European Summer School 2025

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 2025 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 2025.

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, 2024. 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 and Management (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, 2024.
2. Complete 2 to 6 credits of TBUS 469 independent study with Dr. Eberly in Spring 2025.

 Finances 

Program Fee:  $4,420

Included in the program fee:

• $370 Administrative Fee
• Classes at HSBI Bielefeld in European business and culture
• Tuition for TBUS 469 Independent study in Spring 2025
• Accommodation
• Field trips
• Company visits
• Cultural activities 
• Local transportation pass
• Admin support
• Personal mentoring program

Not included in the program fee:

• Meals
• Travel to/from Germany
• Health insurance

Please click on the following link to access the program budget sheet: 

Payment Schedule

Method of payment: The administrative fee and program fee will added to your MyUW student account in early April 2024. Fees can be paid the same way that you pay tuition and other fees. 

Field Trips 

Berlin, Germany 

• Field trip to Bundestag (German Parliament) to meet political insiders.

Hamburg, Germany 

• Field trip to the Hamburg Port

Rotterdam, Netherlands 

• City trip through Rotterdam's wide cultural offerings.

The Hague, Netherlands 

• Field trip to the Peace Palace or other International Court

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Explore the city's rich cultural heritage

Housing

Students will be living in well equipped dorms or hostels in the city center, accessible by public transit.           

Orientation

To be eligible to study abroad, all program participants must complete a pre-departure orientation facilitated by the Office of Global Affairs/UW Study Abroad. 

Travel Documents and Insurance 

All program participants must have a valid passport in order to travel to Bielefeld, Germany.

Visas

There is no visa requirement for U.S. citizens to travel to Germany.

If you are a citizen of another country, you can research visa requirements by calling the consular offices of countries to where you will be traveling or visiting the following website: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html. 

The cost and requirements for obtaining visas vary. It is your responsibility to determine visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad including countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program. This is an especially important consideration if you are planning to do more than one study abroad program.

Insurance

The University of Washington requires students engaged in educational activities abroad – including study, research, internships or community engagement – to purchase UW Student Abroad Insurance. If you are a current UW student, you are required to purchase coverage UW Student Abroad Insurance. Details are on the UW Study Abroad Insurance page.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

• A large percentage of UW students utilize financial aid to study abroad. Most types of financial aid can be applied to study abroad fees.
• For UW Tacoma students, you can submit a revision request to increase the amount of aid for the quarter you are studying abroad. These additional funds are usually awarded in the form of loans. To apply, fill out a revision request form, attach the budget sheet (available via the link at the top of this brochure) and submit these documents to the UW Tacoma Office of Financial Aid. 
• For UW Seattle or Bothell Students, you can apply by filling out a revision request form, attach the budget sheet (available via the link at the top of this brochure) and submit these documents to the Office of Financial Aid. 
• Consult the Financial Aid section of our website for more information on applying for financial aid, special considerations for summer and early fall programs, and budgeting and fundraising tips
• It is highly recommended that interested students apply for the OGA Study Abroad Scholarship by December 1, 2024. To learn more about the scholarship, click here. 
• Please also review this list of scholarships: these are opportunities that can help fund your study abroad experience. Please note that many of them have deadlines before your study abroad application is due. For help with the application process, please contact uwtintl@uw.edu.

Changes in Costs or Scope of the Program

In the event of significant devaluations of the dollar, some adjustments to program activities may be necessary. If there are any political events that might compromise the safety of the participants, a rescheduling or cancellation of the program may be necessary. If such changes occur, students will be notified of the changes and options will be presented.

Equal Opportunity and Disability Accommodations

The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in accordance with University policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations. The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process contact Disability Support Services at least ten days in advance of the study abroad program application deadline.