Business in Italy

Isenberg students in Italy

The Business in Italy Program combines a course with a field trip to Italy. The course framework includes: readings, lectures, and group activities. While in Italy, students will meet with business leaders, tour business facilities and cultural sites, attend lectures, meet Italian university students, and immerse themselves in the culture of Italy.

The On-campus Course

In the Business in Italy Program, students study the effects of globalization on Italian business. The on-campus course is designed to broaden the global perspective of students who have chosen studies in business and management. We will focus on the unique role that Italy plays in the world economy and more specifically on the history, culture, and management practices that enable Italian business to influence the worldwide markets for high-end designer consumer products. All this will be accomplished through readings, research, and discussions taking place both in the classroom on campus and during the trip in Italy.

The Trip to Italy

As is often said, one learns best about oneself in reference to some well-defined other.  In this context, we expect that understanding the nature of business and management in a different country will likely expose opportunities and vulnerabilities that may be embedded in our taken-for-granted practices at home. Contemplating business and culture in another land is good global business education at home. The field trip to Italy takes place over a 7-10 day period.  We travel as a group, beginning and ending our journey at Boston's Logan Airport together. While in Italy we travel by chartered bus. The field trip provides an intense group experience that students have often said builds lasting memories and friendships.

The Combined Approach

The on-campus seminar has two main objectives: (1) to provide students the opportunity to learn about globalization and (2) to prepare students for the field trip. Once we return from Italy, our on-campus study has two new objectives: (1) to discuss what was learned in class in relation to what was observed and experienced in Italy, and (2) to reflect upon the professional and personal experiences the seminar and field trip facilitated.

Students will travel with three Isenberg School representatives to Italy for a first-hand look at Italian business and culture. Accompanied by two faculty members and one teaching assistant from the Isenberg School of Management, students will visit cities, such as Milan, Florence, and Rome with day trips to nearby locations of interest. Students will meet with peers in Italian universities, with business people to observe business in action, and they will visit cultural and historical sites to get a feel of the societal undercurrents.

More about the Program

In recent years our focus has been on effects of globalization on traditional Italian business. In 2008, we tried to capture what students were learning and what business people, college professors, and others had to say about the changes to some of Italy's most important, traditional business.  Check out this video.

Our on-campus seminar meets weekly. Full participation in the seminar and field trip earns three credits toward an upper-level business elective.

Places we've visited recently include:

• University of Milan
• American Embassy in Rome
• American Consulates in Florence and Milan
• Large and small vineyards
• A family-run balsamic vinegar business
• A family-run leather factory, making boots and shoes for a large US business
• Parmesan cheese factory
• A small, locally owned bakery chain

• The Lamborghini factory museum

Estimated cost of the program fee and airfare is $3,000. Program fee includes: lodging (with breakfast), ground transportation in Italy, fees for business visits, tour guides, and other costs associated with required group activities.

The 2013-2014 Program

The Business in Italy Program information session for the 2013-2014 school year will be held on April 29, 2013 at 4:00 in Room 106 in the Isenberg School. Come to the information session and hear about the plans for next year's program. Get answers to your questions about the application process, anticipated costs, on-site classes in the fall, the proposed travel itinerary, and more!

Faculty Contact: Holly Lawrence, lawrence@isenberg.umass.edu