Italy Wintermester 17-18
Business and Culture in Italy
Estimated dates: December 26, 2017 - January 13, 2018
MGT 3954 or MGT 5954
Three credit hours
ITALY
Our focus will be on luxury businesses in Italy, although we will visit a variety of other businesses, too. We will focus on food and wine, fashion houses, and transportation. We will begin our travels in Rome, with a side trip to Vatican City, continue on to Florence, Bologna and Milan. We will have a number of side trips to various other locations. Along the way, we will visit many of the cultural sites and art museums for which Italy is so well known.
PROGRAM DETAILS
This study abroad program is intended to give students exposure and experience to European culture and the business environment in Italy. The country of Italy has been of vital interest to the United States for many years, as a trading partner and producer of luxury goods. This program will provide the students an opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of the main drivers of the Italian economy: food and wine, luxury products, and art and culture.
The major component of the program is to experience business and economics in Italy, and by extension, Europe. We will visit a variety of businesses, and have lectures/tours by business professionals. Particular emphasis will be on companies that produce luxury goods. Students will also gain cultural competency through visiting historical sites and museums, such as the Vatican and the Uffizi Museum.
STUDENT HOUSING and TRANSPORTATION
Students will stay in a hotel in the city center of each of our destinations: Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Milan. We will travel by plane to and from the United States. The rest of our travels will be by motor coach and train.
You will receive 3 credits—either:
· MGT 3954
· MGT 5954
Undergraduates will receive credit for MGT 3954, and graduate students for MGT 5954 Study Abroad. This course can also be substituted for the Area 3 and/or Area 7 requirement. These credits count as elective credits and help to complete the requirements of Pamplin’s International Business Minor.
Students must write a group paper on an Italian company, a research paper, as well as read a book about the area and do a short book report, prior to the trip. Keeping a journal and completing observations on cultural differences between Italy and the US is required. Participation in all activities of the program is required.
Program fees are $4,700. A non-refundable deposit of $500, payable online, is due after acceptance into the program, with the balance of program fees due by October 10th.
Application Deadline: October 1st
| Cost | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Program fees | $4,700 | $4,700 |
| Tuition and fees - estimated | $1375 | $3385 |
| Books and Materials | $40 | $40 |
| Meals not provided | $700 | $700 |
| Lodging | Included | Included |
| Required Group Travel | Included | Included |
| Airfare | Included | Included |
| Passport | $135 | $135 |
| Personal and other expenses | $450 | $450 |
| Total | $7,400 | $9,410 |
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
Your financial aid eligibility might apply to this program. You must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the University FInancial Aid Office. In addition, you must submit the study abroad cost documentation form to the study abroad office at the International Affairs building, 526 Prices Fork Road, room 131. The form can be found on the Education Abroad Financial Aid page.
- Space is limited for this program. There are up to 20 seats available for the program.
Go to the VT Education Abroad site for the program and complete the application process. Click the "Apply Now" button and follow the instructions.
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.
Tentative Schedule:
4-5 days in Rome
4-5 days in Florence
2 days in Bologna
2 days in Milan
Other short overnight visits possible
Likely business visits (subject to change):
- Rome- Cinecitta Studios, Missoni, Fassi
- Vatican City (near Rome)- Radio Vaticana
- Florence- Leather School, Gucci, Ferragamo, Castello Verrazzano
- Bologna and Modena - Pagani, Maserati, Acetaia Malpighi, Quattro Madonna, Armani factory complex
- Milan- Swarovski, Dolce & Gabanna Sartoria
Likely cultural visits include:
We will have sightseeing tours in each city.
- Rome - Colosseum, Trevia Fountain, Spanish Steps,
Vatican City (near Rome) - St. Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel
Florence - David, Galleria degli Uffizi, Galleria dell'Academia
Bologna - Two Towers, Neptune
Milan - Duomo, Sforza Castle
Each student must have a valid passport from their home country. You can apply for a passport in Squires Student Center.
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 family 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
- Visas
- General Information from the U.S. State Department
- International Travel from the U.S. State Department
- 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 & Warnings
You will be living in a hotel room for 2 weeks. Do not try to take your entire wardrobe with you. A small suitcase or medium-size backpack is ideal. The airlines limit the weight of your luggage so pack light. The suggested packing list will help you choose what to take.
Electric Applicances
Europe uses 220 volt, 50 HZ electricity. Your standard USA hair dryers, curling irons, and shavers will not work in Europe. You should check that your computer, cell phone, camera and any electronics that you take will work on 220 V, 50Hz current with adapter.
