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        Harbert Global

        Study abroad with some of the best in business

         

         

        Business Core Fast Track Program

        APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!!

        Thinking about a getting a head start on your business core? Want to spend a summer in Europe? Why not do both? Jump start your business major and see Europe this summer.

        The Harbert Fast-Track in Milan allows students to take 15-16 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 during Junior year. 

        What is the Business Core Fast Track program?

        The 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 Italy and Europe.

        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, Finance, 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 four live classes in Milan and the remaining 3-4 credit hours online across the summer. The program is based in Milan and includes cultural and professional activities such as a trip to Lake Maggiore (foothills of the Italian Alps) and a vineyard tour to learn about the wine business.

        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.  Plus, program fees also include two extended weekend trips to see more of Europe such as Rome, Nice (France), Switzerland, or similar locations. This program also has many weekends built in for personal travel for you to enhance your European experience.

        This structure gives you a multi-cultural experience of business and business cultures all while completing 15-16 credits in the business core—including four Principles courses—in the summer before most business students begin taking these courses.

        Information Sessions

        • Monday, August 26 at 5:30 p.m. in HHH 1047
        • Tuesday, September 17 at 5:30 p.m. in HHH 1047
        • Wednesday, October 16 at 5:30 p.m. in HHH 1047
        • Monday, November 4 at 5:30 p.m. in HHH 1047
        • Tuesday, November 19 at 5:30 p.m. in HHH 1047
        • Tuesday, December 3 at 5:30 p.m. in HHH 1047

        Fast Track Business Core Details

        • Schedule
          Business Core Fast Track
          NOW!! Applications  open. Space is limited!!!
          December 12, 2024

          Commitment deadline to receive discounted program fee of $16,900

          December 13, 2024

          Students who commit to program after Dec 12, 2024 program fee is: $17,900

          January 17, 2025 Last day to begin an application with Auburn Abroad. Applications take at least a week to complete, so start ASAP.
          January 30, 2025 Last day to complete applications through Auburn Abroad. NO LATE APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED.
          May (tentative), 2025 Auburn Study Abroad fee (~$800) billed
          May 12, 2025 Depart USA to arrive in Milan May 13
          May 14, 2025 Orientation and tours in Milan
          May 15–May 30, 2025 Course 1
          June 2–June 20, 2025 Course 2
          June 22–June 29, 2025 Summer Break
          June 30–July 18, 2025 Course 3
          July 21–Aug 8, 2025 Course 4
          May 12-Aug 8, 2025 Course 5 & BUSI 4010 (Online)
          Aug 9, 2025 Depart Milan to arrive in USA
        • Participant Details

          In order to qualify for the Harbert Business Minor Abroad Program, you must be a Sophomore- or Junior-level business major with a 2.25 GPA  and have earned a minimum of 52 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 most of the courses, but must be taken as a set (not single classes for Honors--see courses). 

          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.

          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 15-16 credit hours of coursework. Although the program is offered over the summer, the scheduling of courses is unique to this program.

        • Coursework (15-16 credit hours)

          Students are required to take a total of 15-16 credits with 4 courses taken on location in Milan. Courses are Auburn University courses taught by Auburn instructors, and the courses include:

          Required Courses (Must take 4 courses on location in Milan and 3-4 hours online across the summer):*

          • Principles of Management—MNGT 3100 (3 credit hours)
          • Principles of Finance—FINC 3610 (3 credit hours)
          • Principles of Marketing—MKTG 3310 (3 credit hours)
          • International Business—BUSI 3250 (3 credit hours)
          • Introduction to Management Information Systems--ISMN 2140 (2 credit hours)
          • Operations: Management of Business Process—SCMN 2150 (2 credit hours)
          • Professional Development in Business IV—BUSI 4010 (1 credit hour -- Online only)

          Note 1: If you have taken one of the courses listed above, it might be possible to substitute a replacement course. Contact the program director at harbertglobal@auburn.edu to discuss the potential for substituting a course. The replacement course will be a special topics course (BUSI 4970 – Special Topics in International Business) and must be approved as a replacement course BEFORE you register for the program.  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. *

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

          If you are in the Honors College and would like to get Honors credit for your coursework, 12 hours can be taken for Honors credit, but they must be taken as a set (no individual Honors course contracting allowed for this program).

          Honors course Set: FINC 3617, MNGT 3107, MKTG 3317, and BUSI 3257.

        • Fast Track Business Core Abroad Compared to On-campus

          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 Europe taught by Harbert College of Business faculty.

        • Honors credit 

          YES. The Honors College supports study abroad programs. This program offers an Honors option that provides Honors credit for 12 of your 15-16 hours. The 12 hours of Honors credit available must be taken as a set. No need to contract separately for each course.

          You will complete a team simulation with your Honors colleagues that integrates the material from your principles courses. Simply list the following courses on your course approval form in place of the non-Honors courses:

          • Instead of MNGT 3100, list MNGT 3107
          • Instead of MKTG 3310. list MKTG 3117
          • Instead of FINC 3610, list FINC 3617
          • Instead of BUSI 3250, list BUSI 3257

          The remaining courses (SCMN 2150, ISMN 2140, BUSI 4010 and BUSI 4970) do not have an Honors options so should be listed as regular course numbers.

