Renaissance Thinking and Contemporary Leadership: MBA program in Rome, Italy

This is a program for graduate students.
Application deadline: February 6, 2017

This course examines Renaissance leadership as it applies to contemporary cultural and business organizations with special emphasis for how Renaissance leadership can be generalized to the corporate context. This program is designed for an interdisciplinary group of students to explore the power of Renaissance thinking as it applies to renewal, rediscovery, invention and creativity. It will help emerging leaders develop new perspectives and strategies to bring health, creativity and energy to their organizations.

Learners will draw upon the creative processes of artists - painters, architects, musicians, and writers - and apply the same dynamic of creative thinking to the practical work of leaders in today's cultural and business organizations. Special emphasis will be given to the artists of the Italian Renaissance.

Few other settings than Rome personify the Renaissance. This location provides the best of all milieus for understanding Renaissance thinking. Students will be able to see visual manifestations of the Renaissance and in this manner link authorities, philosophies, and outcomes with a Renaissance way of thinking. Contemporary leaders will share their thoughts, stories and experiences with students and thus help them understand how the historical legacy of the Renaissance continues to influence how enlightened leaders think and act as well as how they value specific goals and aspirations.

This study abroad program is led by Sally Deck and Dr. Anne Bartlett from UW Tacoma.

Academic Content

Renaissance Thinking and Contemporary Leadership - TBUS 590 – 4 Credits

Renaissance thought focused on rediscovery, innovation and invention, and creativity and the rebirth of ideas. In this interdisciplinary course, students will develop leadership skills such as cultivating new perspectives and appreciating diverse attitudes as strategies to bring vibrant sustainability to their organizations. Students will exercise dynamic and creative thinking and apply these processes to the practical work of leading today's organizations.

Program Dates

This 4-credit course will run from May 6 – May 13, 2017 with final written work due in mid-June. Required informational meetings during spring quarter 2017 will prepare students for traveling abroad.

Accommodations

Accommodation will be apartments in Rome (double-occupancy). Apartments have WiFi, and linens are provided. 

Eligibility

Graduate students and alumni are eligible to apply. Preference is given to students in the MBA program at the University of Washington Tacoma. Students who have a particular interest in developing a global perspective for leadership and management are encouraged to apply. Extensive walking required.

Maximum number of participants: 10.

Please note: Students from other institutions and alumni will need to enroll at UW Tacoma as non-matriculated (non-degree seeking) students in order to be eligible to apply to and receive credit for the program. Once accepted to UW Tacoma, you will also be able to take advantage of the UW Tacoma Study Abroad Insurance (see Insurance section below).

Application

Applications are due on February 6, 2017. Applicants will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis with a preference for students in the MBA program at the University of Washington Tacoma. Applicants will be notified of acceptance decisions by February 13. Once accepted to the program, applicants will need to confirm their participation in the program by February 24. Click the "Apply Now" button below to begin.

Travel Documents and Insurance

All program participants must have a valid passport in order to travel to Europe. No visa or other paperwork is required for U.S. citizens. International students can email uwtintl@uw.edu with questions about visas.

Study abroad insurance coverage is required. We strongly recommend students take advantage of the UW Study Abroad Insurance as an easy and affordable option. Students with personal insurance may petition for a UW Study Abroad Insurance waiver. For details, please contact the UW Tacoma Office of Global Affairs.

Program Cost

The total cost of the program is $500** (includes a $250 administrative fee). The program is generously supported by the Milgard School of Business.

Included in the cost of the program:

• Course fee (in lieu of tuition) for 4 UW credits
• Instructional costs in Italy
• Lodging (double occupancy) in Rome, Italy
• Museum entry and guide service fees
• Welcome and closing dinner

Not included in the cost of the program:

• Round trip airfare to/from Italy
• Costs of travel documents (passport, visas)
• Meals (except as listed above)
• Personal expenses

Payment Schedule*

*Additional important dates can be found in the "Refund Conditions for Fees" section.
**Approximate cost, may be less, final cost will be established before the application deadline.

Method of payment: Payments made in person or by mail will need to be paid by personal check, cashier's check, or money order made payable to University of Washington Tacoma (UWT). Please write "MBA Italy 2017" in the memo line of the check.  Please submit the check to the University of Washington Tacoma Cashier's Office (CAR 400) during regular business hours. Please do not submit your check to the Office of Global Affairs. You can also mail it to:

UW Tacoma Cashier's Office 
Campus Box 358433
1900 Commerce Street
Tacoma, WA 98402

To make the payment online, click this button to proceed with your Visa or Mastercard.

The program fee will be charged automatically to your UWT student account upon registration and can be paid online through your MyUW account. Please note: students do not register themselves for this program. The Office of Global Affairs will register you once the Administrative Fee and all appropriate program documents have been received.

For questions about the payment schedule or the methods of payment available, please email uwtintl@uw.edu or call 253.692.4426.

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid which they intend to apply toward the program cost should consult with a financial aid adviser before applying to the program. Some sources of funding do not cover the cost of study abroad programs. Check with a financial aid advisor to understand how your funds apply toward study abroad.

Refund Conditions for Fees

1. If you withdraw prior to March 10, 2017, all payments, less the $250 Administrative Fee, will be refunded to you.
2. If you withdraw on or after March 10, but prior to March 31, 2017, you are obligated to pay 50% of the total cost of the program.
3. If you withdraw on or after March 31, 2017, you are obligated to pay the full amount of participation costs incurred by the school. No refunds will be given for unused accommodations, meals or other fees and services.

If you cannot participate in a study abroad program due to unanticipated changes in your financial situation, a medical emergency, death, military duty, or other unusual or extenuating circumstances, you may submit a Petition for Emergency Withdrawal. If granted, the Emergency Withdrawal may allow for partial or full relief from your financial obligations to the program. More information.

Notice of Withdrawal from the program MUST be made in writing and submitted to the Office of Global Affairs in GWP 102 or by mail to:

Office of Global Affairs

University of Washington Tacoma

Box: 358415

1900 Commerce Street

Tacoma, WA 98402

Changes in Costs or Scope of the 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 March 25, 2017 the program will be cancelled. Participants will be notified and the administrative and program fees will be refunded.

Equal Opportunity and Disability Accommodations

The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in accordance with University policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations. The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process contact the Disability Support Services Office at least 6 weeks in advance.

Health Requirements

No immunizations are required for Italy. However, it is advisable that you are up-to-date on your regular immunization schedule. Please consult your personal physician or local health board.