Florence Summer
The World of Business and Italian Culture
May 16 - June 28, 2024
6 weeks, 6 credits
Application Deadline has PASSED: January 24, 2024
Application closed
program overview
Explore the culture and history of Italy!
Which track should I choose?
The following tracks will be offered for 2024:
Track 1: Marketing
Track 2: Supply Chain and Information Systems
Field trips in and around Florence!
- Taste and brew real Italian espresso while visiting various coffee roasting and distribution facilities, including the training of their baristas
- The famous Carrara Marble Quarries (think “the David” and Florence Cathedral) and Carrara’s worldwide shipping facilities
- Explore a manufacturing facility that produces wool textiles for major women’s clothing brands. These fabrics are displayed on all the worldwide fashion runways across Europe and the United States.
- Learn how local artisans make traditional Florentine paper.
Expectations:
Students should come prepared for an intense and enriching experience! This program offers the opportunity for students in business and related fields to explore the sights, sounds, history, and culture of contemporary Florence, as well as increase their knowledge of historic and modern Italian companies and business practices. This program is a good fit for students interested in business careers, particularly in fashion or supply chain.
Eligibilty:
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 2.75 GPA or better at the time of the application
- Sophomore standing or above at the time of the program
- Applicants should have an interest in business
GET TO KNOW YOUR CITY
Why Study in Florence?
Historical & Cultural Significance
Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is one of the world’s most visited cities. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982 and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Situated in Tuscany, Florence is home to world renowned museums and art galleries, picturesque landscapes, charming cobblestone streets, and architectural wonders.
A Walkable City
Florence’s historic city center is relatively small and concentrated, allowing students to explore its narrow streets and alleys with ease. Many of the major sites, such as the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and the Ponte Vecchio, are all within a short walking distance from each other.
Made in Florence
Goods that are “Made in Florence” carry a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and quality. Florence is renowned for its production of fine leather goods, including bags, shoes, and accessories. The city has been home to master artisans and including goldsmiths, leatherworkers, glassblowers, and textile producers, for centuries – providing an unique environment for business students to study!
the study in study abroad
Academics
Students must CHOOSE one of the two business tracks for their first course:
Track 1
MKTG 399 Brand Management and the Essence of Italian Brands
| 3 credits | This course can satisfy general elective credits for Smeal majors.
Professor Johanna Slot (Marketing)
Brands are often among a firm’s most valuable assets, but all too often we find that they are not very well understood or managed to their best potential. Often one of the most distinctive aspects of a brand is its “Provenance:” its country of origin. It’s deep “roots” and the images, flavors, personality and other factors that arise with where the brand comes from.
Together we’ll be exploring brands: what they are, how they work, and how to manage them for greater business impact. We’ll be “going into deep immersion” on the brands “Italy” and “Florence” as well as the provenance of a selection of Italian brands, to illustrate key concepts and savor experiences essential to these brands. We’ll be learning together in Florence, one of the most beautiful and exciting brand environments in the world. (And we’ll have some fun while we do!)
At the center of this course, is a framework which you will to be able use in your business career called the “BrandScape.” The BrandScape is a template for dissecting a brand, and describing how you would want it to work at several levels in the mind of customer or other audience. At the end of the course you are equipped to conduct a “BrandScape Workshop” with your team to better describe what you want your brand to mean, as well as to track what your brand really means in the marketplace.
Track 2
SCM 399 Marble to Monument: Integrating Global Supply Chains, Analytical Skills & Italian Culture
| 3 credits | This course can satisfy 3 credits of general electives for Smeal majors.
Professor Norm Aggon (Supply Chain Management) & Professor Kitty Riley (Management Information Systems)
Have you ever considered how that Barilla pasta popped up on the shelf at Wegman’s, how that Lamborghini was driven into the showroom on Rodeo Drive or even how those fine Armani and Prada clothes made it into Saks Fifth Avenue’s retail stores?
This summer’s study abroad course in Florence will explore the integration of supply chain and data analytics with an Italian focus. The first half of the course will focus on data analytics, including data visualization, that will broaden students’ business professional skill sets to help them compete in this global world. We will then explore Renaissance era supply chains by learning about how marble sourced at the Carrara quarries became Florence’s Duomo and Michelangelo’s David as well as the more modern Peace Monument in DC. We will of course also study modern Italian businesses to highlight supply chain applications, global markets, and sustainability.
Classroom learning will come to life through multiple field trips and company visits to see Italian manufacturing businesses in action. Our teaching philosophy entails merging the academic side of the supply chain discipline with the practitioner aspect of supply chain management. In addition to class time, students will visit a number of facilities while evaluating and auditing their supply chain and sustainability attributes. We hope you will consider this outstanding class. Che figata – how awesome!
