European Summer School: Business Management, Culture and Economics

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Apply by January 15, 2019

This program will give students an opportunity to be immersed in German culture and to learn about the European business environment from the perspective of regional, national and international firms. Students will begin the program at UW Tacoma during spring quarter 2019 where they will take 2 to 6 credits of independent study before leaving for the University of Applied Sciences Bielefeld (Fachhochschule (FH) Bielefeld in German) in May. At FH Bielefeld, students will participate in lectures and coursework from multiple international faculty members to develop an understanding of European politics, economics, cultural traditions, business norms, communication norms, and value systems. Students will also participate in field trips to multiple different firms within Bielefeld, Frankfurt, Berlin, and Rotterdam to further broaden their perspectives regarding the European business environment. The program at FH Bielefeld is comprised primarily of an international group of students, which will allow participants to experience the dynamics of cross-cultural teams and develop cross-cultural empathy and intelligence in a safe environment.    

Please note that you will only be able to earn UW credit if you enroll in the accompanying 2 to 6 credit TBUS 469 independent study in spring quarter 2019.

Eligibility

This program is designed for undergraduate students admitted to the Milgard School of Business. Students should have a general foundation of business knowledge but no specific content area or business school class is a prerequisite for participation in this program. The University of Applied Sciences at Bielefeld has designed the program in such a way that it can accommodate business school students from different disciplines at different stages in their undergraduate education (from freshmen to senior). 

UW students are eligible to receive academic credit for participation in the program only if they enroll in the accompanying TBUS 469 independent study in the spring, taught by UW Tacoma professor, Marion Eberly, Ph.D.

Academic Content 

Independent Study: TBUS 469 (2-6 credits) 

Participants will be required to take TBUS 469, an on-campus independent study course that will enhance the study abroad program in Bielefeld, Germany by providing instruction and interactive guidance in preparing for as well as debriefing the experience abroad. Preparation will include a theoretical exploration of what culture is and how it influences us, exploration of the German culture specifically, identification of tools to successfully communicate and collaborate across cultures and a personal assessment of potential challenges.

TMGMT 490: European Culture (5 credits)

The course provides students with an insight of European culture in its various facets. It integrates historical aspects of the European unification process as well as current political and social trends within Europe. Additionally, “European Culture” and the comparative analysis of differences between Europe and North America is a major topic. Field trips and company visits are closely linked to the learning contents and are integrated into the curriculum of this summer school course. Course participants should gain an individual cultural experience with people and country.

TBUS 490: European Politics and Business (5 credits)

The course examines European politics and business from the perspectives of economics, politics and law and also explores the functional disciplines of European logistics, supply chain management, mobile business and international marketing. Field trips and company visits are closely linked to the learning contents and are integrated into the curriculum of this summer school course.

Steps students take to receive UW academic credit:

1. Apply to the Bielefeld: European Summer School program by January 15, 2019.
2. Complete 2 to 6 credits of TBUS 469 independent study with Dr. Eberly in Spring 2019. 

Finances 

**Please note this program is NOT eligible for financial aid.**

Program Fee:  $1,950

Included in the program fee:

• Classes at FH Bielefeld in European business and culture
• Accommodation
• Field trips
• Company visits
• Culture program
• Local transportation pass
• Admin support
• Personal mentoring program

Not included in the program fee:

• Tuition for TBUS 469 independent study in Spring 2019
• Meals
• Travel to/from Germany
• Health insurance

Payment Schedule

Method of payment: The administrative fee and program fee will added to your MyUW student account in early April 2019. Fees can be paid the same way that you pay tuition and other fees. 

Field Trips

Berlin, Germany (May 16 to May 18)

• Fieldtrip to Bundestag (German Parliament) to meet political insiders.

Frankfurt, Germany (May 30 to May 31)

• Fieldtrip to European Central Bank (the European Fed).

Rotterdam, Netherlands (June 13 to June 15)

• City trip through Rotterdam's wide cultural offerings.

Housing

Students will be housed in single occupancy rooms at the Kolping Haus youth hostel near the city center of Bielefeld. Students may use the tram or bus to get to and from campus, which is an approximately 10 minute trip.                     

Orientation

To be eligible to study abroad, all program participants must complete an online pre-departure orientation facilitated by the Office of Global Affairs/UW Study Abroad. 

Financial Aid and Scholarships

This program is NOT eligible for financial aid. 

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.

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.

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 Disability Support Services at least ten days in advance of the study abroad program application deadline.