European Hospitality Experience

The Program:
The program is designed to introduce students to European hospitality through the exploration of a variety of hospitality businesses in France, Italy, Switzerland and Germany. Classes will be held in Atlanta on May 17-19, 2010. Departure for Europe is May 20, 2010. Follow up classes will be held upon return from Europe. The program incorporates tours of major hospitality operations in Europe with an emphasis on sustainable, environmentally-proactive practices. Particular attention will be given to the analysis of such practices, the return on investment, advantages/disadvantages to business operations and service levels and the applicability to US hospitality companies.

Accomodations:
Participants will stay at three-star comfortable hotels, double-occupancy, throughout France, Italy, Switzerland and Germany.

Disability Accomodations:
Students with documented disabilities who may need accommodations during their study abroad experience should discuss these needs with the Program Director and the Office of Disabilities at the time of application.

Eligibility:
The program is open to undergraduate students who meet all academic requirements of Georgia State University, J. Mack Robinson College of Business. Program size is limited and participation is contingent upon acceptance by the Program Director.

Credit And Courses:
Participants who successfully complete the program/course HADM 4600 will receive three (3) semester hours of course credit at Georgia State University. Students should register for HADM 4600. Students from other institutions should follow their institution’s regulations concerning transfer credits and the procedures found in the Application Packet. This is a fast paced program and successful completion of the course is dependent upon prompt and professional attendance at all lectures, group sessions, and scheduled activities, as well as satisfactory completion of all assignments.

Cost:
Program cost may increase at any time according to currency fluctuations, airline fuel surcharges and changing travel arrangements. The program cost is tentatively set at $ 3,900, PLUS regular Georgia State University tuition and fees. Non-resident/out-of-state students will pay in-state tuition plus a $250 fee in addition to the program cost.

Price Includes:
 

  • Round-trip airfare (may fluctuate)
  • All ground transportation, excursions, and entrance fees
  • All breakfasts, one lunch and four dinners
  • Hotel accommodations, double occupancy
  • Lectures, tours and receptions
  • All ground transportation stated in itinerary
  • Health/Evacuation/Repatriation insurance

Price Does Not Include:
 

  • Georgia State University tuition and fees
  • Public transportation
  • Passport and visa fees
  • Personal expenses (bring at least $500) and baggage charges
  • Optional excursions and additional meals
  • Tips and gratuities for bus drivers, tour guides, and others

Payment Schedule:

  • $500 deposit due at the time of application (non-refundable upon receipt)
  • $2000 due by February 12, 2010 (non-refundable upon receipt)
  • $1400 (plus increase in the program cost, if any) due by March 31, 2010 (non-refundable upon receipt)

Please see the Program Director for instructions on how to pay for the program deposit. Students receiving credit will make all payments on GoSolar. Other participants should contact the Program Director for payment instructions. Please refer to the Academic/Registration calendar for the tuition and fees deadline.

Funding and schlorships
Georgia State University students are also eligible to apply for the IEF Study Abroad Scholarship / Georgia State University Foundation Scholarship. Visit the website at http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwoia/StudyAbroad/funding.htmlfor the application or contact the Office of International Affairs, Study Abroad Programs at 404-413-2529, for more information.

Contact the Office of Financial Aid at 404-413-2400 for information on how financial aid might apply towards the program.

Students have the option of purchasing an “International Student ID Card” from STA Travel for travel discounts in participating countries. For more information, visit the STA Travel website at www.sta-travel.com.

Application Information:
Students interested in applying should print an Application Packet at www.gsu.edu/studyabroad under the Programs tab and submit to the Program Director in the School of Hospitality. The application deadline is December 16, 2009.
Because program size is limited, early application is strongly advised. Individual interviews may be scheduled with students upon receipt of application. Upon acceptance in the program, students are required to promptly complete an Acceptance Packet to be provided by the Program Director.

Transient Students: Please see the Transient Student Procedure in the Application Packet.


Tentative Itinerary:
Typical highlights of the program in France, Italy, and Switzerland are listed below. Although not anticipated, some modifications in the itinerary may occur nearer to the departure date.

May 17 Monday - Class session in Atlanta
May 18 Tuesday - Class session in Atlanta
May 19 Wednesday - Class session in Atlanta
May 20 Thursday - Depart for Nice, France
May 21 Friday - Arrive in Nice; tour of historic hotel; Welcome dinner at restaurant
May 22 Saturday – Travel by private bus to Eze and visit a 5-star hotel; Visit Perfumery; Dinner in Eze
May 23 Sunday – Travel by private bus to museum, home and cooking school of Auguste Escoffier; Visit to Cannes during the 2010 Film Festival
May 24 Monday - Visit to and lecture at Univ. of Monaco on Luxury Goods and Services; Tour of Monte Carlo Casino; Travel to Italy
May 25 Tuesday - Visit Cinque Terre and coastline villages; Boat Tour to Vernazza; Travel by train to La Spezia
May 26 Wednesday – Travel by private bus to Lake Como region; Visit “Azienda Agricole Sorasso” for wine tasting and discussion of local products from the Lombardy Region
May 27 Thursday – Travel by private bus to Lucerne, Switzerland; Visit and tour of the KKL Convention Center; Tour of 5-star hotel in Lucerne; Travel to Engelberg,Switzerland
May 28 Friday – Visit Mt. Titlis; Lecture on sustainable practices in Switzerland; Lunch on top of Mount Titlis; Alplermaggronen Dinner at the cabin Fluehmatt in Engelberg
May 29 Saturday - Travel to Germany; Visit to Lindau on the shores of Lake Constance; Guided tour of ecological farm Hermansdoerfer near Munich
May 30 Sunday – Guided bus tour of Munich including Nymphenburg Castle; Visit Bavarian capital area
May 31 Monday - Visit the FH Munich and lecture at the department of Tourism in Munich; Visit to Lowenbrau brewery including beer tasting; Bavarian Farewell Dinner at Hofbrau
June 1 Tuesday – Transfer by private bus to Munich Airport; Departure to Atlanta
June 2 Remaining class sessions in Atlanta through the end of Maymester session

Contact Information:
Please return completed application materials to:

Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality
Attention: Diana S. Barber, J.D., CHE, Program Director
Office address: 35 Broad Street, Suite 220, Atlanta, GA 30303
Cell phone: (404) 822-0736
E-mail: dsbarber@gsu.edu