Complete Business Minor in Barcelona, Spain and Rome, Italy

Program Overview

Thinking about a Business Minor? Want to go to Barcelona or Rome? Why not do all three? Get your Business Minor and see both Barcelona and Rome this summer.

The Harbert Barcelona / Rome International Program is offered through Auburn’s Harbert College of Business, and students can take all 5 courses to complete a Business Minor as part of the program. This is a unique opportunity to complete a Business Minor while also getting a resume boost with an international experience that will set your apart from your peers.

The program will include significant travel and cultural opportunities in both Barcelona and Rome. No foreign language skills required. Coursework is structured so students focus on only one course at a time. This format allows successful completion of the academic portion of the program, while providing students enough free time to experience Barcelona and Rome, two of the most exciting and interesting cities in the world. Both locations are popular international study abroad destinations, with interesting cultures, food, and entertainment.

In Barcelona, students will see sites such as the La Sagrada Familia, the Picasso Museum, Montjuic Castle, La Barceloneta Beach, and Camp Nou stadium—home of FC Barcelona soccer, etc).  In Rome you will have an opportunity to visit the Roman Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palentine Hill, Circus Maximus, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and see St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum located in the Vatican City. 

Objectives of the Program:

This 9+ week program provides a unique academic and cultural experience. Get your Business Minor to differentiate yourself, strengthen your resume, improve your professional experience, and enhance job opportunities. Students will attend classes and have time for exploring both Barcelona and Rome.  Classes include both online and in-person instruction, and are sequenced so you will focus on one class at a time. You will take 2 classes in Barcelona and 2 in Rome, and finish with an online course once you return from Europe. This structure will allow you to successfully complete your academic work, while still having plenty of time to experience all Barcelona and Rome offer.

Academic Program & Requirements (up to 15 Credit Hours possible):

All 5 classes are offered to complete a Business Minor and are AU courses.  Courses are 3 credit hours unless noted:  Microeconomics (ECON 2020**), Fundamentals of Accounting (ACCT 2810), Principles of Marketing (MKTG 3310), Principles of Management (MNGT 3100), and Principles of Finance (FINC 3610). **May substitute Operations: Management of Business Processes (SCMN 2153-2 credit hours) and Professional Development in Business IV (BUSI 4013-1 credit hour). Cannot count ECON 2020 for both Business Minor and Common Core. Take any courses needed to complete your minor or take them all.

Prerequisites required for course credit. See Program Contact for full course dates and format. Program open to students with 2.25 or higher GPA and open to all majors.

Important Dates/Calendar

Program Fees: $8,979

Program fees include AU coursework credit hours (3-15 possible), housing in Barcelona and Rome for the duration of the program, flight from Barcelona to Rome, a few meals, Barcelona and Rome bus and metro pass for duration of the program, cultural and professional programs, day tours of Barcelona and Rome, welcome and farewell receptions, trip cancellation insurance, and emergency evacuation insurance (does not replace major medical). Specific tour/event details provided before departure from U.S. and are subject to change.

Estimated Additional Costs: $3,469 (not included in program fees)

Estimated additional costs not included in program fees include: airfare to Barcelona and     return from Rome, most meals, passport and visa if needed, optional tours and entrance fees to some sights, and the Auburn Abroad fee ($691).

Passport and Visa Requirements:

Students will be required to have a valid Passport, good for 1 year after they return to the US after their program ends (valid through at least July 18, 2021.

Living Arrangements/ Housing/ Meals/ Transportation:

Students stay in either a 3 star or higher hotel or self-service apartments with necessary amenities and easy access to bus and/or metro lines. A few special meals and Internet are included in the program fees. Students are on their own for other meals (though area around their lodging has plenty of restaurants). Travel on metro network and bus system for the duration of the program is included in program fee. Specific housing location and details will be provided prior to departure from the U.S.

Program Dates: 

May 13, 2020 (leave USA overnight flight to arrive in Barcelona May 14) – Barcelona to Rome June 12 (TBA), and return from Rome to USA July 18, 2020. FINC 3810 to be completed online once you return from Rome (July 20-Aug 7).

Program is limited so APPLY NOW.

**Program details subject to change.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Dr. Dan Padgett or Dr. Danny Butler
Global Directors
252 Lowder Hall or 4045 Horton Hardgrave Hall
Harbert College of Business

EMAIL: HarbertGlobal@auburn.edu

Apply to the Summer Abroad Program Now!

