“Knowledge is power.”
So says Frederick V. Perry, clinical professor with the College of Business’ School of Accounting, when discussing the benefits from his recent trip to Latin America as part of the 16th Annual Faculty Development in International Business Mercosur Program.
Perry quickly elaborated, saying that the trip provided an excellent way to “take a look at what’s going on in this region in terms of commerce and politics. We can take this experience back into the classroom, where we are educating future business leaders.”
Perry joined 15 other faculty members from U.S. colleges and universities on the excursion through Argentina, Brazil and Chile. As in previous years, the 10-day Mercosur trip was organized by the Florida International University (FIU) Center for International Business Education and Research (FIU-CIBER). FIU-CIBER director Mary Ann Von Glinow and associate director Sonia Verdu planned the program.
Agenda packed with business and cultural activities.
The itinerary focused on stops in San Paulo, Buenos Aires and Santiago.
Business visits included Banco Itau, the largest bank in Latin America and the southern hemisphere; Walmart Argentina; UNICA, the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association; Globant, Latin America’s leading company in global IT services and solutions; Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Business School; and Gerdau Aza, one of largest producers of long steel in The Americas.
One highlight for Perry revolved around gaining insights on Banco Itau’s successful approach to mergers and acquisitions.
“Most times one company’s culture is lost to another’s,” he said. “Banco Itau found a new way of doing things, creating a new culture that was welcoming to all.”
The trip was not all business. The travelers enjoyed city tours and excursions such as a tour of the Vina Catrala vineyard in the Casablanca Wine Valley, plus some downtime at Lodge Andino El Ingenio in the foothills of the Andes Mountains.
Information about the 17th Annual Faculty Development in International Business Mercosur Program scheduled for May 12-21, 2013 is already available.
