Ireland: International and Social Entrepreneurship
Samuel Beckett Bridge, Dublin, Ireland.
International and Social Entrepreneurship in Ireland will examine two exciting fields of entrepreneurship, International and Social, while exploring Ireland’s beautiful countryside, interesting cities, and rich culture. This study abroad program is intended to give students exposure and experience to European culture and the business environment in Ireland. The course will engage with entrepreneurs, incubators, accelerators, and university-based entrepreneurship programs in Dublin and Cork. This unique, deep-learning experience will enable students to engage with social issues in the region surrounding Virginia Tech, compare these issues with those in Ireland, and investigate whether local solutions can be applied on an international scale.
You will receive three credits: MGT 3954
Students should expect class time pre-departure and post-departure, as this is a Spring Semester course. Times to be announced.
Learning outcomes - At the end of this course, participants should be able:
- To identify core attributes of an entrepreneur in the United States and Ireland
- To develop a social entrepreneurship plan that will impact issues in the New River Valley
- To identify how culture, geography, and policy affect entrepreneurship and innovation
- To compare and contrast concepts of international entrepreneurship to the local social entrepreneurship plan
- To describe Dublin, Ireland’s unique economy including: national and international markets; geography; local and international business policies; and demographics
- To identify how the global economy affects entrepreneurism, innovation, and personal career skills
Program fees are $4,600. A non-refundable deposit of $500 payable online, is due after acceptance into the program, with the balance of program fees due $4,100.
Application Deadline: February 1
Cost Summary (estimated)
| Cost Summary (estimated) | ||
| Pre-trip Personal Costs: | In-State | Out-of-State |
| VT GEO Application Fee | $50 | $50 |
| VT GEO Participation fee | $50 | $50 |
| Air here if they purchase on own | $0 | $0 |
| Books and materials they will purchase | $35 | $35 |
| Passport or Passport/Visa | $145 | $145 |
| Pamplin billing: | $4,600 | $4,600 |
| Airfare | Included | Included |
| Lodging | Included | Included |
| Required group travel | Included | Included |
| Medical Insurance | Included | Included |
| VT tuition & fees if a full-time student in Spring 2020 | $75 | $75 |
| Funds required during program: | ||
| Meals not provided | $0 | $0 |
| Personal Expenses | $200 | $200 |
| Total Estimated Costs | $5,155 | $5,155 |
Note: Virginia Tech reserves the right to make cancellations, date and cost adjustments, and other necessary changes in the program. Prices may change due to global economic conditions.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Your financial aid eligibility may apply to this program. You must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the University Financial Aid Office. Go to Scholarship Central for more information. Pamplin also lists Pamplin College of Business study abroad scholarships here.
In addition, you must submit the study abroad cost documentation form to the Global Education Office at the International Affairs building, 526 Prices Fork Road, room 131. Another great resource is Pamplin’s International Program’s Funding Opportunities Page.
Due to prepayment on items such as air and lodging, billing may not be in sync with financial aid payouts. Please be prepared to pay costs in advance and be reimbursed with any financial aid payouts later.
Application deadline is February 1
There are no prerequisites.
The course is open to all Virginia Tech students.
ELIGIBILITY
- Freshmen through Seniors, and Graduate Students
- Minimum GPA: 2.3 (We will use mid-term grades for freshmen to determine eligibility).
- Non-business students and graduate students are also welcome to participate, and will receive 3 credits.
- Priority is given to business students.
MAY 14 |
FLY TO DUBLIN |
May 15-17 |
Cultural and historical sites in Cork |
May 18-20 |
Course Content in Cork: Entrepreneurship and Creative Problem Solving |
May 21-22 |
Course Content in Dublin: Expanding Ventures Internationally |
May 23-24 |
Cultural and historical sites in Dublin |
May 25 |
Fly to US |
Days One through Three: Cultural Visits
We will tour historical and natural sites, exploring Ireland’s ecology, culture, and history. Sites and activities will vary based on availability of special events, such as Gaelic Games, music exhibits, and private tour schedules.
Days Four-Eight:
Each day of the program is to be hosted at an incubator, accelerator or university-based entrepreneurship program. The program will expand upon the on-campus social entrepreneurship project, reevaluating the creative problem-solving process and applying their Virginia-based solution to Ireland. It will begin with ideation exercises and ending with a pitch event. Local entrepreneurial leaders, venture partners, and entrepreneurs will supplement this curriculum. Each day is to contain portions of the following: hands-on workshop, round table discussions, panels and networking opportunities. The week will culminate in a pitch event of their newly revised project.
Days Nine through Ten: Cultural Visits
Each student must have a valid passport from their home country. You can apply for a passport at the Passport Acceptance Facility in Squires Student Center. You can also apply at the Blacksburg Post Office (540-552-2751) at the University Mall with appointment or at the Montgomery County Clerk's Office at the Christiansburg Courthouse (540-382-5760), no appointment required. You can get passport photos at most local pharmacies.
You should insure that you have the proper vaccinations for this program. This can be done through the University's recommended travel clinic (Intravene), a county health department, or your family physician. Your familiy physician usually does not have the more specialized vaccines and should refer you to the county health department. You can see a list of recommended vaccinations and other health information at the CDC travel website.
These sites have additional information:
- Passports
- U.S. State Department travel information
- Students Abroad - U.S. State Department
- Customs Information
- Medical Information
- CDC Medical Information
- CIA Factbook (A great place for information on the countries we visit.)
- State Department Travel Alerts and Warnings
- Cultural Insurance Services International - student emergency insurance
