European Summer School 2024

This program will give students an opportunity to be immersed in German culture and to learn about the European business environment from the perspective of regional, national and international firms. Students will begin the program at UW Tacoma during spring quarter 2023 where they will take 2 to 6 credits of independent study before leaving for the Hochschule Bielefeld - University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSBI) in May. Please note that you will only be able to earn UW credit if you enroll in the accompanying 2 to 6 credit TBUS 469 independent study in spring quarter 2023.

At HSBI, students will participate in the European Summer School, which consists of lectures and coursework from multiple international faculty members to develop an understanding of European politics, economics, cultural traditions, business norms, communication norms, and value systems. Students will also participate in field trips to multiple different firms within Bielefeld, Hamburg, Berlin, Amsterdam and Rotterdam to further broaden their perspectives regarding the European business environment. The program at HSBI is comprised primarily of an international group of students, which will allow participants to experience the dynamics of cross-cultural teams and develop cross-cultural empathy and intelligence in a safe environment. 

Eligibility

This program is designed for undergraduate students admitted to the Milgard School of Business. Students should have a general foundation of business knowledge but no specific content area or business school class is a prerequisite for participation in this program. The Hochschule Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and Art has designed the program in such a way that it can accommodate business school students from different disciplines at different stages in their undergraduate education (from freshmen to senior). 

UW students are eligible to receive academic credit for participation in the program only if they enroll in the accompanying TBUS 469 independent study in the spring, taught by UW Tacoma professor, Marion Eberly, Ph.D.

Students may use financial aid to fund this study abroad program. It is highly recommended that interested students apply for the OGA Study Abroad Scholarship by December 1, 2022. To learn more about the scholarship, click here.

Academic Content 

Independent Study: TBUS 469 (2-6 credits) 

Participants will be required to take TBUS 469, an on-campus independent study course that will enhance the study abroad program in Bielefeld, Germany by providing instruction and interactive guidance in preparing for as well as debriefing the experience abroad. Preparation will include a theoretical exploration of what culture is and how it influences us, exploration of the German culture specifically, identification of tools to successfully communicate and collaborate across cultures and a personal assessment of potential challenges.

TMGMT 490: European Culture (5 credits)

The course provides students with an insight of European culture in its various facets. It integrates historical aspects of the European unification process as well as current political and social trends within Europe. Additionally, “European Culture” and the comparative analysis of differences between Europe and North America is a major topic. Field trips and company visits are closely linked to the learning contents and are integrated into the curriculum of this summer school course. Course participants should gain an individual cultural experience with people and country.

TBUS 490: European Politics and Business (5 credits)

The course examines European politics and business from the perspectives of economics, politics and law and also explores the functional disciplines of European logistics, supply chain management, mobile business and international marketing. Field trips and company visits are closely linked to the learning contents and are integrated into the curriculum of this summer school course.

Steps students take to receive UW academic credit:

1. Apply to the Bielefeld: European Summer School program by December 1, 2022.
2. Complete 2 to 6 credits of TBUS 469 independent study with Dr. Eberly in Spring 2023

 Finances 

Program Fee:  $4,420

Included in the program fee: