Asia brochure includes the entire agreement between USFD and me with reference to the subject matter referred to herein.
9. This agreement becomes effective when my full payment for 1998 UofS Mission to Central Asia is accepted by USFD and I understand that this agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania which shall have sole jurisdiction. Additionally, I consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania in any action or proceeding hereunder. This form cannot be changed or altered without the expressed written consent of USFD.
10. I certify that I am over 18 years of age and in good physical and mental health and that I have no special medical or physical conditions, nor any special needs or requirements, which would impede participation in the program, nor be of any harm or inconvenience to myself or the other participants.
Signature of Applicant:
Date:
MEMO
TO: Dr. Ron Johnson, Dean, School of Management
FROM: Dr. S.P. Chattopadhyay
SUBJECT: Elective offering in Summer I 1998
DATE: October 2, 1997
There are currently no Marketing Electives being offered over the summer sessions for 1998. Previous experience suggests that there is a demand for such an offering which is usually met through readers or through substitution of coursework taken at another institution. The AACSB accreditation requirements of fostering the development of a more global outlook of our students and our new major in International Business suggest a series of School of Management faculty led study abroad courses that provide students with a first hand exposure to overseas environments.
In view of the very successful 1995 UofS Mission to Central Asia, I would like to again offer a 14 day study-abroad elective MK 490 / MKT 569 Special Topics ( "International Markets: A Focus on Central Asia"). The elective will be offered in conjunction with the "1998 UofS Mission to Central Asia" (information attached) program which I will run from May 31 to June 13, 1998. This offering will address both the concerns outlined above.
The academic content for the course will be developed around a series of 9 hours of preparatory meetings, a reading list to be completed prior to departure, a basic survival russian language module and a two week stay in Kyrgyz Republic in Central Asia(including travel days) during which they will take special classes at the Kyrgyz Academy of Management and interact with students of the Academy. The group will experience first hand, the people, culture, heritage and environment of business in the Kyrgyz Republic at private, joint venture and public enterprises in Bishkek and Almaty, Kazakhstan. I will moderate the practical experience in the exciting emerging market economy and assess student performance for academic credit on the basis of the following:
1. Basic conversational Russian Language (6 hours)
2. Reading List
3. Written proposal for project developed at the end of preparatory sessions. Data collection for the project will be completed in Kyrgyz Republic.
4. Daily journal.
5. Written report on project conducted in Kyrgyz Republic due after return to Scranton.
I need 10 students (I prefer to cap enrollment at 15) to make this program viable.