Frequently Asked Questions

Application

Academics

Program Information

How do I apply?

You can access the online application by clicking here.

Who can apply?

The ECLA program is targeted to mid-career entrepreneurs from Latin America who are looking to expand their companies across borders. Click here for a profile of the ideal candidate for the ECLA program.

What is the deadline for the application?

All online applications must be received by May 31, 2009, to be considered for the program.

Is there a maximum number of participants per project/company that can apply?

Based on the capacity of faculty advisers and industry coaches, we can accept a maximum of two participants per project/company. Exceptions will be granted in very limited circumstances and will be considered on a case-by-case basis by ECLA program organizers. We encourage two participants per company.

Can or should companies that already have international presence apply to this program?

It depends. If your company does business in various Latin American countries, and the target is to have broader presence in global markets (Asia, Europe, United States, etc.), then the program is a good fit for you. If your company already has a presence in more than one continent, then the program is not for you.

What are the language requirements?

All program components will be in English: all modules will be taught in English, and all written and spoken deliverables will be in English. As such, participants must be sufficiently fluent in English to complete reading assignments and meaningfully participate in discussions and working groups.

As a guideline, we recommend that participants have a level of English equivalent to a TOEIC score of 700. This score indicates that participants are able to communicate with success in various situations where they have expertise; their vocabulary and grammar may not always be the best choice or completely accurate, but their meaning is understood.  Participants do not need to take the TOEIC or submit test scores with their applications, but they should self-assess at this level and demonstrate through their written application materials that their language abilities are at this level.

If you need to improve language skills, we suggest that you enroll in an English language course in your home country with emphasis in spoken English; alternatively, we can recommend English language providers in the United States. Contact ecla@gsb.columbia.edu for more information.

What classes will we take?

Click here for a tentative agenda. Please note that the schedule is subject to change. Final schedules will be distributed prior to the start of each module and posted on the Program Curriculum page.

Who are the professors who will be teaching the classes?

A list of possible faculty, which includes links to their individual bios, can be found here.

Is the work done individually or in teams?

All project work will be done in company teams. Each team should expect to devote five hours per week to the Process Improvement Project, Business Growth Plan, and Case Study that they are preparing for their company.

How will we be assessed?

Since all project work is done in company teams, assessment and evaluation will be for the team, not for the individual.  It is expected that company teams will successfully demonstrate the skills, tools, and perspectives introduced in the program through three program deliverables: a Process Improvement Project, which involves the creation, implementation, evaluation, and presentation of actionable strategies to improve company performance; a Business Growth Plan, which outlines steps for cross-border expansion; and a final Case Study, which reports how students attempted to grow their businesses throughout the program. Teams will receive continuous feedback on their work through consultations with their faculty advisers and industry coaches. No examinations or grades will be given. Teams that cannot demonstrate impact on their companies as the result of their Process Improvement Projects will not be asked to continue the program after Module Four; decisions about  program termination will be made by the Faculty Director in consultation with faculty and other program contributors.

How often do we meet during the online modules?

During the online modules (Module Two and Module Five), classes will meet synchronously (in-time) once per month. Classes that include case instruction will be 90 minutes, and classes that focus on discussion of projects will be 60 minutes. Students will also have access to online course materials throughout the full program period, which they can review asynchronously (on their own time).

Where and how do we attend online classes?

We are in the process of developing a web-based learning environment that will support online case instruction as well as allow students to access materials and student profiles; post information and assignments; and communicate with other students, faculty advisers, and industry coaches. More information about the online platform - as well as training in its use - will be provided during Phase I of the program.

What if I have to miss a class?

Attendance in all six program modules is mandatory, since absences will prevent students from being able to successfully complete program deliverables. However, for firms sending two participants, this attendance requirement can be loosened for the international immersion trip: although both students are encouraged to participate in Module Three, only one representative per firm is required to attend.

What is the role of the faculty adviser?

A faculty adviser from Columbia Business School or Universidad Torcuato Di Tella will be assigned to each student to provide direction, suggest relevant materials and/or resources, and ensure academic rigor throughout the duration of the program. Faculty advisers will communicate with students at the beginning, middle, and end of each project period.

