Business in Italy

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 10-12 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 two-three Isenberg School representatives to Italy for a first-hand look at Italian business and culture. Accompanied by at least two faculty members 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

Before the trip: The class meets once a week beginning end of October through December for 75 minutes 
Study Abroad trip: Takes places over 10-12 days in January (approximately Jan. 7- 20) 
Post Trip: One class meeting to present final projects 

Places we've visited recently include: 

• Large and small vineyard tours and tastings 
• Cooking class in Siena cooking school 
• Palio Horse Race museum and meeting with Contrada officials 
• Family-run Balsamic vinegar business in Modena 
• Leather factory 
• Parmesan cheese factory 
• Prosciutto di Parma business 
• Gelato University 
• Lamborghini, Ducati, and Ferrari 
• American Consulate in Milan 
• American Embassy in Rome 

Student Feedback

* Signing up for Business in Italy Program was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my entire life 
* It is a once in a lifetime experience that you will likely never get the chance to do after college. You will gain invaluable knowledge, experiences and friends! 
* Just when I thought it was the best day of the trip, the next day offered an entirely new adventure. The variety of experiences we had truly encompassed every aspect of Italy. 
A once in the lifetime opportunity. The knowledge, experiences and friendships are unparalleled. 
* The trip offers much more than seeing Italy and getting a look into businesses. It offers a culture immersion, 30 new friends, and more good times and knowledge than one could hope to have 
* This was the best possible trip/program I could have gone on and I feel like I've gained a lot of knowledge about the Italian businesses, economy, lifestyle, culture, while also learning a lot about my peers and feeling more connected within Isenberg. 
* Best two weeks of my life! I learned so much about myself, culture and other people on this trip and returned back to UMass with 30 new friends. 
* Best experience as a student I have ever had 
* If you have a chance to take this class do not hesitate. This was the best decision I have made throughout all of college 

Cost
Estimated cost of the program fee is $3500- $4000. Airfare is estimated at $900-1300. 
Program fee includes: lodging, daily breakfast, several additional meals, ground transportation in Italy, fees for business visits, tour guides, and other costs associated with group activities

The 2018-2019 Program

• There are a few spots still available for the 2018-2019 program
• Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, so if you are interested, please complete your application through IPO as soon as possible 
  https://www.ipo.umass.edu/?go=BusinessInItaly
• Fall Classes: Tuesdays 6:00pm- 7:15pm, October 23rd- December 11th 
• Italy Trip: January 5th- January 17th 

Faculty Contacts
Melissa Baker, mbaker@isenberg.umass.edu and Ian Walsh, iwalsh@isenberg.umass.edu 

Enrollment in these programs is by application. The programs are open to all Isenberg students. These programs span over fall, winter and spring semesters. Students earn three credits for each of these options.

If you would like to learn more about semester or yearlong exchanges, stop by the International Programs Office on 70 Butterfield Terrace, Amherst, MA 01003 early in the spring semester to discover the options available to you.