For the third year in a row, the American University in Dubai (AUD) hosted 30 undergraduate students from the Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi (UB), Milan - Italy, part of their Campus Abroad Program from January 21, 2012 to February 9, 2012.

This program enclosed a fruitful cooperation between AUD Faculty members and UB Faculty members: Dr. Susan Montaquila, Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Business Administration at AUD; Dr. Nilesh Khare, Assistant Professor of Management at AUD; Dr. Cinzia Parolini, Professor of Department of Management and Technology at UB and Professor Irene Dagnino, SDA Assistant Professor of Strategic and Entrepreneurial Management at UB.

Ms. Peggy Awad, External Relations Manager at AUD welcomed the partner school once again, and talked about the significance of setting up this type of program. She also highlighted the importance of inter-cultural communication that will contribute to the personal growth and enrichment of the students.

The co-taught courses were enriched by company visits and seminars, related either on the course contents or on the UAE region, presented from an historical, economic and political point of view. The students had to develop a group project on how to start up a business in Dubai, taking into consideration legal aspects and specificities of the city itself.

On this occasion, Ms. Laura Candotti, Director, Markets & External Affairs Division, Università Bocconi said: "This third edition of the program has strengthened the fruitful cooperation between Bocconi and AUD that dates back to 2006 when the Exchange Program agreement was signed. During the 3 weeks program a group of undergraduate Bocconi students had the opportunity to attend a course on 'Business Plan' and to meet the local business community, gaining a in depth knowledge of the legal and economic framework of the Emirates".

Bridging the gap between east and west is one of the major goals of the External Relations Office at AUD and the driving force behind the many partnerships signed with world renowned universities in the US and in Europe for study abroad and exchange programs. AUD believes that, by travelling to a foreign country and experiencing new cultures and views, students are able to see the world from a different perspective, and that Dubai is the perfect destination.

Dr. Nilesh Khare lectured about Competitive Analysis, Alliances and Network showing students how to make a successful business plan, how to evaluate it, and about the economic evaluation of the business. His comment on this experience was: “Thanks to an AUD Campus Abroad Program. It was an absolute pleasure to present to and interact with visiting Bocconi students. They were very keen on absorbing and applying their knowledge in the context of doing business in Dubai. Interestingly, an opportunity like this also brings more appreciation for AUD’s diverse student body and their interest in applying their learning in the real world situation.”

Giving an overview of the company’s structure from a legal perspective and the legal structures of doing business in Dubai, Dr. Susan Montaquila said: “It was a pleasure for the School of Business Administration to have the opportunity to participate in the Bocconi University Campus Abroad Program this year. Additionally, Dr. Nilesh Khare and I were able to individually interact with the Italian students through lecturing on “Challenges of Creating Business Alliances and Networks in Dubai” and “Legal Structures for Companies Doing Business in Dubai.” The SBA hopes to continue successful partnering with Bocconi in future years.”

The Bocconi University Campus Abroad Program (CAP) offers its students the opportunity to explore the UAE, develop new insights and work on live case studies. The Program includes a 36 hours course on "Management of Cultural Institutions and Urban Creativity" taught by both UB and AUD Faculty.

UB students had a great time exploring several parts of the UAE and learning from its historical, technological and economic aspects.