CESA Summer 2009 Joint Program

Contemporary Europe: Sustainability and the Global Economy

Villa Maderni, Virgina Tech’s facility in Switzerland.

Would you like to study in Europe?

Are you interested in sustainability and the global economy?

Would you like to earn 6 credits during summer session?

Then think about participating in the Contemporary Europe program!

 

Purpose of the Program

The program examines best practices in economic competitiveness and sustainability in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. Activities include field trips and site visits with businesses, chamber of commerce, urban planning agencies in Milan (Italy), Lugano and Zurich (Switzerland), and Freiburg (Germany). The program is open to all graduate and undergraduate students with interests in sustainability, business, global economy, and European studies. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with students from Germany while studying in Europe.

Location

The program includes classroom discussions in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland and field trips to Milan, Lugano, Zurich, Freiburg, etc.


Application Deadline

Space is limited, registration will be on a first-come / first-enrolled basis from qualified applicants until all spaces are filled.


Dates of Program

July 7 to July 31, 2009


Cost

A small town in the Swiss Alps.The program fee is $3,900 (subject to change). It includes housing and three meals per day, transportation costs and lodging for field trips, and administrative costs. Students will also be charged summer tuition, and will be expected to cover their own out-of-pocket expenses.

Personal expenses are estimated as follows:

  • Roundtrip airline ticket - $1,400
  • Passport - $100
  • Health Insurance - $50
  • Books and supplies - $50
  • Personal expenses* - $400 (will be affected by individual travel, souvenirs, and other items)

A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due immediately upon acceptance. The balance of the program fee will be due by June 10, 2009.


Housing

Housing and three meals per day are provided in Virginia Tech's campus in Switzerland, known as Villa Maderni. Students usually stay in double rooms although we may use some triple or quadruple rooms as well. A field trip to Freiburg and Zurich is included.


About the Instructor

Dr. Heike Mayer is a professor in Urban Affairs and Planning at Virginia Tech’s northern Virginia campus. A native of Germany, Dr. Mayer specializes in the economic competitiveness of cities and regions. Contact Info: via E-mail at heikem@vt.edu or phone (703) 706 8122


Courses

The focus of the summer study abroad program in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland, is sustainability and the global economy. We will examine the ways in which the global economy operates and how sustainability is practiced at the local level. We will focus on the role of European cities and regions and the ways in which they develop competitive yet sustainable environments. The class will focus on the following two topics: “Cities, Regions and Firms: The Role of the Global Business Environment and Local Economies” and “Sustainability and Cities”. The last week of the program will include a workshop with students from Germany. Course numbers are UAP 5954 or UAP 3954 Study Abroad. You can earn 6 credits.

Bern, the capital city of Switzerland.Cities, Regions and Firms: The Role of the Global Business Environment and Local Economies (3 credits)

Paris and Milan are the fashion capitals of Europe. London, Zurich and Frankfurt are the centers of the banking industry. Munich and Stuttgart are home to numerous high-tech and biotechnology firms. Cities have always played an important role in the global economy and firms take advantage of being located in regions that are known for their industries. In this class, we will examine the issues confronting businesses in the global economy and we will pay particular attention to the role of urban and regional economies. How do firms operate in the global business environment? In what ways are cities and regions important for the location of businesses? What is the role of local economies? Topics will include understanding geographical, political, cultural, social and economic issues that influence the global and local business environment. Studying in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland, will give us the opportunity to experience Europe. Field trips to Zurich and Milan will allow us to examine the ways in which major European cities function as locations for globally operating firms.

Sustainability and Cities (3 credits)

European cities and regions have been at the forefront of sustainability. We will focus on innovative best practices in sustainable development and examine the economic, environmental and social aspects. We will focus on the Slow Food and Slow Cities movement and visit small towns in Italy and Switzerland. Students will participate in group excursions and independent fieldwork in and around Riva San Vitale.


How to Apply

Virginia Tech students should apply online here.

APPLY ONLINE! http://www.educationabroad.vt.edu

The following items are required for Virginia Tech students. They should be submitted to the Education Abroad office at Virginia Tech:

  • Submit online application
  • Signed and dated Program Liability Agreement
  • Authorization to Release Information (optional)
  • Statement of purpose essay (submit online as a questionnaire)

Contacts for further information

Heike Mayer, Instructor: heikem@vt.edu

Casey Dawkins, Faculty Coordinator: dawkins@vt.edu

Paul Knox, Faculty Coordinator: knox@vt.edu


For applications and more information

Jeremy Billetdeaux
Assistant Program Director, Education Abroad
Office of International Education, Research and Development (OIRED)
526 Prices Fork Road, Room 131
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, Virginia USA 24061
540.231.5888
(fax) 540.231.5164
jsbillet@vt.edu

For a flyer containing the information presented above, click here.

 

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