BUS 399: Sustainable Cities – Montreal
Summer Travel Course
Travel dates: June 8-June 16, 2027
In this course, students explore the factors that influence organizations’ strategic decisions based on sustainability by focusing on a variety of industries and businesses in Montreal. Students learn how sustainability decisions in Montreal impact people and organizations leading to more sustainable living and a greener city life. Students examine sustainability practices in textiles and apparel, food, renewable energy, transportation, organic farming, and tourism industries. They will also examine technologies like IT, precision manufacturing, and composite material development to understand the role these technologies play in supporting sustainable business. The main objective is for students to examine the feasibility of the sustainability practices and to bring those practices back to Maine through storytelling, events, and social media.
Important Dates:
- Monday, June 7, 2-hour pre-trip meeting at USM (Portland campus)
- Tuesday, June 8 – Wednesday, June 16, in Montreal (depart Portland on 6/8 and return to Portland on 6/16)
- Thursday, June 17, 2-hour event at USM (Portland campus) presenting work
Faculty
Professor Richard Bilodeau teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in entrepreneurship, creative strategies, design thinking, business sustainability, and marketing. He is an entrepreneur who is a partner in two growing businesses (one in direct marketing and the other in television production and research). He also has an active consulting practice with clients located in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Dr. Eklou Romaric Amendah is a professor of marketing at University of Southern Maine. He specifically teaches marketing, consumer behavior and marketing research courses. Dr. Amendah is a passionate researcher. His research focuses on technology in marketing, branding, retail strategies, consumer perception of healthcare services, sport management and cooperative development. As an active researcher Dr. Amendah publishes in academic journals and presents his research projects at various conferences.
Tuition and Fees
We are excited to share that the program fee for the course is expected to be $300 plus tuition, as a significant portion of the travel expenses will be funded by the Maine Economic Improvement Fund (MEIF). Tuition and fees are an additional expense. All participants on USM travel programs receive the in-state tuition rate regardless of residency.
The program fee includes roundtrip bus fare, lodging, some meals, cultural and academic programming and excursions, and in-country transportation. Additional expenses include tuition, personal spending money, supplies/materials, and some meals during the trip.
Application
The application deadline is March 5, 2027.
A complete application includes all of the following:
- Submit the program application form
- We recommend looking over the application before completing it so you have all parts ready, as unfortunately you cannot save as you go.
- A letter of recommendation from a faculty member or academic advisor
- Here is the link you can share with faculty/staff to complete a recommendation on your behalf: Online Recommendation for Travel Program
- Copy of academic transcript
- Information regarding requesting a transcript can be found here (It’s probably easiest to either follow the steps for “Electronic Delivery” or “Unofficial Transcript via Classic MaineStreet” and either way, send to Emily Zider (emily.zider@maine.edu)
Once the application committee has reviewed applications, you will be notified of acceptance via email. At that time, all students accepted to the program will be asked to submit a $300 nonrefundable payment to secure your place and will be enrolled in the course in MaineStreet by a USM staff member.