CESA Summer 2008 Joint Program

Contemporary Europe: An International Summer Program for Students from North America

Purpose of the Program

This program is designed to integrate students from Virginia Tech, the University of Miami, and Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico) in an in-depth immersion experience in Europe. All students enroll in both courses (6 credits).

Location

The program includes classroom discussions in Riva San Vitale, a two-day visit to Zurich, Switzerland, and two day trips to Milan, Italy.

Application Deadline

Space is limited, registration will be on a first-come / first-enrolled basis from qualified applicants until all spaces are filled.

Dates of Program

June 26* – July 23, 2008 (subject to change)

* Students should leave North America on June 25, in order to arrive on June 26.

Cost

The program fee is $3,350 (subject to change). It includes housing and three meals per day, transportation costs and lodging for field trips, and administrative costs. Students will also be charged summer tuition, and will be expected to cover their own out-of-pocket expenses.

Personal expenses are estimated as follows:

• Roundtrip airline ticket - $900
• Passport - $95
• Health Insurance - $50
• Books and supplies - $50
• Personal expenses* - $400 (will be affected by individual travel, souvenirs, and other items)

A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due immediately upon acceptance. The balance of the program fee will be due by June 10, 2008. Tuition is payable at student’s home institution.

Student Housing

Housing and three meals per day are provided in Virginia Tech’s campus in Switzerland, known as Villa Maderni. Students usually stay in double rooms although we may use some triple or quadruple rooms as well. One overnight trip to Zurich, Switzerland, and two day trips to Milan, Italy, are included in the program.

About the Instructors

Dr. Heike Mayer is a professor of Urban Affairs and Planning at Virginia Tech’s northern Virginia campus. A native of Germany, Dr. Mayer specializes in the economic competitiveness of cities and regions.

Dr. Mariela Alfonzo is a professor of Urban Affairs and Planning at Virginia Tech’s northern Virginia campus. She specializes in urban design and behavior, and is fluent in Spanish.

Courses

"Cities, Regions and Firms: The Role of the Global Business Environment and Local Economies” (3 credits) Instructor: Heike Mayer

Paris and Milan are the fashion capitals of Europe. London, Zurich and Frankfurt are the centers of the banking industry. Munich and Stuttgart are home to numerous high-tech and biotechnology firms. Cities have always played an important role in the global economy and firms take advantage of being located in regions that are known for their industries. This class will examine the issues confronting businesses in the global economy, paying particular attention to the role of urban and regional economies. Field trips to Zurich and Milan will help in examining ways in which major European cities function as locations for globally operating firms.

“The Value of Urban Design: Exploring the synergistic social and economic effects of the built environment” (3 credits) Instructor: Mariela Alfonzo

Good urban design has been increasingly recognized as a valuable public good. As the art of making places, urban design can contribute highly to the imageability of cities and to the quality of life of its residents. The sidewalk cafes of Paris; the piazzas throughout Venice, Florence, and Rome; the busy commercial centers of London and Milan, the canals of Amsterdam, and the highly pedestrian streets of Copenhagen are all examples of the powerful influence of urban design. This class will explore the “value” (both social and economic) that can be added by good urban design. On-site visits to Zurich and Milan will illustrate how urban design can influence the revitalization and success of commercial and economic centers.

Contacts for Further Information

Virginia Tech:

Paul Knox, Faculty Coordinator
Email: knox@vt.edu

Heike Mayer, Instructor
Email: heikem@vt.edu

Mariela Alfonzo, Instructor
Email: alfonzom@vt.edu

For applications and more information:

Education Abroad/OIRED
526 Prices Fork Road, room 131
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Phone (540) 231-5888
Fax (540) 231-5164
Email: vtabroad@vt.edu

 

APPLY ONLINE! http://www.educationabroad.vt.edu

Tecnológico de Monterrey:

Carlos Benitez, cbenitez@itesm.mx
Tomy Valdivieso, tvaldivieso@itesm.mx
International Office

University of Miami:

Glenda Hayley, ghayley@miami.edu

For a two page pamphlet containing the information presented above, click here.