Fossil

FossilFossil’s products are sold in department stores

and specialty retail stores in over 90 countries.

Fossil’s products are also offered on cruise ships and in 23 international Company-owned Fossil retail stores.

Fossil’s Corporate Headquarter is located in Dallas, Texas.

Fossil has become one of the most innovative companies in the world market.

FossilThe company also offers complementary lines of

small leather goods, belts, handbags, sunglasses, jewelry and apparel.

Two brothers, Tom Kartsotis and Kosta Kartsotis, own approximately 30% of Fossil stock. The company name represents the nickname the brothers had for their father.

Fossil Fun FactsFossil grew quickly during the 1980’s, propelled

by the retrospective designs of it watches, which were inspired by magazine advertisements from the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s.

After great success from their watches in the US, Fossil entered the international market including leather goods and sunglasses in the 1990’s.

In addition to marketing under the Fossil brand name, the company also marketed a line of less expensive fashion watches under the Relic Label.

Fossil Fun FactsAfter their quick growth in the 1980’s in 1989

the company generated $20 million in sales which increased their revenue tenfold in two years and making one change in its marketing approach.

This change in marketing approach was to began packaging their watches in elaborately decorated tin containers and wooden boxes which they still do to this day.

Fossil Fun FactsIn 1995 international sales, particularly those

derived from European markets, were accounting for much of the company's sales growth by the end of 1995 as sales growth in the United States began to fade

Ex-Patriot Alyson Robinson

Current Location Basel, Switzerland 1st overseas assignment

Fossil Leather Products

A Few QuestionWhat was the most important thing you learned in

those first six months?“Work stand point in Europe seems disconnected from

corporate in Dallas. Things get lost in communication within email. Things are being turned around and improved. Coming from both sides’ she’s able to improve/see both sides”

Whom did you mainly socialize with (people from your own culture, third -country expatriates or host-country nationals)? International mix of associates at this point in time Initially more American associates

Last Question. Did you feel you changed as a result of working

abroad? If so, how?“Work- yes and no, Swiss are very well balanced

between work and private life. She has become more well balanced, being pushed to move toward a balance by boss and fellow associates. More aware of the international view point when guidelines are dictated by corporate. How to other countries execute when guidelines are given from Dallas.”

“Private/Social- If you want to know yourself move to another country, completely reliant on yourself and use of resources well. Learned to be more patient (ex grocery store closing at 630) little things”

Re-PatriotBill Morgan

Time in Switzerland2004-2006

What was your position abroad? “Creative director watch brand, zodiac. Fossil

recently purchased other company, sent to coordinate design team and teach Fossil process.”

Some more Q&A’sWhat kind of knowledge did you acquire during

your expatriate assignment?“Traveling the world Job standpoint- seeing the Swiss approach to

watch making was extremely beneficial and culturally became an expert in French”

Please think about your return home. How long have you been back? 5 years

Even More Q&A’sWhat was it like to return to your workplace?

Didn’t experience culture shock but a lot of change within corporate at Dallas

Had to reprove his experience to new people because he was gone for so long

Did you return to the same work unit?Same department in designRoll was different, director of research and

development and staying into contact with overseas contacts

Last Slide of Q&A’sCan you think of a specific decision or situation in

your work unit where you have made an important impact that was a result of a capability/perspective you gained during your international experience?   Stream lining of communication from foreign offices

with the corporate office. Maintaining contact with Swiss designers Biggest contribution was having an external team that

operates and work efficiently with Dallas headquarters

If you have tried to share your overseas knowledge at work, what were the reactions to these attempts? Always good reactions, team of 34 in Dallas, manages

½. Everyone is hungry for knowledge and the experience is greatly appreciated.

Age: 24

Hometown: Zurich

University of St. Gallen

Classification: Bachelor

Major: International Relations

Kevin Kienast

Basic Questions:How long have you been in the University?• 4 years for my Bachelor, you normally do it in 3, but in my fourth year I did also a stage and finished my Bachelor thesis

How would you describe your relationship with your teachers?•As classes are normally big (100-500 students) there is no special relations, in small classes (20-50) students neither. You just contact them for questions or correction errors.