FAQ

• Does a Harbert Study Abroad experience make a difference?

  Answer: According to a study conducted in 2018 by the Harbert College of Business, HCoB students who studied abroad on one of our programs average $10,322 more in yearly salary than their classmates who did not study abroad with one of our programs.  

• Is a Business Study Abroad important?

  Answer: Every person, regardless of major or education level participates in business.  Individuals exchange their time and talents for money - salary.  Companies exchange their products and services for money.  Not-for-profit entities and governments exchange their services for money - taxes.  Everyone engages in business.  Farmers, scientists, engineers, poets, language specialists, fitness trainers, etc. all work in some form of business.  All majors graduating from Auburn University will work in some form of business.  In today’s world, all business is global.  For graduates to be competitive, it is important for all students to have a basic understanding of business, different cultures, particularly business cultures. Unfortunately, most students never get exposed to formal business education, different cultures or at best only get a brief glimpse of these areas. Only a small percentage of students go abroad during their college career (estimates vary, but range between 3-5%). Very few students actually live abroad, and even fewer work in an international professional setting. With the Business Minor Abroad, students will study and live abroad in two different countries.  This gets employers’ attention. Students who have been on our programs consistently report that their experience abroad was the key reason they got an interview or that the experience was all that they discussed in their interviews. When an employer gets 100 applications for a position, often an experience such as this will be the deciding factor, especially when combined with an official Business Minor from Auburn.

• Why Rome and Madrid together in the Business Minor?

  Answer: The Harbert College of Business has been running global programs for 20 years. Program locations have included England, France, Czech Republic, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Croatia, and China, among others. There have been requests to expand our Summer Programs to include two international locations in a single program. There have also been requests to enable students to complete their entire Business Minor in one semester.  With our experience, we believe having two world class cities in one program makes sense.  The Harbert College of Business began offering programs in Rome in 2015 and Madrid in 2016.  Rome is known as the Eternal City and the cradle of Western Civilization.  Rome combines it history with a modern economy and world class business opportunities.  Madrid is a vibrant global business hub with a history that has directly influenced the birth and growth of all the Americas. Studying in both Rome and Madrid offers a unique chance to contrast these business and cultural environments.  In addition, offering these two cities together provides a great opportunity for those students with some Spanish language or Italian language coursework/training to enhance their abroad experience.  Neither language skill is not needed for this program.   All courses are taught in English.  In terms of the Business Minor in one semester, structure is the key.  Given how this program is structured, it is the only way to complete an entire Business Minor in one semester.

• Who can participate?

  Answer: Any non-business major.  The Harbert College of Business program in Rome/Madrid is designed for students who wish to pursue a Business Minor.  All the courses required for a complete Business Minor are offered in this program.  Non-business majors can take all, or a portion of, the courses needed to complete a business minor as part of the program.  Students may also have access to some business electives.  For a full course list, or if you are not sure if the program will fit your program of study, contact Dr. Padgett (contact info on brochure).

• Is there a student standing and major requirement?

  Answer:

  Students must be a minimum of a sophomore.  Students must be a non-business major.  Students matriculating in this program understand that the courses they take may not be counted toward a business major.  They are only valid for a Business Minor.

• Are students supervised and is someone from Auburn going to be on site during the program?

  Answer: The Business Minor Study Abroad program (Rome/Madrid) will have Auburn faculty/staff to include the Director(s) on site for the duration of the program (7.5 weeks). We will have at least 4 to 5 faculty members in Madrid and Rome for the program.  In addition, our partner on the ground in Rome and Madrid has onsite staff to assist students available 24/7.  The Harbert College of Business maintains a strict maximum ratio of students to faculty/staff in country.  This ratio is a maximum of 20 students for every faculty/staff member on the ground in country.  Students will have specific contacts for class issues, housing issues, and day-to-day living issues (grocery shopping, where is the pharmacy? etc.). Staff from our partner also live where the students live to provide assistance where needed. Our partner will provide translators and English speaking guides as needed (and available 24/7) to make sure students have language assistance on site for the duration of the program.

• Is traveling and studying abroad safe?