What is the role of the industry coaches?

To support the development and implementation of their customized process improvement projects, students enrolled in the ECLA program will be matched to industry coaches with expertise in their particular business area. Coaches will interact with students on a weekly basis, providing technical support, external guidance, and validation of their projects and proposed business ventures.  Industry coaches will be identified through the Boston Consulting Group, Telefonica, Endeavor, and the Columbia University and Universidad Torcuato Di Tella regional alumni networks.

Will the courses taught in Buenos Aires be in English?

All courses - including the courses in Buenos Aires - will be taught in English, and all course materials will be in English.

What are the exact dates for the program?

The full ECLA program runs from September 1, 2009, through January 14, 2011, and follows three phases:
  • Phase I: Improving Efficiency: January 4, 2010 – August 20, 2010, 2010
  • Phase II: Business Growth Planning:  August 23, 2010 – January 14, 2011
In-person classroom learning takes place during these dates:
  • Module One: Foundations of International Business and Project Definition, Columbia Business School, New York: January 4, 2010 – January 15, 2010
  • Module Four: Global Expansion and Value Creation, Universidad Torcuato Di Tella, Buenos Aires: August 23 - 27, 2010
  • Module Six: Business Plan Presentations and Graduation Ceremony, Columbia Business School, New York: January 10, 2011 – January 14, 2011
The international immersion trip takes place during these dates:
  • Module Three: Entrepreneurship and Innovation: March 7, 2010 – March 13, 2010
Distance learning classes will meet synchronously (in-time) once per month during the following dates:
  • Module Two: Process Improvement Methodology: January 18, 2010 – August 20, 2010
  • Module Five: Business Growth Applications: September 1, 2010 – January 7, 2011

How does the payment for the program work?

The cost of the program is $13,000 for the first participant and $6,000 for a second participant from the same company. The program fee includes tuition, materials, and lodging for all six learning modules. Airfares to program locations and some meals are not included.

Once participants have been selected, they must make an initial deposit of $1000 by September 1, 2009, to guarantee their place in the program. If you have been accepted into the ECLA program, you can make your deposit payment by clicking here.

Deposits will be applied toward the ECLA program fee.  First payments toward the program fee will be due on January 1, 2010, and second and final installments will be due on June 1, 2010, half-way through the program. Additional information about how to make payments will be sent to participants prior to the start of each program phase, when invoices are distributed and payments are due.

What is the deadline for the payment of the ECLA program fee?

Payments must be made according to the following schedule to avoid late penalties:





Due Date


Amount Due (USD)*
Deposit



September 1, 2009


$1000 (first participant)
$1000 (second participant)
First Installment



January 1, 2010


$6000 (first participant)
$2500 (second participant)
Second Installment



June 1, 2010


$6000 (first participant)
$2500 (second participant)

What are the cancellation policies?

Click here for a full description of our cancellation policies. You must agree to abide by these policies when you apply to the program.

What is the deadline for booking flights to program locations?

Each person will be in charge of booking his/her own flights and covering his/her own airfare.

Where will we stay?

Since accommodations in all program locations are included in the program fee, participants will not be responsible for arranging or covering the costs of lodging. Participants should expect accommodations in all program locations to be double occupancy rooms in mid-range hotels in close proximity to classroom or meeting spaces. Information about travel, accommodations, and other program logistics will be circulated a few months prior to the start of each module.

How do I get a visa?

If you require a visa, we recommend the B1 business visa for our programs. Note that some embassies may ask that you apply for a student visa. Since our programs are nondegree and our participants are visiting the United States on business, however, the B1 is the appropriate visa. We follow U.S. State Department guidelines, which can be found here. It is against university policy for a representative to contact the embassy directly for a participant. However, we do have a standard letter that we can send to you to present to the embassy if needed. If you would like to request this letter, please contact us at ecla@gsb.columbia.edu.

Will I get alumni benefits?

Participants will receive limited alumni privileges at Columbia Business School and at the Universidad Torcuato Di Tella. Click here for a list of program benefits.
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