Competitiveness Challenges of the New Europe:
The Case of Italy

Location: Milan, Italy
Host University: Bocconi University
Dates: March 14-22, 2009
Faculty lead: Lidija Polutnik, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Division Chair, Economics
Contact Info: x4211, polutnik@babson.edu
Credits: 4 credits, advanced liberal arts
Eligibility: Open to sophomore, junior and senior Honors Students; also offered to undergraduate students interested in honors level work
Cost: $1,300
Course Pre requisites: Pre-requisite - MCE 2312 and ECN 2300 - For students who are concurrently enrolled in ECN 2300: there is an option to participate in this course; additional preparatory work will be required.

New application deadline for this course is 4pm - Friday, January 9, 2009.

“Competitiveness Challenges of the New Europe: The Case of Italy,” course will take an in-depth look at the EU and its institutions and competitiveness challenges of the New Europe. The course will include two on-campus lectures followed by a week in Milan, Italy. Additional lectures are planned at Bocconi University, the host institution. While this course has a strong analytical bent, at its core is an exploration of the day to day issues in the lives of Italians as well as the operational and strategic issues faced by Italian companies. Students will visit several Italian businesses and will be asked to apply the principles introduced at Babson and Bocconi.

Bocconi University,a Babson strategic partner and the top ranked business school in Italy, promotes both economic advancement and civic values through its curriculum. Its students are provided a solid intellectual and professional training in these areas which contributes to the innovation and development of Italian and European businesses.

Transportation
The program travel dates are March 13-22, 2008. A group flight will be arranged by the program, however, the flight cost is not included in the program fees. Additional program information including program fees and travel arrangements will be presented at an information session in early November.

Accommodations and Meals
Accommodations will be arranged by the program and are included in the program fees.  Breakfast is generally included in the hotel costs. Additonally, there will be a welcome dinner for students, again included in the progam costs. Other meals will be the responsibility of the students. 

Program Expenses and Financial Aid
Program fees and additional expenses will be presented at the information session in early November. The tuition costs (4 credits) are billed to the spring semester load. The program fee includes lodging in Milan for the duration of the program, breakfast, local transportation, company visits, some cultural visits and at least one group dinner. It will not cover international flight and visa costs, other meals and personal expenses. Students who wish to apply for financial aid to help defray the total program costs should consult their financial aid counselor in Student Financial Services. Travel stipends are available for need-based financial aid recipients.