International Field Experience: Social Enterprise in India
Social Enterprise in India is an international field study aimed at giving students broad, yet practical knowledge of social enterprise in the Indian context. During this rigorous two-week experiential course students will learn about social enterprise through a combination of site visits to social enterprises, applied field work, meetings with subject matter experts and social entrepreneurs, group discussions, video and written cases, readings and lectures. Course content revolves around the central theme that “social enterprise is a strategy for solving social problems.” Using a practice to theory approach students will explore a variety of societal problems—e.g. poverty, illiteracy, livelihood development, access to health care, energy, potable water, micro-finance, etc., and then examine different social enterprise business models that address these problems. They will also assess key strategic and operational issues related to social enterprise both as a business entity and a social change strategy. Students will spend their time between the city of Hyderabad and surrounding rural area.
Program Focus
The program provides several field visits, lectures and activities with programs and social entrepreneurs operating in India. By offering the course in India and incorporating visits with local social enterprises the course is able to achieve the following objectives:
- Provide an overview of the social enterprise landscape in Indian, including a survey of different social enterprise business models in urban and rural context
- Explore how social enterprises can solve social problems and market failures
- Learn about key strategic and operational issues related to executing social enterprises in India.
Course Information
- MGMT 410/510: Social Enterprise in India – 8 Credits
Draft Itinerary
- Orientation and pre-departure course meetings: November 12 & November 19, 2011.
- International Component Dates: December 10 – 22, 2011, not including travel time.
- There will be formal meetings before and after the in-country portion of the course.
Program Duration
Relevant Academic Disciplines
Asian Studies, Business, Finance, Humanities, International Studies, Most Majors, Service Learning, Social Science, Social Work, Sociology
Program Provider
Pre-Requisites
- GPA 3.0 or above
- Open to undergraduate seniors (interview required) and graduate students.
- Preference will be given to PSU School of Business Administration students; however, students from most majors and disciplines will be considered and are encouraged to apply.
- The order in which (completed) applications are received will be considered in acceptances. Graduate standing.
Language Skill: None