Through cooperation between the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) and the Center for North American Studies (CNAS) at the University of Economics in Bratislava, Slovakia, CNAS has offered an "American Business Environment and Ethics" course for two consecutive years. The course introduces students to the specifics of the American business environment and influences of ethics, examining the U.S. economic system and focusing on real-life business issues. Students interact with professionals from AmCham member companies, gaining a unique perspective on business and ethics. Both AmCham and CNAS hope to further develop this educational partnership.

1. business & academia
AmCham and the Center for North Am
For the second consecutive year, Through cooperation with the syllabus, the course outlines the the AmCham network provide
the Center for North-American American Chamber of Commerce, specifics of the American business a stupendous service to our
Studies (CNAS) at the University CNAS attracted the attention to environment with strong ties to the students by introducing 13
of Economics in Bratislava this course of up to 70 students real Slovak business environment different aspects of business
has offered students a unique who were interested in joining the where many American companies and ethics in a mutually casual,
opportunity of enrolling in the lectures before the semester kick- are operating and are constantly informal atmosphere.
„American Business Environment off. Due to capacity limits, they seeking new employees.
and Ethics” course. Through the could accept only 20 of the most
efforts of the American Chamber eager students to participate. The The American way of
of Commerce, students have course acquaints students with
The course provides thinking from a business
the chance of interacting with particularities of the American
and learning from professionals business environment and the
complex information that perspective - providing
from real business right at the influence of ethics on economic helps me better understand different approach in
university. This project strives relations. It examines general particular processes and the area of business and
to create a more favorable determinants of the U.S. economic actions provided by com- corporate culture.
environment for educating future system while focusing on real-life panies and governments all
experts in business, trade and business issues including the
around the world. Silvia Pavolková, CNAS student
management. social and environmental aspects
of trade. At the same time, the
course offers an analysis of the Dominika Petrová, CNAS student
It makes you want to work contemporary global economic The issues addressed in
for an American company. and financial crisis and its the class include ethics and
Andrej Martiška, CNAS student implications on the business Every Thursday, professionals, ethical justification, business
environment of North America. top managers and highly- and government relations,
Through its well-thought-out ranked decision makers from globalization and global business
AMCHAM MEMBERS’ QUOTES
I think the program is an excellent project that I wish would have
existed when I studied international trade at the University of Being part of such an innovative and valuable program is very impor-
Economics in Bratislava. I have presented on behalf of a U.S. Steel tant for AmCham and for me personally. It is great to see students
Košice, thus pointing to the way our company conducts business in eager to learn something more and to be engaged in this unique
Slovakia and abroad, but I believe the main value of the course is to program with the goal of increasing their chances on the real market.
confront student with business practice in general and topics rarely Jake Slegers, AmCham
mentioned in their books. In this regard I believe it perfectly fulfills
its objective and I compliment the Center for North-American Studies
and AmCham for organizing the course. I remember how much we
lacked this aspect of education when studying at the university and I
can only conclude after the past two years of meeting with students it
has not changed much. Let’s hope there will be more projects of this
kind in Slovakia and I encourage other business representatives to First of all, it was a pleasure for me to hold a presentation on
take time and share their experience with the students. Business Ethics within the American Business Environment and
Matej Stuška, U. S. Steel Košice Ethics Course. After years for working for corporate and U.S. firms,
I am convinced that knowledge itself is very valuable and necessary,
however it only brings added value in business if accompanied by
high ethical principles and understanding of cultural differences.
Especially in this challenging, multicultural and shrinking world,
It was my real pleasure to present a short seminar on the ‘Foreign understanding of the complexity of the business world is a key
Corrupt Practices Act’ to the bright students of the University of competitive advantage and those students who understand and
Economics. The American Business Environment and Ethics Course foresee this, proving it by attending such courses, will clearly see
is particularly cogent during these challenging economic times and the distinction in their future careers. I believe that any activity being
relevant to improving the business environment. It was a joy to have held between the academic and business worlds opens gates and
students who were engaged and had many thoughtful follow-up bridges gaps and this program is a sound example. My appreciation
questions. and full support goes to organisers of this program.
Nick Parikh, U.S. Embassy Jana Bargerova, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey
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november/december 2010 amcham connection

2. erican Studies: An educational impact
relations, development of the to hand in a 5-7 page final essay with our American partners, and
American business system, in which they analyze one of the by expanding the North American
This subject gave me a
building knowledge economy and topics from the syllabus. Based Studies program in Slovakia,
transfer of U.S. know-how and on this assignment and the
better understanding of we hope to continue the great
many other topics. respective lecturer’s reflection of business environment and privilege of relying on our member
their essay -- together with active I was very pleased to listen companies.
class participation -- students to experienced people who
This course is a great are awarded a certificate of have a good knowledge
opportunity to meet successfully passing the course Peter Rusiňák, Center for
of certain topics we went
and obtaining three ECTS credits North American Studies,
successful people. through.
if all the requirements are fulfilled. University of Economics;
Miroslav Hilčík, CNAS student AmCham and CNAS intend Pavla Zemková, CNAS student Natália Poliaková,
to further develop this unique AmCham Slovakia
educational offer and to foster
Students taking the course as a the transatlantic link in higher
complementary supplement to education with North American In striving to develop more
their primary program are obliged companies and service-providers. intensive academic cooperation
We thank all the lecturers for participating in the American Business Environment and Ethics course, for their active
involvement, and for the great contribution to students´ knowledge.
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amcham connection november/december 2010