  Answer:

  Safety is a paramount concern and the locations are screened and chosen with student safety in mind. Though the program locations include large cities, and care is required just as it would be here in the States, we have put in place several safeguards to protect students. First, we only use reputable partners with experience handling undergraduate student programs. All the tours, travel, and excursions have been vetted personally, and have been selected to be low risk and accessible. We usually have our own private local transportation for within country travel while touring and students are instructed on how to use public transport when/where necessary in a safe manner. In addition, housing locations typically have extra security features such as key cards and 24-hour security guards so the facility knows when students arrive and leave, and also has procedures for keeping everyone safe.

  In addition, when students are free to travel, they must notify the Director and partner contact before traveling. If not, phones will start ringing including the student’s, their official program "buddies", other friends on the program, the Director’s, Auburn's study abroad folks, and then the student’s parents. Both Auburn and our partner on site provide training required by all students who go abroad, specific to our locations, to help make sure everyone is safe. Student housing is selected with both amenities and safety in mind. Students are required to have mobile phones with them at all times to communicate with each other, work, and program staff. Students are instructed in safety procedures so they know what to do in the event of an emergency. For the Rome/Madrid program, English speaking guides/translators will be available for the duration of the program and available 24/7. While abroad, students are participating in an Auburn University program, and are held to AU conduct policies as if they were in a classroom here on campus. Students (and their parents) will be supplied with and sign a set of conduct rules that cover drinking, drugs, high risk activities, and other behavioral issues that will be strictly enforced while abroad. Failure to adhere to either AU or HCoB policies could result in dismissal from the program without refund.  

• How many students will be accepted for the program?

  Answer: The actual number of students accepted is determined by the program Directors in consultation with our partners abroad and the HCoB Director of Global Programs.  Harbert does not accept everyone who wants to go.  Safety is our highest priority.  As such, the final number of students accepted for the program will be based on safety first.  This means access to housing, our maximum ratio of 20:1 student/faculty, class facilities, and business/cultural opportunities.  The Rome/Madrid Business Minor Abroad program is new cooperative program that is working across academic disciplines and majors.  Historically, Harbert’s Summer Abroad Programs have matriculated between 75 to 100 students each summer. To have the best chance for acceptance into our program, applications should be turned in ASAP. Once accepted, roster spots are not secured until the student has met the program specific requirements.  Spots are awarded on a first come, first served basis for accepted students. Historically, we have had a waiting list to go.  Unfortunately, some students who waited, were not the first in line, and missed their opportunity.   Contact the program Director for additional information.

• What is the application process?

  Answer: There are two stages to the application process for this program. In Stage 1, the initial application process requires that students submit a short preliminary application form via a Qualtrics survey that will be reviewed by the program Director. Access to that survey can be found on the HCoB or AU Study Abroad website.  A staff member or Director will meet with the student for an informal interview (usually after the student submits the application form). Once this is completed, the student will receive a decision on the initial application (pending grade point verification and academic standing by the registrar). Students will be given instructions for securing a spot on the roster. Stage 2 of the process requires the student to formally apply/register with the AU Study Abroad office. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.25 and be in good standing with the registrar’s office to study abroad. The application period for this program October 30, 2019 with rolling admission.  This means that the programs will accept applications until programs either fill or final rosters are due to our international partners for housing, tours, etc. Students are encouraged to apply early and move through the application process efficiently to reserve a spot.

• What courses are available with the program and how many credits are offered?

  Answer:

  The student’s situation (major, minor, courses already taken, and graduation plans) will affect the course options available. Each student should meet with their academic advisor and program Director to understand the specific course options available that will maximize the benefit for the student. Students typically take 6 to 12 hours if taking upper level business electives or business core courses, but minors can take all 15 hours (or some subset) to complete the business minor during the program.

  Minors take a mixture of courses; some are online others are taken on site during the abroad portion of the program. Check with the program Director for additional course details. All courses for all formats are official AU courses taught by AU instructors. Expected courses offered in 2019 include:

