From Sea to Shining Sea: Exploration of Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives at the Ports of Washington and the Netherlands (Early Fall 2019)

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Apply by April 12, 2019

In this study abroad program, students will study the Ports of Tacoma, Seattle, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam to understand each port’s corporate social responsibility and environmental initiatives. This program will begin in Washington: From August 24th to September 6th, students will meet with staff in the Communications and Marketing departments at the Ports of Tacoma and Seattle to learn about communication strategies for various environmental initiatives.

In the Netherlands: From September 6th to 17th, students will visit the Ports of Amsterdam and Rotterdam where they will learn about the history and current practices of the numerous sustainability and social responsibility initiatives each of these ports has implemented. While abroad, students will gain a greater appreciation of how local culture affects communication strategies and message mechanics.

This study abroad program is led by Evelyn Shankus and Joe Lawless. 

Academic Content

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

TBGEN 468: International Business Field Experience

This course takes place in Washington State and the Netherlands. It is designed to provide students with an opportunity to view the sustainability initiatives that are undertaken in the Washington State Ports of Tacoma and Seattle and consider them in contrast to that which is being done in the Ports of Amsterdam and Rotterdam. After touring the Ports of Tacoma and Seattle and considering how CSR initiatives are crafted to inform stakeholders of various environmental initiatives, students will then tour the Ports of Amsterdam and Rotterdam to consider the unique approaches to CSR taken in these large European ports which operate under the Paris Accord. 

Learning Goals Include:

• Identify the various stakeholders of Port operations and the communication strategies used to inform them of sustainability initiatives.
• Compare and Contrast message strategies as they vary across cultures.
• Consider channel choices made to disseminate CSR initiatives.
• Explore the difference in messaging style given the receptivity of the European stakeholder.
• Understand the intersectionality of messaging strategies that are generated both formally, informally, internally and externally.
• Gain a richer understanding of the Dutch history, geography, culture, and socio-political environment and how it facilitates a progressive approach to environmental concerns.

Program Schedule

The program runs from August 24 - September 17, 2019. Students will spend September 6 - 17 in the Netherlands. 

Housing

Students will stay in a youth hostel, Generator Hostel, overlooking Oosterpark. This trendy hostel in a former university building is a 6-minute walk from the nearest tram stop and 3 km from Dutch masterpieces in the Rijksmuseum. Airy modern dorms sleep 4 people, and come with free Wi-Fi and lockers. Towels are also available for a small fee. Private rooms and 2-bedroom apartments are also available for an additional fee. Amenities include a cafe with an outdoor terrace offering park views and a lounge/bar in the former lecture hall. There's also a library and a basement cafe/bar.

Student Eligibility

This course is open to students with a strong interest in corporate social responsibility and business, and it may be of particular interest to students in the following majors: Business, Marketing, Management, International Business, Urban Studies, Cultural Studies, Environmental Studies.  There are no prerequisites or language requirements. 

Application Deadline

Applications are due on February 15, 2019. Applicants will be notified of acceptance decisions February 27. Once accepted to the program, applicants will need to confirm their participation in the program by March 1, 2019. 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 $3,690.

Included in the cost of the program:

• Instructional Fee (replaces the cost of tuition for the 5 credits earned)
• Housing
• Program activities and program travel (including trips to the Van Gogh Museum, Canal and Walking Tours and others)
• All transportation to and from the programed events
• Welcome and Departure Meals
• $450 Administrative Fee

Not Included in program fees:

• Airfare to/from the Netherlands
• 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 11, 2019

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 $450 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, 2019 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.