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        Business Core Fast Track Program

        Thinking about a getting a head start on your business core? Want to go to Milan or Madrid? Why not do all three? Jump start your business major and see both Milan and Madrid this summer.

        The Harbert Fast-Track in Milan/Madrid allows students to take 15 hours of core business coursework to jump start their major program, while also getting a valuable international experience. Importantly, students who complete the Fast-Track program can begin taking electives in their major during the Fall of their Junior year rather than having to wait until Spring, which is critical for getting internships. 

        What is the Business Core Fast Track program?

        Harbert students take a group photo in front of a structure in Rome, ItalyThe Business Core Fast Track program is designed to give business majors the chance to get a head start on their business curriculum while also exploring the destinations and cultures of Italy and Spain.

        As a business major on this program, you'll take the core business Principles courses (Marketing, Management, Finance, Supply Chain Management and Professional Development IV) as well an elective course, International Business, in the summer between your Sophomore and Junior year. Doing so allows you to begin taking electives in Marketing, Management and Supply Chain in the Fall of your Junior year when your colleagues would be taking principles classes. This Fast Track then allows you to complete more electives in the major and more business coursework before you begin looking for internships and other work opportunities in the summer between Junior and Senior year. This option can improve internship and job opportunities and possibly speed up your graduation.

        You'll take one live class at a time on location (4 face-to-face live classes). Live classes are roughly three weeks long and sequenced to balance workload and program activities, while taking into consideration prerequisites. You'll take two live classes in Milan and two in Madrid. The remaining four credit hours in the program are completed online across the summer with some cultural and professional activities for the online courses occurring in both locations.

        You'll also get a week-long summer vacation in the middle of the coursework to allow time to travel and experience Europe on your own or with family, friends or classmates.  This structure gives you a multi-cultural experience of business and business cultures all while completing 15 credits in the business core—including four Principles courses—in the summer before most business students begin taking these courses.

        Learn More About the Business Core Fast Track

        • What is the schedule for the Business Core Fast Track?
          Business Core Fast Track
          October 15, 2022 Application review period begins. Space is limited.
          December 14, 2022

          Commitment deadline to receive discounted program fee of $16,480

          December 15, 2022

          Students who commit to program after Dec 14, 2022 program fee is: $16,980

          January 19, 2023 Last day to begin an application with Auburn Abroad. Applications take at least a week to complete, so start ASAP.
          January 31, 2023 Last day to complete applications through Auburn Abroad. NO LATE APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED.

          Once students commit to the program the Bursars office will send an invoice for the program a week later.  However, program payment is NOT due until May 5, 2023.

          May (tentative), 2023 Auburn Study Abroad fee ($729) billed
          May 9, 2023 BUSI 3250 & 4010 (online/on locations) begins
          May 11, 2023 Depart USA to arrive in Millan May 12
          May 12–14, 2023 Orientation and tours in Millan
          May 15–June 2, 2023 MNGT 3100 (Millan)
          June 5–June 23, 2023 FINC 3610 (Millan)
          June 23, 2023 Travel from Millan to Madrid (included in program fees)
          June 24–July 2, 2023 Summer Break
          July 3–July 14, 2023 SCMN 2150 (Madrid)
          July 17–Aug 3 MKTG 3310 (Madrid)
          BUSI 3250 & 4010 ends Aug 3
          Aug 4 Depart Madrid to arrive in USA
        • Who can participate in the program?

          In order to qualify for the Harbert Business Minor Abroad Program, you must be a Sophomore- or Junior-level business major with a 3.0 GPA  and have earned 60 credit hours prior to the start of the summer program. Also, students must not have taken the program courses listed below, and must have completed either ACCT 2110 or ACCT 2117 PRIOR to program start. Honors sections are available for each course.

          Due to the cohort nature of the program, you must apply and be accepted into the program to take any of these courses. Space is limited, so be sure to fill out the application as soon as possible.

          You are required to enroll in and complete all 15 credit hours of coursework. Although the program is offered over the summer, the scheduling of courses is unique to this program.

        • When is the best time to participate in the program?

          This program is only appropriate for business students who are completing their Sophomore year and will have enough hours to take Junior-level courses during the summer program (60 hours completed before the program starts). 

          We recommend that you first speak with your academic advisor, the program director and your parent(s) or guardian(s) before making a final decision.

        • What courses will I take on the program, and how many credits are offered?

          Students are required to take all offered courses for a total of 15 credits. Courses are Auburn University courses taught by Auburn instructors, and the courses include:

          • Principles of Management—MNGT 3100 (3 credit hours)
          • Principles of Finance—FINC 3610 (3 credit hours)
          • Operations: Management of Business Process—SCMN 2150 (2 credit hours)*
          • Principles of Marketing—MKTG 3310 (3 credit hours)
          • International Business—BUSI 3250 (3 credit hours)
          • Professional Development in Business IV—BUSI 4010 (1 credit hour)

           

          Note 1: If you have taken SCMN 2150, there will be a business elective replacement course you will take. If you have taken more than one of the above courses, you will not be eligible for the program as we cannot replace two courses and partial course loads (under 15 hours) are not possible on this program given the structure. * The replacement course must be listed in place of SCMN 3250 on the course approval form as (BUSI 4970 – Special Topics in International Business - 2 hrs).

          Note 2:  You must complete either ACCT 2110 or 2117 before entering the program.  It is a prerequisite to FINC 3610.

          All the above courses are available as Honors courses. 

        • Can I take the business core courses without going on this program?

