Sustainable Business in Canada
Sustainable Business in Canada
May 21-May 28, 2025
- Learn how environmentalism and business come together in Montreal, Canada.
- Earn three hours of academic credit through completion of this program
- Program includes visits to several locations in the Montreal region, including a day trip to Québec City and a day in Ottawa at the end of the program.
The issue of environmental sustainability has been increasingly prioritized by businesses and consumers in recent years: according to a recent IBM survey, 49% of consumers have paid a premium for products branded as sustainable or socially responsible. The growing number of issues that threaten the future of our planet – including air and water pollution, climate events, biodiversity and extinctions, fossil fuel dependence and “energy insecurity”, and food/water/land shortages associated with regional population growth – create a mandate for companies to develop more sustainable business practices. If they don’t, there eventually won’t be a world for them to do business in.
A growing number of companies have risen to the challenge of creating new business models that incorporate sustainability. This allows them to operate more efficiently, achieve compliance with regulations, preserve resources, satisfy the expectations of consumers, employees, investors and the public, and capitalize on new opportunities. The Canadian province of Quebec, and its largest city of Montreal in particular, is home to a thriving ecosystem of businesses, non-profit organizations, civic agencies, and university-based initiatives that demonstrate these modern sustainable business practices.
Montreal was founded in 1642 when the Fort Ville-Marie fortress was constructed on an island at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence and Ottawa rivers. Montreal is currently the fourth largest French speaking city in the world and has the world’s largest inland port. Ice hockey was invented in Montreal in 1875 featuring two teams of McGill University students, while in 1984 Cirque du Soleil got its start in the city.
Three hours of academic credit are granted by the University of Kansas upon successful completion of the program. All students will enroll in one of the following courses for three credit hours:
- MGMT 500 Individual Research in Management
- IBUS 500 Individual Research in International Business
Students will be housed in a McGill University owned hotel style student residence. Students will be in twin rooms with a private bathroom. Breakfast will be provided each morning. Rooms will have a mini-fridge, and laundry services are available for a fee in the building.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
Open to any KU students. Minimum 2.5 GPA required (exceptions considered after submission of a petition).
Faculty Director
Dr. Ravi Shanmugam will lead the program. Dr. Shanmugam teaches a variety of management courses at the University of Kansas including Principles of Management, Leadership in Business Organizations, and Business Policy & Strategy. Kelly Crane, a lecturer in marketing at the University of Kansas will be co-leading the program. Crane teaches courses such as Advanced Social Media Marketing, Sports & Entertainment Marketing, and Introduction to the Marketing Profession at KU.
Business School Scholarship
Scholarships may be available for study abroad programs. Consult the Center for Global Business Studies website for more information on study abroad scholarships for business students.