Choose your second course! Students on both tracks will take an additional course with ISI Florence.
| 3 credits | This course can satisfy 3 credits of GA, GH, GS, Interdomain, or general elective credits (depending on your course choice). Speak with a Smeal International Programs Adviser if you are looking for a specific requirement.
Students will choose a course from ISI Florence Summer Session I. Course options include Food Studies, Art, History, and more!
SEARCH ISI FLORENCE COURSES HERE
At ISI Florence, students flourish in a safe, stimulating environment, enjoying a unique educational experience in a truly exceptional city. Students make full use of Florence as a living laboratory during their summer abroad. They walk the same medieval cobblestones as Dante, gaze upon the stunning masterpieces of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, and practice their Italian in the shadow of Brunelleschi’s dome. The Institute offers academic programs rooted in the liberal arts tradition—a fitting tribute to the birthplace of the Renaissance—and boasts a distinguished faculty and world-class student services team. (ISI Florence, 2021)
faculty
Meet Your Professors
Johanna Slot
Associate Clinical Professor of Marketing
Johanna Slot is an Associate Clinical Professor of Marketing in the Marketing Department in the Smeal College of Business. She joined in January 2014, and has since taught a wide variety of upper level courses including Advanced Retail Management, Advertising and Promotion Management and the Marketing Strategy Capstone. She also teaches Principles of Marketing in the Honors program, and New Product Development in the MBA Program. Johanna also developed and manages the exclusive, experiential Jacobs Program in Luxury Retail and Fashion.
Johanna has a very international background, for example, one of her degrees is in International Business Studies. And even though Johanna was born and raised in the Netherlands, she also lived in Orillia (Ontario, Canada), in Berlin (Germany), and in Austin (Texas) – all long enough to have had a haircut and bought fish abroad*. Other travels include trips to India, South Africa, and many, many countries in Europe.
She has been to Italy often, for weeks on end. Fun fact: she had the option to work in Milan OR in State College… and then chose Penn State. She has no regrets and loves Penn State, but she is happy that she has the opportunity to teach in Florence. Last year was amazing, and she looks forward to teaching Brand Management and the Brands of Italy again!
*For Johanna, these qualifiers separate her extended international vacation or work travel from actually living somewhere abroad.
Norm Aggon
Associate Teaching Professor of Supply Chain Management
Norm Aggon graduated from PSU with an engineering degree and spent the next 26 years working in industry. He worked for several American and foreign companies while holding various executive positions. During the latter portion of his career, he managed several divisions or businesses and, in most cases, had “P & L” responsibility for that unit.
Currently at Smeal he has both teaching and administrative responsibilities as the Assistant Department Chair for the Supply Chain and Information Systems Department and as an Associate Teaching Professor. In addition to teaching courses in the undergraduate program (SCM 450, SCM 301, PSU 006, SCM 399, etc.) his portfolio includes teaching at the graduate level in the SCM Professional Master’s Program and various Smeal Executive Education programs.
He has taught this supply chain course in Florence, Italy five different times and is looking forward to the sixth edition this summer.
Kitty Riley
Associate Teaching Professor of Management Information Systems
Kitty Riley is an Associate Teaching Professor of Management Information Systems (MIS) in the Supply Chain and Information Systems (SC&IS) Department in the Smeal College of Business. She has over 20 years teaching MIS at Penn State, including seven different MIS courses ranging from the 200 level through the senior capstone course. In addition to MIS, she has previously taught SCM 840 which is a Supply Chain Project Management course for graduate students.
In 2017 and 2019 she taught in Florence co-teaching SCM 399 Supply Chain Analytics. “The field trips were amazing. In 2017 and 2019, we followed a dairy supply chain – first visiting a dairy farm, and then to a milk and cheese production facility that uses the milk from the farm we visited. The farmhouse is over 600 years old, and the family enjoyed having us visit. In 2019, we also visited a winery to understand the process of grapes to wine and the decisions that go into the making of various wines. Everything from soil to rain for the grapes to the various mixtures of the resulting grape juice and the aging process of the wine. We ended the trip with lunch at the vineyard. For 2024, we are looking at options to decide the field trips. Can’t wait!”
ISI Florence Faculty
isiflorence.org
At ISI Florence classes are taught by international faculty members with a demonstrated passion for their subject. The Institute requires that all professors hold a Ph.D. or its equivalent in their given fields, as well as maintain a steady, vigorous presence in academia through publications, conferences, and active participation in the research and practical application of their studies. ISI Florence faculty members are devoted to challenging students in all aspects of their study abroad experience, aiming to foster a new understanding of international travel, cultural integration, and personal growth.
earn 6 credits towards the
International Business Minor
The International Business Minor is an academic credential for Smeal College of Business students to demonstrate their education in international business at Penn State and globally.
logistics
Housing, Travel & Meals
Students will be supported during the program by The International Studies Institute (ISI Florence). Many classes take place in the Palazzo Bargagli building, which is conveniently located in the city center on the beautiful Arno River, and just a 7 minute walk from the famous medieval stone bridge, Ponte Vecchio bridge.