          Yes. It is sometimes possible for students to take these courses at Auburn during summer without going abroad.

          However, most departments currently offer few face-to-face principles courses in the summer on campus, offering only online versions instead. In addition, when live classes are offered, summer scheduling conflicts often limit the options for taking all these courses simultaneously at AU in the summer between Sophomore and Junior year.

          Other options include the possibility of taking these courses at another institution. In contrast to these options, this program offers the core principles courses sequenced so students can take them all in one summer abroad live on location in Rome and Madrid taught by Harbert College of Business faculty.

        • Can I get Honors credit for the courses in the program?

          YES. The Honors College supports study abroad programs. This program offers an Honors option that provides Honors credit for all five courses.

        • When can I register for courses for the Business Core Fast Track?

          Once you have been admitted to the program, you will receive official confirmation.  At that point, you may request class enrollment.

          A special section of each course is allocated to this program.  The program will manually enroll you in each course.  You will receive official notification once that process is complete.  You may only take these courses if you are admitted into the program.

        • What are the travel requirements?

          Visa and Passport
          You will be required to have a valid passport, good for one year after you return to the US after the program.

          If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact us at harbertglobal@auburn.edu.

          Housing and Travel
          During the duration of the program, you will stay in either a 3-star or higher hotel or self-service apartments with necessary amenities. While internet and local travel are covered by your fees, you will be responsible for most meals (the area around your lodging has grocery stores and plenty of restaurants to choose from). Specific housing location and details will be provided prior to departure from the US.

          Please note that all COVID protocols required by Auburn University, the Harbert College of Business, the Program Provider Abroad and local authorities will be strictly followed and enforced.

          If you have any further concerns or questions about housing, please contact us at harbertglobal@auburn.edu.

          COVID-19 Vaccinations
          The Harbert College of Business contracts with vendors for logistics, accommodations and admission to venues abroad. These vendors have been vetted by Auburn University, are licensed, and insured. These vendors require full COVID-19 vaccinations for participation in the entire program, so students should expect a vaccination will be required for this program. They may also require other actions by participants including masking, distancing, curfews, quarantine and limited travel once on the ground abroad.

          If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact us at harbertglobal@auburn.edu.

        • Why does the program include both Milan and Madrid together?

          The Harbert College of Business has been running global programs for 20 years. Program locations have included the United Kingdom, France, Czech Republic, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Croatia, China and others. In the last few years there have been many requests to expand our summer abroad programs to include two international locations in a single program.

          With our experience, we believe having two world class cities in one program makes sense. These two cities are two of the most requested destinations for study abroad and have welcoming environments for students. In addition, studying in both Rome and Madrid offers a unique chance to contrast these business and cultural environments.

          Also, while students can use/pick up some basic language skills in either/both locations, no language skills are required to participate in the program in these locations.

        • How much does the program cost?

          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 in lieu of regular tuition. All coursework is covered by program fees.

           

          Summer 2023 Program fees ($16,480*/$16,980) include:

          *A discount of $500 If the student commits to the program by December 14, 2022.

          * Regardless of when a student commits to the program, an invoice will be sent to the student from the Bursar’s office a week later.  However, payment is not due until May 5, 2023.

           

           

          • AU coursework credit hours (15)
          • Housing in Millan and Madrid for the duration of the program
          • Flight from Millan to Madrid
          • Bus/metro passes for the duration of the program
          • Cultural and professional programs
          • Day tours of Millan and Madrid
          • Welcome and farewell receptions
          • Emergency evacuation insurance


          Estimated additional costs not included in the program fees are $4,969. These costs include:

          • Airfare to Millan and return from Madrid
          • Most meals
          • Passport and visa if needed
          • Optional tours and travel
          • Mandatory trip cancellation insurance
          • Auburn Abroad fee ($708)
          • Harbert College Professional Fees ($100–$175 depending on # of hours completed)


          The overall expected cost for this program is $19,869. This includes 15 credit hours of academic course credit. Given the benefits, compared to taking typical classes on campus, this program is a good investment, especially for out-of-state students as the cost is similar to a typical semester, but includes a summer abroad experience of a lifetime AND a résumé boost by allowing students to get more business coursework completed before they apply for internships and jobs.

        • What is the application process?

          The application process requires students to apply and register with the AU Study Abroad office. Students must meet the academic requirements for the program and be in good standing with the registrar’s office to study abroad. 

          The application period for all Harbert study abroad programs opens October 15, 2021. These application periods are considered with rolling admission, which means that the programs will accept applications until programs either fill or final rosters are due to our international partners for housing, tours, etc., but students must begin to apply no later than January 14, 2022, and complete the application process no later than January 27, 2022, to be eligible for the 2022 Summer program.

          DUE TO UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS, NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY REASON. Students are encouraged to apply early and move through the application process efficiently as the program will likely fill and close at some point late in the Fall semester or the beginning of Spring.

          The Harbert College of Business will have several information sessions for the program. Students are encouraged to attend an information session to help navigate the process of applying. During the information session, students will have an opportunity to speak with an Auburn Abroad coordinator or intern about specific questions that they may have in the preliminary planning stages for study abroad. 

          Students who are ready to apply to this program, may start their application.

        An image of students gathered around a table that has been blurred with the letters FAQ in the foreground

        Have more questions?

        Check out our General FAQ for more details on studying abroad. If you still have a question afterwards, get in touch with us through the contact information below!

        General FAQ

         

        Start Your Application Early

        We have limited space for our Harbert Business Core Fast Track program, so be sure to submit your application as soon as possible!

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