TCB Students Learn about Emerging Markets during Travel to Romania

May 06, 2011

In spring 2011, Tobin College of Business MBA students and St. John’s University Law students participated in a unique course, Transacting in Emerging Markets, which included travel to Romania over spring break. In Romania, the group participated in an intense week of meetings with Romanian and American business leaders and lawyers, as well as U.S. and Romanian government representatives including a personal visit with Ion Iliescu, the fomer president of Romania.

Students learned from experienced professionals about the Romanian economy and current opportunities and challenges that occur when working in an emerging market. This included personal meetings with former Romanian President Ion Iliescu; the President of the Romanian Senate, the US Ambassador to Romania, and top business officials.

The course was led by Law School Professor Mark Meyer, who is a leading international lawyer and the president of the Romanian American Chamber of Commerce and is well known among lawyers, politicians, and business professionals in Romania. The group was also accompanied by Professor Christopher Borgen, Associate Dean for International Studies and Professor of Law at St. John's University School of Law, and Juliet Manto, Assistant Dean for Global Operations, at the Peter J. Tobin College of Business.

Iaisha Smith, an MBA student, reflected on her experience in Romania: ”In Romania, I got to see and hear about some of the issues that many emerging markets face. The testimonials from both business and government officials were not only revealing and thought provoking but, truly gave me an inside look at the challenges of globalization and foreign investment, and solidified my interest in international relations.”

"I think this was a once in a lifetime experience.  It is not every day that I get the chance to meet with former presidents, ambassadors, government officials and experts in banking and finance.  I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious visit to Romania.  While there I was able to see my family's culture from its origin and am utterly proud to be a Romanian-American citizen." – Christina Purakri, MBA student TCB.

The Peter J. Tobin College of Business has provided a high-quality business education for over eighty years, offering individuals from throughout the world the opportunity to study in New York’s dynamic business environment.  The innovative curriculum emphasizes an analytic and hands-on understanding of business practice that prepares graduates to excel in today’s global marketplace.

For more information about Tobin College Global Destination Programs, please contact Juliet Manto at (718) 990-6341 or visit our Global Programs page at http://www.stjohns.edu/academics/graduate/tobin/academics/global.

For additional information about the Peter J. Tobin College of Business, please contact Asia Hauter at (718) 990-6218 or via e-mail at hautera@stjohns.edu.