What are some core classes required for all students?• Assessment year has core classes in business, economics, math and law. After in International relations major you have core classes in politics (comparative politics, political science, law (Swiss law, European law, international law), business (management theory, accounting, good governance) and economics (public finance, micro, macro)

How many hours a day do you spend studying?• Too much… no I don’t know exactly but I would say about 6-9

What is the typical time that ends the school work day?• The majority of my work is self-studying, as I don’t like lectures, so that depends…

How do you typically relax after a stressful day of school?• The stressful part begins at night when I at last have to study…

What is socially expected/acceptable for a student?• You can do whatever you like, many people drink a lot, many people study seldom– but the this is that you have to pass the exams– in contrary to Latin America you have absolutely no chance to negotiate a grade and teachers tend to be strict

How do students typically fund their education/• Tuition fees are very low in Switzerland (2000-2700 dollar a year). To finance living costs about 33% work regularly, 33% sometimes and the rest lives from their parents.

Interesting FactsHow did you choose your major?

• I chose my major because I am interested in the political and social situation of different countries and my job will be to improve it.

What activities do you like to do for fun?• Travelling, hanging with friends (girlfriend), Tennis, Football, Ice Hockey, Fitness, biking, jogging

Do you have a job currently?• I work for myself and IFIL (Initiative for Intercultural Learning) and organizing tours through Switzerland and Colombia. It is called the Swiss tour

How do you view American students? • I am interested in all people if they can be open minded, friendly, and like to share in good moments

How do most Swiss students view Americans?• As presented in the movies ;)

How many languages do you speak fluently?• Swiss-German, German, French, English, Spanish, and some Italian

Currently traveling?• Arabia

Have you studied abroad?•Yes, exchange semester in eafit university, Medellin, Colombia

How many places have you travelled to?• Australia, Austria, Brazil, Colombia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, DR Congo (Kinshasa), Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, India, Ireland (Republic of), Italy, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nepal, Norway, Peru, Rwanda, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United States

Jonas Arnfred

Age: 25

Hometown: Small town in Denmark

Bern University

Classification: Bachelor

Major: Business Management

Basic Questions:How long have you been in the University?• I'm in my 3rd year right now. I'm not sure what a recommended track is, but I'm studying business management, with a minor in French. How would you describe your relationship with your teachers?• Professional for the most parts. There are a few I've interacted a bit with, but most of them are distanced from their students.

What kind of classes are you required taking outside of your major?•The whole major thing doesn't really exist, but outside of classes directly relevant to business or French. I usually have 2 credits (out of 30) per semester devoted to something else. In the past this has been philosophy, ethics, linguistics and Greek mythology.

How many hours a day do you spend studying?•Are we including the weekend here? Per week basis I think I probably spent a good 50 hours, depending a little on the semesters. 70 nearing exam periods, and 30 in the beginning.

What is the typical time that ends the school work day?• Are we counting studying, or attending classes? Most classes would be over before 1800, but studying would usually stretch out to the wee hours during exam periods.

How do you typically relax after a stressful day of school?•Play music or bake cake. Or both.

What is socially expected/acceptable for a student?•In regards to what? Sex with strangers? Alcohol consumption? Mismatching socks?

Example: In the U.S. people assume students drink a lot and study when they feel like it.•Oh, right, most students drink. We have a pretty good bar on campus, and you can usually find students drinking in there from around 2pm. That's not everybody though.

Interesting FactsDid your parents steer you into your major or did you choose it? •Indirectly I guess they influenced it. The choice however was my own, and since I had long left home they didn't have much of a say in the deliberation

How respectful are the students to the teachers in everyday classes? •A lot less than in the us. I call many of my professors by first name, and write in a casual style when I communicate over email.

Are you required to study abroad?•Nope, but we are encouraged if we have good grades.

Have you done a study abroad program while attending the university? •I'm doing one right now. In Santiago, Chile.

How do most Swiss students view Americans?• They probably have their own views on americans negatively colored by the bush-government. As for students, outside of what's portrayed in movies I don't think there is a specific attitude as such.