This blended course will focus on formulating business strategies and a fully developed business plan for a non-profit sea turtle organization in Talamanca, Costa Rica. A course trip to the region will be conducted June 25-30. Students will visit two multinational organizations in San Jose, Costa Rica during the first part of the trip and then travel to Talamanca to meet the Managing Director of the non-profit organization where they will tour the sea turtle nesting grounds and meet the local people impacted by the project. Students in the course will be responsible for formulating implementable strategies to improve the revenue position of the non-profit by working with Costa Rican, U.S. and international personnel, and explore opportunities for alternative, sustainable economic development for the area. The major deliverables for the course are implementable strategies and a fully developed business plan for the client organization. Students must be in their final trimester to be eligible for this global business capstone and be in good standing with the University. The cost of the course beyond tuition is approximately $1,200 for airfare and ground accommodations including most meals. Students must be the last trimester to be eligible for this course. Space is limited for this course. Students must conduct a resume-based interview with Dr. Gary Pletcher prior to April 1, 2005 to be considered for this course. Prior to selection, students interested in this course must provide a copy of a currently valid passport during the interview process with an expiration date 30-days beyond the last day of travel.

To arrange an interview, contact Dr. Gary Pletcher at garyp@admin.stedwards.edu.