  Courses Required for the Business Minor (15 credit hours)	Date and Location	Prerequisites
  Fundamentals of Accounting (ACCT 2810 – 3 credits)	May 18-19 in Barcelona	None
  Principles of Microeconomics (ECON 2020 – 3 credits) 1 or Operations:  Management of Business Processes (SCMN 2153- 2 credits) and Professional Development in Business (BUSI 4013- 1 credit)2	June 1-12 in Barcelona or June 1-12 Online or combination of on site class in Barcelona and online (TBA)	None or None
  Principles of Marketing (MKTG 3310- 3 credits)	Jun 22 - Jul 3 in Rome	ECON 2020
  Management Foundations (MNTG 3310 - 3 credits)	Jul 6-17 in Rome	None
  Fundamentals of Business Finance (FINC 3810 - 3 credits)	Jul 20-Aug 7 Online	ACCT 2810 or ACCT 2110
  	Rome	ECON 2020, Jr standing
  Principles of Management (MNGT 3100 – 3 credits)	Online - Madrid	Jr standing
  1 This course cannot be counted for both the Core Curriculum and the Business Minor. You may substitute SCMN 2153 (2 hours) + BUSI 4013 (1) for this course in the Business Minor.   2 Students who wish to use ECON 2020 for their Core Curriculum requirement are required to take this course combination to obtain their 15 hour requirement for a Business Minor.   Note:  Note: Students must complete any prerequisite course in order to take a course needing that prerequisite. Courses details are subject to change but will be finalized no later than the end of Fall term.

   

• How much does the Harbert Business Minor Abroad Program cost?

  Answer:

  It should be noted that students do not pay tuition for this program.  Students pay Harbert Study Abroad Program fees and Auburn Study Abroad Fees. 

  The program fees for summer 2020 are $8979.  This fee includes all AU coursework credit hours, housing for the duration of the program, bus/metro pass for the duration of the program, cultural and professional programs, day tours of the location, at least one excursion outside the program location (typically a day tour or longer), welcome and farewell receptions/meals, trip cancellation insurance, and emergency evacuation insurance (does not replace major medical insurance which is required to study abroad). Breakfast daily in Rome and Madrid is also included.

  Estimated additional costs not included in the fees total roughly $3,469. These costs include airfare to/from the European program location, most meals, passport and visa if needed, optional tours and entrance fees to cultural sights, Auburn Abroad fee ($677), and the HCoB professional fee ($150).  

  Your overall expected cost for this program is $12,448.  This includes 15 hours of academic course credit.

  For comparison, here are the estimated costs for tuition and fees for attending Auburn for the Summer 2020 (other expenses such as food, books, etc. will be similar). (http://www.auburn.edu/administration/business-finance/sfs/tuition-structure_19-fall.html) Accessed 9.9.19

  	In State		Out of State
  Tuition & Fees	9 hours	12 hours	9 hours	12 hours
  Agriculture	$4,519	$5,746	$11,881	$15,562
  Architecture Design & Construction	$6,679	$7,906	$14,041	$17,722
  Engineering	$5,254	$6,481	$12,616	$16,297
  Education	$4,519	$5,746	$11,881	$15,562
  Forestry & Wildlife	$4,519	$5,746	$11,881	$15,562
  Human Sciences	$4,519	$5,746	$11,881	$15,562
  Liberal Arts	$4,519	$5,746	$11,881	$15,562
  Nursing	$4,519	$5,746	$11,881	$15,562
  Science & Math	$4,519	$5,746	$11,881	$15,562
  Overall Average Tuition Tuition & Fees	$4,841	$6,068	$12,203	$15,884
  Housing * (between 3K to 5K)	$3,000	$3,000	$3,000	$3,000
  Total Tuition & Housing	$7,841	$9,068	$15,203	$18,884

  * http://www.auburn.edu/administration/housing/apply/rentalrates/ (accessed 10.27.18)

  Given the benefits, compared to taking typical classes on campus, this program is a good investment, especially for those who are out of state, who actually save money to go abroad! In fact, as our recent study suggests, the cost of this program is about the same as the difference in first year earnings for someone who has gone on a Harbert Business Study Abroad program compared to someone who did not (over $10,000). This program is actually a great value compared to taking courses on campus that don’t have an international experience included!             

• Are there scholarships available for the Business Minor Abroad Program?

  Answer: Yes, there are a few scholarships expected that will be specifically allocated to pay partial fees for the 2020 Business Minor Abroad Program. The exact number, type, and amount of scholarships is typically announced by the end of fall semester. It is important that you begin the registration process early to be part of the first come, first serve process we use for program acceptance to be considered for any scholarships available through the program.

• Can I use financial aid or scholarships help pay for the program?