(Photo from ISI Florence)
Where You’ll Stay
Penn state students will stay in an apartment with other program participants, which will be arranged by ISI Florence. Apartments are scattered around the historic city center and are within walking distance of the classrooms.
Apartments come with a fully equipped kitchen and wireless Internet connection. The ISI Florence Student Services and Housing staff are available throughout the summer to provide assistance navigating the city, and help with any housing-related questions.
(Photo from ISI Florence)
Getting Around
Florence is a walkable city – bring your walking shoes! Most students get around primarily by foot. Although, with a well-connected bus and train system, students have easy access to explore other regions of Italy.
(Photo of Smeal student, Libby Kwon, 2018)
Good Eats
Students will be responsible for providing all of their meals. You will discover local favorites and get to experience authentic Italian cuisine during your stay. Grocery stores and local food markets are within walking distance of apartments, and of course there are many delicious restaurants to choose from!
Basic kitchen equipment is available in apartments for those who wish to cook – or try their hand in making pasta with friends!
what’s it like?
Student Stories
Meet McKenna!
Major: Supply Chain & Information Systems
Minors: International Business, Information Systems Management
McKenna participated on the Florence Summer, SCM Track with Norm Aggon and Kitty Riley this past Summer 2023! She enjoyed visiting the Carrara marble quarries to learn how it was sourced to build Michelangelo’s David. She made lots of new friends on the program and loved learning how to make paper from Florentine artisans.
McKenna is a Smeal Global Rep, which means that she has returned from abroad and is excited to share her experiences with students exploring the program. Feel free to reach out to McKenna to ask questions about what it’s like!
Email: mcs6357@psu.edu
Kathryn Vandergast, Summer 2018
“My study abroad experience was, in one word, life-changing. I studied abroad in Florence and took a Business Law and Art and Architecture class. I loved learning about a new culture and have brought back some of the relaxation, dieting, and conservation lifestyle of the people of Florence. I traveled to many other places and learned a lot about myself.
The culture of Florence has made me more aware of where my food is coming from and what nutritional value it can bring me. I learned in a completely different environment from Penn State. It allowed me to grow into a more participatory and motivated student. Professionally, I learned how to embrace and understand a different culture which I know will translate to the real world.”
Reagan Hatcher, Summer 2018
“This is a photo of the Duomo in Florence. The apartment where I stayed during my 6 week program was located roughly 5 minutes from here. Every day, I walked past the Duomo to go to class or simply get to other parts of the city. My friends and I would also use it as a reference point when we got lost or confused. The Duomo was meaningful to me because it became somewhat of a guide to me in Florence. I took this picture the day before I left and it reminded me how special and beautiful my time truly was in Florence. I had the opportunity to walk past incredible places like the Duomo every day for 6 weeks, and by the end they felt like staples of my temporary home.
Libby Kwon, Summer 2018
“Studying abroad was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. Taking classes in Florence has not only taught me about the history and culture of Italy, but it also widened my perspective on how business works and why it works that way, from an international point of view. Also, living in the birthplace of Renaissance, I was able to soak in the rich culture of art, sculpture, architecture, and food that Italy had to offer.
Professionally, study abroad has given me a small glimpse of what it would be like be a player in the field of international business, especially in Europe, which is ideally where I would like to work in the future. Personally, it has made me realize the importance of looking outward and observing the world, rather than focusing on a narrow point of view that focuses on my own world. Academically, it has given me an experience of taking a higher level Smeal course that I would be taking in the future, especially within the minor of International Business.”
Melanie Cordova, Summer 2018
“While sitting on the steps of Piazzale Michelangelo, the sun shined through the clouds glowing over the beautiful city of Florence. I have never witnessed something so beautiful and eye opening as this picture, since it was taken on the first day I arrived in Florence.”
Budget
Cost & Scholarships
There are many ways to reduce the cost of study abroad. One key strategy is to plan ahead and select a program that makes the best use of credits towards graduation requirements. Smeal International Program Advisers are available to meet with students to help them select the best program to meet their academic goals.
Click here to view the Budget Sheet for this particular program:
Smeal Summer Study Abroad and International Internship Scholarship
Smeal students are encouraged to apply! One easy application to be considered for various financial awards.
***Scholarships are need-based and require that a FAFSA has been filed to be considered.***
Most PSU scholarship awards are made after the program application is due (January 27) but before the deadline to commit to the program (February 7).
Penn State Global Programs Scholarships
Penn State Office of Student Aid
Have a Question?
Meet with an Adviser!
Make an appointment with a Smeal International Programs Adviser to learn more about study abroad programs, discuss academic fit, and how to apply! We offer in person advising in the Business Building (Suite 484) or virtual advising through Zoom.