When in Rome: Intercultural Business Communications

"When in Rome" is designed to provide students with an immersive opportunity to study cross-cultural communication utilizing the Hofstede 6D Model of Cultural Dimensions while based in Rome, Italy. Students will personally observer, document, and analyze the Italian communication style, and in doing so, will become more self-aware of their own unique cultural values and norms. 

Rome has been a center for commerce and culture for millennia. With over 8 million tourists visiting every year, many Romans interact with people from different cultures every day. Students will have the opportunity to study the rich history of the city via visits to sites of historical significance including the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Roman Forum. At the same time, students will have the opportunity to connect with local businesses to understand how Italian culture remains distinct in a diverse, international city that serves as headquarters for many international, as well as Italian, businesses. 

This study abroad program is led by Evelyn Shankus and Dr. Jill Purdy. 

Academic Content

This program does not require any pre-requisites or language requirements.  Students will earn 5 credits for this study abroad program:

TBGEN 468: International Business Field Experience 

Students will participate in on-campus activities and coursework before they depart for Italy. While in Rome, students will engage with cross-cultural communication topics by exploring local businesses and cultural sites. Given the historical relevance of Rome, students will learn about how businesses work alongside ancient ruins and the impact of those factors on their day to day business dealings.   

Learning Goals Include:

• Gain exposure and experience a foreign environment to become comfortable with the unfamiliar
• Engage meaningfully with the host country's citizens and business professionals 
• Study and observe Italy’s cultural patterns utilizing the Hofstede 6-D Model 
• Experience learning in an environment which is historically relevant and rich with artifacts of heritage to develop a greater appreciation for the role that art, architecture and history play in modern day society 
• Experience firsthand the significance of religion in defining cultural norms and expectations 

Program Schedule 

The program runs from August 21 - September 15, 2023. Students will spend September 1 - 15 in Italy. 

Housing

Students will stay in shared apartments with other UW Tacoma students. 

Student Eligibility

This course is open to students with a strong interest in culture and communications, and it may be of particular interest to students in the following majors: Business, Marketing, Management, Communication, Arts, Media & Culture, and Urban Studies. There are no prerequisites or language requirements, however students must be in "good academic standing" (2.0 or above) in order to participate. 

Application Deadline

Application deadline has been extended to March 15, 2023.

Applicants who applied by the February 15th deadline will be notified of acceptance decisions by March 1. Once accepted to the program, applicants will need to confirm their participation in the program by March 15, 2023. Click the "Apply Now" button below to begin.

Travel Documents and Insurance

Passport and Visas

No visa or other paperwork is required for U.S. citizens. For international students, the Office of Global Affairs is not responsible for obtaining visas for your travel. You can research visa requirements by calling the consular offices of countries to where you will be travelling or visiting the following website: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html. 

The cost and requirements for obtaining visas vary. It is your responsibility to determine visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad including countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program. This is an especially important consideration if you are planning to do more than one study abroad program.

Insurance

The University of Washington requires students engaged in educational activities abroad – including study, research, internships or community engagement – to purchase UW Student Abroad Insurance. If you are a current UW student, you are required to purchase coverage UW Student Abroad Insurance. Details are on the UW Study Abroad Insurance page.

Program Cost 

The program fee is $2640.

Included in the cost of the program:

• Instructional Fee (replaces the cost of tuition for the 5 credits earned)
• Housing
• Program activities including visits to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon
• All transportation to and from the programed events
• Welcome and Departure Meals
• $470 Administrative Fee

Not Included in program fees:

• Airfare to/from Italy
• Transportation to and from airport
• UW Student Abroad Insurance
• Personal expenses (phone calls, eating out, etc.).
• Most meals are not included in the program fee

Payment Due Date: October 13, 2023

Program fees will be posted to your MyUW student account and can be paid the same way that you pay tuition and other fees. Check your MyUW Account periodically for due dates.

Withdrawals

The $470 UW Study Abroad Fees are non-refundable once a contract has been submitted. Students withdrawing from a program are responsible for paying a percentage of the program fee depending on the date of withdrawal. More details about the withdrawal policy are included in your payment contract. No part of the program fee is refundable once the program has begun. The date of withdrawal is considered the business day a withdrawal form is received by the Office of Global Affairs. Notice of withdrawal from the program must be made in writing by completing the following steps:

1. Provide notice in writing to the program director that you will no longer be participating in the program.
2. Submit a signed withdrawal form to the Office of Global Affairs. 

Financial Aid and Scholarships

• A large percentage of UW students utilize financial aid to study abroad. Most types of financial aid can be applied to study abroad fees.
• For UW Tacoma students, you can submit a revision request to increase the amount of aid for the quarter you are studying abroad. These additional funds are usually awarded in the form of loans. To apply, fill out a revision request form, attach the budget sheet (available via the link at the top of this brochure) and submit these documents to the UW Tacoma Office of Financial Aid. 
• For UW Seattle or Bothell Students, you can apply by filling out a revision request form, attach the budget sheet (available via the link at the top of this brochure) and submit these documents to the Office of Financial Aid. 
• Consult the Financial Aid section of our website for more information on applying for financial aid, special considerations for summer and early fall programs, and budgeting and fundraising tips
• Please also review this list of scholarships: these are opportunities that can help fund your study abroad experience. Please note that many of them have deadlines before your study abroad application is due. For help with the application process, please contact uwtintl@uw.edu.

Budgeting Tools

We understand that figuring out your finances for study abroad can be complicated, and we are here to help. Here are some ways to find additional support:

• Click on the Budget Sheets link at the top of this brochure to view the estimated budget of all expenses for this program.
• UW Tacoma students can attend a How to Fund Your Study Abroad event - more information is on the Events page of our website.

Orientation 

To be eligible to study abroad, all program participants must attend an online pre-departure orientation facilitated by the Office of Global Affairs/UW Study Abroad as well as your program-specific orientations, offered by your program directors. Orientation must be completed prior to the enrollment deadline for the quarter that you are studying abroad.

Changes in Cost or Scope of Program

In the event of significant devaluations of the dollar, some adjustments to program activities may be necessary. If there are any political events that might compromise the safety of the participants, a rescheduling or cancellation of the program may be necessary. If such changes occur, students will be notified of the changes and options will be presented.

Program Cancellation

If viable enrollment is not reached by May 1, 2023 the program will be cancelled. Participants will be notified and the administrative and program fees will be refunded.

Disability Accommodations

The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and education for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation for this program, contact Disability Resources for Students at least 8 weeks in advance of your departure date. Contact info at tacoma.uw.edu/drs.