        • Registering for courses

          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.

        • Needs-Based Program Support Information

          It is possible that this program will have program support funds available. Once any funding is made available, all applicants will receive complete details regarding funding amounts and application process details.

          While funding is not guaranteed for this coming year, last year, funding for this program support was provided by the Auburn University Provost Vini Nathan and the Harbert College of Business administration (led by HCOB Interim Dean Jennifer Phillips-Mueller and Assistant Dean for Global Programs Danny Butler). 

          Last year, Program Support was available in the form of 2 - $10,000 Support Packages targeted for applicants to the Fast Track program, and 5 - $4,000 Support Packages available for either Fast Track or Business Minor applicants. We hope to have similar funding levels this year and will communicate to all applicants and potential support funding once it becomes available.

          Note: Generally, Program Support packages will be targeted for full 12-week Summer program applicants.  When reviewing Program Support applications, key applicant qualifications to be evaluated include:

          • Applicant financial need
          • A lack of previous international travel and study experiences
          • AU academic performance
          • AU extracurricular and leadership engagement. 

          Though funding has not been guaranteed not amounts determined, you can apply now for potential program support if it becomes available.  To apply, please click on the following link and complete the Qualtrics survey:

          Apply Now

        • Travel requirements

          Visa and Passport
          You will be required to have a valid passport, good for 6 months after you return to the US after the program. Visa now required (cost approximately $8). We will provide instructions for Visa applications during the application process.

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

          Housing and Travel
          For the duration of the program, you will stay in a 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 U.S.

          Please note that any safety and health regulations/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.

        • Why Milan?

          The Harbert College of Business has been running global programs for 25 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 provide a consistent, safe, and enjoyable "hub" for summer abroad.

          With its Italian style, central location in Europe, easy transport, and great food, Milan is a natural base for exploring Europe. What makes Milan special?

          • This year, Harbert College of Business will host classes in a state-of-the-art classroom space that will elevate the student academic experience.
          • Student housing accommodations are secured in advance (no hotels required at the beginning of the program), are an easy commute to the classroom space, central to downtown, and include great amenities.
          • Milan is a perfect base for traveling around Europe. High speed trains connect Milan to Rome, Venice, Florence, Switzerland, and other great European destinations in 3 hours of less. Milan's two major airports offer 2.5 hour or less flights to most major European cities such as Paris, London, Munich, Amsterdam, Athens, Madrid, Barcelona, Dublin, Prague, and more.
          • Milan is an easy to navigate city with excellent public transport options including metro, bus, and tram lines that are well-integrated, making it easy to get around the city.
          • Milan is a major fashion and business hub in Europe, providing enhanced professional opportunities.
          • Students maintain housing in Milan through the Summer Break week so they can stay in Milan for part or all of the break or leave luggage they don't need to travel lighter during the break week.
          • One location in Milan this summer allows 2 additional extended weekend trips included in the program fees. Potential destinations include Rome, Nice (France), Switzerland, or similar destinations. Details provided in Spring prior to going abroad.

          Also, while students can use/pick up some basic Italian language, no language skills are required to participate in the program in Milan as English is common in most places students live, go to class, and travel around the city.

          In summary, Milan is a very livable city with great amenities for summer abroad.

        • Program cost

          It should be noted that students do not pay tuition in addition to program fees for this program. Students pay Harbert Study Abroad Program fees and Auburn Study Abroad fees in lieu of regular tuition. All course credit hours are covered by program fees.

          Summer 2025 Program fees ($16,900*/$17,900) include:

          *If student commits to the program on or before December 12, 2024, program fees are $16,900. Commitment December 13th or after results in $17,900 program fees. So, save $1,000 and commit to the program before the early bird deadline!

          * 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 2025.

          • AU coursework credit hours (15/16 hours)
          • Housing in Millan for the duration of the program
          • Bus/metro/tram pass for the duration of the program
          • Cultural and professional programs
          • Day tours in and around Milan
          • Two extended weekend trips
          • Medical insurance
          • $5,000 of trip cancellation insurance


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

          • Airfare to/from Millan
          • Most meals
          • Passport and visa if needed
          • Optional tours and travel
          • Recommended additional trip cancellation insurance (to cover amount above $5,000)
          • Auburn Abroad fee ($774)
          • Harbert College Professional Fees (~$150  depending on # of hours completed)


          The overall expected cost for this program is $21,869 (assumes early commitment for discounted program fees). This includes 15-16 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.

        • 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 this program IS NOW OPEN!! The program is considered rolling admission, which means that the program will accept applications until the program either fills or final rosters are due to our international partners for housing, tours, etc., but students must begin to apply no later than January 17, 2025, and complete the application process no later than January 30, 2025, to be eligible for the 2025 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

        Applications Open Now!

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