  Answer:

  Financial aid can typically be used to pay for all or a portion of the expenses. Scholarships that pay for 8 semesters can generally be used to pay for part of the summer program costs as one of the 8 semesters if the student takes 12 or more credit hours. Athletic scholarships also typically can be applied to the program. Generally, student loans can be used to pay for all related expenses including flights, program fees, personal expenses, etc. though students should carefully weigh the tradeoffs before considering additional loans for this or any program. Other financial aid such as scholarships or PACT money will generally pay a portion of the fees based on the tuition equivalent taking regular classes, but this depends on the type of scholarship. For more details, contact the Program Director or Student Financial Services. As a note, students have been creative in securing enough money to participate in the programs, including asking for graduation or holiday money, working, and even getting their current employer to pay for a portion of the fees. In addition, there are outside scholarships available that might be appropriate given the student’s major, characteristics, or even the location chosen. Searching online can help locate potential options.

   

• What is the minimum grade point average for participants?

  Answer: As a general rule, students should have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Students who do not meet the basic program requirements can be considered on a case by case basis, but must be above the university minimum 2.25 GPA to participate in a study abroad program per Auburn University policy.

• What happens if the program is canceled?

  Answer: HCoB programs have been running for almost 20 years (though locations have changed). It would be highly unlikely that a program will be canceled. All programs include trip cancellation insurance to provide financial security in the event natural disaster or some other unforeseen problem requires canceling a program after fees have been paid. In addition, the fees include emergency evacuation in the event we need to remove the group from a location after the program begins.  

• Can parents or friends visit during the program?

  Answer: It is generally possible for parents or friends to visit during the program so long as they provide their own housing and transportation and the student does not miss required class activities. It might be possible for parents or friends to accompany the student on cultural tours if the Director knows in advance, though there may be an additional fee. Check with the program Director before planning a visit during a program to be sure it is possible. The 2020 Summer Business Minor program includes a week of Summer Break in the middle of the program (June 13-June 21). Students are free to travel during this period, so we encourage students to plan family or friend visits during this period. Students generally have weekends free during the program (other than group tour dates which will be announced during the Fall semester), but should keep in mind that during the week coursework is intensive and often requires afternoon and evening work. We recommend students plan family/friend visits during the break to avoid any conflicts. Note: housing rules forbid overnight guests in the student lodging, so any visitors will need to secure their own lodging. This applies to the summer break as well.

• Can parents or friends visit during the program?

  Answer: It is generally possible for parents or friends to visit during the program so long as they provide their own housing and transportation, and the student does not miss group activities or work. It might be possible for parents or friends to accompany the student on cultural tours if the Director knows in advance, though there may be an additional fee. Check with the program Director before planning a visit during a program to be sure it is possible.

  If your question is not listed, or if you need additional information, do not hesitate to contact one of the program Directors listed on the brochures.

• If I am interested, what should I do now?

  Next Steps:

  1. If you are being supported in some way by your parents, contact them to see what they think of this opportunity. Send them the brochure and these FAQs.
  2. Make an appointment, then go to your Academic Advisor in your college. Make sure you get the name and contact number of the individual you meet with. Get a copy of your Plan of Study for your major. Look at the courses you have to take that may be free or directed electives. Ask you advisor how the courses you currently have taken and the Harbert Business Minor fit into your overall Plan of Study. Sequencing will be important here. It may be that you should not take a class or classes you had planned to take this Spring 2020 as that course may be taken abroad with our program.
  3. Go online to fill out the Qualtrics survey relating your interest in the Business Minor Abroad program.
  4. If you have been awarded any kind of scholarship here at Auburn, please follow up with on the specifics of your Scholarship (your Academic Advisor may be able to provide information on this) by contacting the Financial Aid Office to determine the number of hours you must take in order to pay for the Harbert Business Minor Abroad. Make an appointment, then go see them with the brochure and FAQs.   Make sure you get the name and contact number of the individual you meet with for future contacts.
  5. If you are an athlete, you may wish to take this information to you Athletic Academic Advisor. The Athletic Department historically has supported student athletes with scholarships to go on our programs during the summer.  Make sure you get the name and contact number of the individual you meet with for future contacts.
  6. If you are in the Honor’s College, you should meet with your Academic Advisor. The Honor’s College supports Study Abroad programs.  Your scholarship may fund all, or part, of this program.  A special Honor’s section of each course will be established if Honor’s students are enrolled. 

   

  If your question is not listed, or if you need additional information, do not hesitate to contact one of the program Directors listed on the brochures or via the contact information below.

   

  Email:   HarbertGlobal@auburn.edu

                              or

  Dr. Dan Padgett – 250 Lowder Hall

                              or

  Dr. Daniel Butler – 251 Lowder Hall