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US Business Schools Are Collaborating With Russia, Despite Political Divides

B-school initiatives are fostering progressive relations with the Russian business community, where politicians are not

Mon Oct 23 2017

BusinessBecause

Not a week goes by it seems, without some exponentially bizarre news story involving America’s one-time red nemesis hacking, spying, or otherwise meddling in American beeswax. Not since the Cold War has the mention of Russia elicited such hysteria Stateside.

It certainly doesn’t take a pundit to understand that US-Russian relations have endured a constant steady collapse, particularly in the last year. Plenty of ink has been spilled about the Trump family’s Russian real estate connections—soured diplomatic tensions clearly haven’t affected international trade—but how have American business schools and students linked with Russia fared in recent years?

Two prominent study abroad programs weighed in on the state of affairs between the two countries.

Mohan Venkatachalam, senior associate dean for executive programs at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, spoke of his school’s “rich history in the region,” which began with the 1989 Manager Development in Russia program.

It was “an important milestone historically for the school,” Mohan believes, “as it helped cement our values in reaching across differences and geographies to develop relationships and collaborations.”

Elsewhere, the University of Virginia Darden School of Business runs a global immersion course that focuses specifically on Russia. Its aims are to help students develop empathy, deeper global perspectives, and enhance their ability to lead in a global context.

“[Our program] gives students the opportunity to explore the current business climate, how companies manage businesses across Russia, the strengths and challenges in the market, and unique cultural aspects of the country,” explains Marc Johnson, the school's senior executive director for global affairs and enterprise initiatives.

“Global leaders today need to be able to work across borders,” Marc continues, “and to develop relationships in unfamiliar contexts, in times of stability and uncertainty.”

One boundary-hopping American student who took the plunge and studied abroad is Hunter Cawood. His journey took him from Kennesaw State, outside of Georgia, to St Petersburg University’s Graduate School of Management (SPUGSM), in Russia.

Hunter was initially drawn to Russia because he “wanted something original.” He longed to rebel against “the cookie cutter American Dream” that had been pitched to him his entire life.

“I came here for the opportunity I saw in the form of economic mobility,” he says, “an emerging market with incredible potential, and the opportunity to join a network comprised of the best and brightest across Russia.”

The summer after Hunter finished his Bachelor's degree at Kennesaw State, he saved up for graduate school by working at a pizza restaurant for the summer, which he describes as the only job he could find after college.

He was equally dismayed by his graduate academic options, which were, by and large, out of his price range.

After researching, Hunter discovered a full-ride scholarship competition for international students in Russia. He applied, and won. SPUGSM’s high-quality, affordable education ultimately sold Hunter on Russia.

“Russia's educational system doesn't waste money on unnecessary amenities. This is in stark contrast to the financial flamboyancy you see at a typical American university, and it's something that drove me away from studying in the United States for my Master's,” he says.

At SPUGSM, Hunter continues to take full advantage of a strong network he hopes to develop and rely on in the future.

“I’ve met Russian movers and shakers, spoken at corporate events hosted by companies like BIOCAD and Ingria, and even participated in a TEDxTalk.”

To Hunter, the recent political turmoil, which he describes as “political drama at its worst”, has had a visible impact in terms of business relations.

“In 2012, President Obama was quoted as saying, ‘The 1980s are now calling to ask for their foreign policy back.’ In my mind, the 80s don't just want their foreign policy back, but they also want their Cold War mentalities back. Today, Russia is not the USSR, and Russia is not our adversary.

"If we're going to foster a sustainable, long-term relationship, then there needs to be a mindset shift in the United States that involves our media and politicians updating and evolving the way they see the world.”

 

Student Reviews

Duke University Fuqua School of Business

Student

Verified

31/10/2023

On Campus

Supportive atmosphere

The professors at Duke university exhibit exceptional commitment to the success and well-being of their students by ensuring their academic growth and fostering a supportive social atmosphere. Moreover, the entire community is recognized for its amicability and inclusiveness.

Maxwell

Verified

30/03/2023

On Campus

Diversity

The people or the students are without a doubt Duke's greatest asset. While all students are driven to succeed, they are also enthusiastic about a variety of hobbies. You run across a huge lot of diversity. It is the ideal example of a school with well-rounded students and the ideal balance of campus life in a metropolis.

Anabelle

Verified

27/02/2023

On Campus

Happy to school

All I could ever hope for is Duke University. That really epitomizes the "work hard, play hard" philosophy that elite colleges frequently pursue. Even though you'll have a lot of schooling to complete over the week, it's simple to keep focused because all of your friends are putting in similar amounts of effort. Many events taking place on and around campus on the weekends provide a great way to unwind. The combination of demanding academics and traditional college fun strikes the perfect balance.

Monica

Verified

27/02/2023

On Campus

Good schooling

Living, eating, learning, and developing who you want to be as an adult are all fantastic at Duke. I participated in student athletics, and I couldn't have asked for a better interaction with the faculty and other students. I appreciate all of the help I get from the Duke community more than anything. Furthermore, the teachers take the time to get to know you, and the lectures are diverse and demanding (if you do the same). I'd give it a 10 out of 10.

Aline

Verified

26/11/2022

On Campus

Beautiful School, Nice Classes

DU remains one the greatest and best universities that I have ever stepped in. The school is beautiful and neat. The classes are spacious and also very nice. I enjoyed attending my Lectures in those lecture halls. I also loved the Lecturers because of the good work they did. The university also has very good dorms that are given to students on first come first serve basis and they are affordable

Student

Verified

29/06/2022

Blended

Amazing experience

I received my B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Global Health with a minor in Chemistry from Duke University. I was able to grow as a student, scientist, and global health advocate with the help of my friends, professors, and other mentors I met along the way. A lot to learn if you look and ask, a great place to learn for those who want to learn.

Student

Verified

29/06/2022

Blended

whirlwind of growth and change

An amazing 2 years, with covid and everything else happening Duke has been a place of growth for me. The courses , classes were one of a kind, online and on campus. But the valuable lessons learned in the classes are irreplicable. The students are amazing here, so much diversity , I had no problem fitting in. The teachers are down right brilliant and so helpful. Don't be afraid to ask them anything. Graduated with my MBA with Duke and now my future awaits.

Student

Verified

29/06/2022

On Campus

One of the best for Business students

Graduated with an MBA. The classes were very insightful and engaging. The staff are very easy to deal with. The teachers and students, are truly amazing people. Grateful to all the people I've met along the way at Duke. I've learnt a great deal that will help me in my future endeavors. The campus itself is a marvel, it is beautiful.

Student

Verified

16/06/2022

On Campus

The university campus is awesome

I graduated with a masters degree in Religious Studies from Duke University. One thing I really liked about the university is its huge campus. It is spread in a large area with a lot of greenery and also have the facilities of reading rooms for single person also. My department building was very well taken care of. The library is immensely populated with books for all your needs. The faculty is very nice to students. The classes are equipped with latest technology to cater the needs of students. The University also provides room rentals for international students. They are very well maintained and priority is given to the International students for a comfortable stay there. There are weekly events conducted by the University as well as Student clubs for the entertainment of students. Anybody can take part in them and show their talents. I enjoyed my degree and I graduated in 2021 and was very happy that I had graduated from a reputed University.

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