Study abroad with some of the best in business
Want to take some Auburn courses to catch up or get ahead and see Europe this summer? The AU Flex program could be just what you are looking for. As the name implies, this program is flexible to allow students to pursue their academic goals while also exploring Europe. Choose from a list of available courses to take abroad either in Summer 1 or Summer 2 or across the Full Summer.
The AU Flex Program has two locations for Summer 2026 - Milan, Italy and Madrid, Spain. Students can take 5-9 hours of AU course credits in half summer options (Summer 1 or Summer 2) or 10-15 hours of course credit for the Full Summer option. The program also allows plenty of time to explore Milan and/or Madrid and Europe with planned cultural and professional activities and group tours in both summer sessions plus available free travel weekends for you to explore Europe.
Courses are Auburn University courses so no need to get approvals or see if these courses will transfer as they are basically the same courses as those taught on campus (often with the same instructors), but taught in Europe! Classes offered include entry level business courses, core business courses, and electives in several business areas applicable to business majors and minors.
Students are encouraged to first check the structured programs available designed for specific academic tracks before applying for the Flex option. For non-business majors, we offer a complete business minor program. Business majors have a number of focused options including the Fast Track program with core business courses, the International Business Minor program for advanced international business courses, as well as the highly selective Consulting Internship program that involves working on a project for an international client. Marketing majors (or minors) should consider the Marketing Accelerator program, Finance majors should consider the Finance Accelerator, and Management majors should consider the Management Accelerator program as these programs offer a significant opportunity to dive deeply into a specific major. If none of the structured programs are applicable, then the Flex option offers a variety of course and timing options.
The Flex program has three summer options:
You will take one live class at a time on location and have the option of adding an online class across the summer if you want additional course credits. Live classes are roughly three weeks long (4 days a week) and sequenced to balance workload and program activities, while taking into consideration prerequisites. Summer 1 and Summer 2 students will take 2 live classes on location in either Milan or Madrid -- see courses available during each Summer session in each location, while Full Summer students will take a total of 4 live courses. All students have the option to add an online course that is taken across the summer. Summer 1 and Summer 2 students take between 5 and 9 hours of credit, while Full Summer students will take between 10 and 15 hours of credit. Full Summer students have the opportunity to take classes in both locations with a week break for travel between Summer 1 and 2, have a significantly lower cost per credit hour compared to half summer participants, and have an opportunity to save $1,000 via early commitment.
The program structure focusing primarily on one live course at a time helps students succeed academically, while also offering a great cultural and professional experience. Both Milan and Madrid are easily livable and great hubs for exploring Europe. This program also allows free travel for all weekends except the first in your location for you to enhance your European experience. And the best part is that classes are held Tuesday through Friday, so in effect you have 3-day weekends.
AU in Europe Flex Program | |
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Coming soon...(expected mid-September) | Applications open. Space is limited so apply asap |
October 30, 2025 | (Only applicable to Full Summer students) Last day to submit a completed application with Auburn Abroad to be eligible for early bird discounted fees (only applicable to Full Summer students - save $1,000). Applications take at least a week to complete, so start asap. |
November 14, 2025 | (Only applicable to Full Summer students) Last day to commit to program through Auburn Abroad to receive early bird discounted fees (save $1,000). Note: Students without an Auburn GPA (including first semester and some transfer students) will not be eligible for discounted fees and will need to wait until after grades roll in December to be eligible to go on the program. |
January 16, 2026 | Last day to submit an application with Auburn Abroad. Applications take at least a week to complete, so start asap. No late applications accepted. |
January 30, 2026 | Last day to commit to the program through Auburn Abroad. No late commitments accepted. |
Early May 2026 | Program Fees due plus Auburn Study Abroad fee ($797) billed / Professional fees billed (~$150) for business majors / Mandatory trip cancellation insurance billed (~$350) |
May 7, 2026 | Full Summer AND Summer 1 students Depart USA to arrive in location |
May 8 - 10, 2026 | Orientation and tours in location |
May 11 - 29, 2026 | Session 1 Course for Full Summer and Summer 1 students |
June 2 - 19, 2026 | Session 2 Course for Full Summer and Summer 1 students |
June 20, 2026 | Summer 1 End of Program |
June 20 - 27, 2026 | Summer Break for Full Summer students |
June 25, 2026 | Summer 2 students depart USA for location to arrive June 26, 2026 in location |
June 27, 2026 | Full Summer students report to/check in housing in location |
June 27-28, 2026 | Orientation in location for Summer 2 and Full Summer students |
June 29 - July 17, 2026 | Session 3 Course for Full Summer and Summer 2 students |
July 20 - August 4, 2026 | Session 4 Course for Full Summer and Summer 2 students |
May 11 - Aug 4, 2026 | Optional Hybrid (mostly online) Course 5 For ALL students |
Aug 5, 2026 | Program End date for Full Summer and Summer 2 students to return to USA |
The AU in Europe Flex program is open to all AU students. Individual courses may have prerequisites so see course details.
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.
Program courses are only available to students who apply and have been accepted into the program. Space is limited, so be sure to fill out the application as soon as possible.
You are required to enroll in and complete a minimum of 2 live courses on location per summer mini-mester (2 total courses for Summer 1 and Summer 2 so Full Summer students take 4 live courses). Partial schedules are not available. Although the program is offered over the summer, the scheduling of courses is unique to this program.
Students must choose 1 course per Session and can choose a maximum of 3 credits online. All online courses run the full summer but can be added to any option. Courses are Auburn University courses taught by Auburn instructors. Check the course session, location, and prerequisites carefully to make sure you are eligible to take the classes you select and that they are available in the times and location you request. This list is tentative and should be finalized by Friday October 3, 2025 or sooner, so please check back before submitting a course approval form. Once this list is finalized, we will contact all applicants and also post a note here so you can finalize planning.
Expected courses will include:
SUMMER 1 IN MILAN: Full Summer and Summer 1 students must Choose 2 classes (1 from Session 1 and 1 from Session 2)
Session 1 Course Options IN MILAN:
Session 2 Course Options IN MILAN:
SUMMER 1 IN MADRID: Full Summer and Summer 1 students choose 2 classes (1 from Session 1 and 1 from Session 2)
Session 1 Course Options IN MADRID:
Session 2 Course Options IN MADRID:
SUMMER 2 IN MILAN: Full Summer and Summer 2 students must Choose 2 classes (1 from Session 3 and 1 from Session 4)
Session 3 Course Options IN MILAN:
Session 4 Course Options IN MILAN:
SUMMER 2 IN MADRID: Full Summer and Summer 2 students must choose 2 classes (1 from Session 3 and 1 from Session 4)
Session 3 Course Options IN MADRID:
Session 4 Course Options IN MADRID:
ONLINE (Optional): All students can Choose one (Courses are hybrid/mostly online with small on-location component)
Yes. It is sometimes possible for students to take these courses at Auburn during summer without going abroad.
However, many departments currently offer few face-to-face 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.
Other options include the possibility of taking these courses at another institution. In contrast to these options, this program offers real Auburn courses sequenced so students can take them all in one summer abroad live on location in Europe taught by Auburn instructors. No need to get courses approved or go through the hassle of trying to transfer credits.
Possibly. While the Honors College supports study abroad, only Full Summer schedules with specific course options are eligible for Honors credit. Please check with the Program Director to discuss the possibility of contracting for Honors credit.
Once you have been admitted to the program, you will receive official confirmation. Shortly thereafter you will receive a schedule. Please check your schedule to confirm your classes.
Do not enroll for your summer study abroad courses through the normal system. A special section of each course is allocated to this program and program administration will manually enroll you in each course. You will receive official notification once that process is complete. Again, please check your registration to make sure you are registered for the appropriate courses and contact the program coordinator if you have any issues.
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, in past years, funding for this program support was provided by Auburn Abroad, the Provost's office, and the Harbert College of Business administration.
Note: Generally, program support is targeted for full 12-week Summer program applicants. When reviewing support applications, key applicant qualifications to be evaluated include:
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:
Visa and Passport
You will be required to have a valid passport that has an expiration date at least
6 months after your scheduled return to the US after the program (so make sure your
passport is valid through at least the end of December 2026 to be safe). A Visa not
currently required for USA passport holders, but is tentatively scheduled to begin
in late 2026 (called ETIAS and will cost approximately $8). We will provide instructions
for ETIAS applications if/when it becomes officially required if applicable.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact us at harbertglobal@auburn.edu.
Housing and Travel
For the duration of the program (except during Summer break week for Full Summer students),
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 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.
The Harbert College of Business has been running global programs for over 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 consistent, safe, and enjoyable "hubs" for summer abroad. Milan and Madrid have the appropriate characteristics to serve as hubs for our programs, offering a unique combination for your abroad experience.
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?
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.
Why Madrid, and what makes it interesting?
Madrid is the cultural capital of Spain with great museums, arts, and plenty to do.
Madrid has good food and a laid-back environment.
Madrid has an extensive public transport system which makes it easy for students to explore the city.
Madrid is generally inexpensive compared to most larger European cities.
Classroom and housing facilities are both quite good in Madrid and the city hosts many international students, making it a great opportunity to experience a true melting pot culture.
Madrid is a good hub for visiting interesting cities in Spain such as Barcelona, Seville, and Toledo, but also offers relatively short flights to Lisbon, Porto, Amsterdam, and Paris, among others.
In summary, like Milan, Madrid offers a good environment for studying abroad for U.S. students.
Taken together, the two locations offer a great combination of options for our students. In Milan, students experience the style of a cosmopolitan European business hub, while Madrid offers a vibrant, but more relaxed cultural contrast. We think the two cities complement each other as abroad destinations, and our students agree.
Program costs are always an important concern and we strive to make the program affordable for as many students as possible. It should be noted that students do not pay tuition in addition to program fees for this program. Students pay AU Flex Program fees and Auburn Study Abroad fees in lieu of regular tuition. All course credit hours are covered by program fees. Students will receive an ebill soon after committing to the program, but the ebill payment due date will be early May 2026. The early May due date coincides with the first summer billing period to allow financial aid and scholarships to be used where possible for summer program fees.
Summer 2026 Program fees: Full Summer = $17,900*, Summer 1 or Summer 2 = $12,500
Estimated additional costs not included in the program fees are $4,969 for Full Summer
students and $3,469 for half summer students only attending Summer 1 or Summer 2.
Additional costs include:
The overall expected cost for this program for Full Summer is $22,869 and $ 18,969 for Summer 1 or Summer 2. This includes 5-16 credit hours of academic course credit,
housing, local transportation, and program activities. Given the benefits, compared
to taking typical classes on campus, this program is a good investment, especially
for out-of-state students (for whom the cost is similar or even less than the cost
of a typical semester at Auburn), but includes a summer abroad experience of a lifetime
and a resume boost by allowing students to get more business coursework completed
before they apply for internships and jobs.
*Full Summer students can save $1,000 off their program fees by applying and committing to the program early. To be eligible for the $1,000 discount, students must register for the Full Summer option, submit a completed application through Auburn Abroad by October 30, 2025, and commit to the program by November 14, 2025.
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 program has 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 submit an application no later than January 16, 2026 and commit to the program no later than January 30, 2026, to be eligible for the 2026 Summer program.
Due to university regulations, no late applications will be accepted. 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 program administration 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.
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 FAQWe have limited space for our Harbert Business Core Fast Track program, so be sure to submit your application as soon as possible!