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The application deadline for this program has passed. No further applications are being accepted. The information on this site may be helpful if you are interested in attending in the future.  

You might also be interested in expanding your language skills through the Language Institute at Penn State. Other adventure-based courses can be found online at www.programs.psu.edu/Adventure. 

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Faculty-led, world-focused

Penn State faculty-led programs offer students the guidance of trusted faculty, with the freedom to explore the world. Our faculty will create the ideal itinerary for you.

This program provides an analysis of the historical and current processes leading to economic, political, and social reforms in East Central Europe. This region is rich with a diverse set of ethnic cultures, economic developments, and political experiments before and after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. In addition to the "emerging markets" movement among countries who choose to move toward Western capitalism and democracy, the students will also learn about activities including legal, economic, political, and social changes which are currently underway.

In this intensive program, students will be immersed in the subject matter through readings, lectures, independent research, and class discussions. The course will be held in Maastricht, The Netherlands, and the study tour part of the program will take students to a number of the transitional European countries they will study. The destinations planned for the study tour include Berlin, Germany; Prague, Czech Republic; Krakow, Poland; Budapest, Hungary; and Vienna, Austria.

Maastricht, with a population of 125,000, provides a mix of small-town charm and urban sophistication. Today the city is best known as the signing location of the Maastricht Treaty, which accelerated the process of European integration. Originally situated at a shallow ford on the Maas River, Maastricht was used by the Romans as a crossing point to reach their base in Aachen, Germany. In medieval times Charlemagne incorporated the city into the Holy Roman Empire. In subsequent ages, a number of European powers fought for control of Maastricht, due to its strategic location and formidable system of fortifications (still standing in many parts of the city).

Maastricht is located in the southernmost part of The Netherlands, with easy access to many major points of interest in Europe. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague are three hours to the north. The city is only sixty-four miles from Brussels and a mere thirty miles from Cologne. The Maastricht Aachen Airport and the central train station provide easy access to all of Europe. In the past, students have used free time on some weekends to take advantage of these opportunities.

Courses Offered — 6 credits

The academic program consists of six weeks — four weeks of instruction and a study tour to East Central European countries. Students must come prepared to think and discuss what they are learning. They will complete and submit assignments in each study tour destination, in addition to their course work while based in Maastricht.

Students must enroll in the following 6 credits:

I B 499 Doing Business in Emerging Markets: East Central Europe (3 credits)

I B 499 Study Tour: East Central Europe (3 credits)

Prerequisites: ECON 002 or ECON 102 and ECON 004 or ECON 104

Eligibility

The program is open to all Penn State students and students from other institutions with a minimum 2.75 grade-point average. Applicants are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are encouraged to apply early, as enrollment is limited.

Faculty

Austin J. Jaffe, director of international programs in the Smeal College of Business at Penn State, will oversee the academics in this program and instruct the course based in Maastricht on the campus of the University of Maastricht.

Expenses

The total program fee includes two components: tuition (6 credits) and a class fee (based on activities and location). All the students will pay the in-state tuition rate for 2012 Summer Abroad programs.

Estimated Tuition (6 credits)

Out-of-state students will be charged the out-of-state tuition rate until the first day of the program. At that time the students' bursar account will be adjusted to reflect the in-state tuition rate of $681 per credit.

In-state students will pay tuition according to their standing and the Penn State tuition schedule.

$4,086 in-state/out-of-state

The University reserves the right to revise the schedule of tuition and charges without further notice. For more information on tuition, visit http://tuition.psu.edu.

Published rates are effective for fall 2011 and spring 2012.

Class Fee

The class fee of $3,295 includes insurance, housing, instruction, and books in Maastricht and all housing, transportation, and entrance fees on the study tour. The $1,000 nonrefundable deposit applies to the class fee.

Estimated Total Program Fee

Estimated tuition:	$4,086
Class fee:	$3,295
Total estimated program fee:	$7,381

Information Technology Fee: 1 to 4.5 credits, $82; 5 to 8.5 credits, $180; 9 or more credits, $240

Expenses NOT covered are: (American dollars; estimated)

• passport (approximately $125)
• personal expenses 
• optional excursions
• round-trip airfare (approximately $1,000 plus tax)
• some meals
• intercity mass transit
• textbooks and supplies

For passport information, visit www.travel.state.gov/passport.

Financial Aid

For alternative grant, loan, and minority scholarship information, visit the Education Abroad Financial Aid and Scholarships webpage.

Refunds

All cancellations must be received by the program planner, in writing, by mail or fax. Do not use eLion; it does not remove you from the course, and you will be held responsible for all fees. Full refunds minus the nonrefundable $1,000 application fee will be made for cancellations received at least thirty days prior to the first day of the program. Refund requests made after that time will not be honored, and the participant or sponsoring organization will be responsible for the fees.

How to Apply

Students are limited to one application in the Summer Education Abroad registration database; however, if dates allow, applicants may participate in more than one program.

If you are interested in having your application "copied" to additional programs, please email summerabroad@outreach.psu.edu. The $1,000 nonrefundable deposit must be submitted for each program in order for the applications to be complete. The deposits are later credited to the class fee or refunded if the student is not accepted. Please email summerabroad@outreach.psu.edu if you have any questions.

Submit your online application through Penn State Education Abroad.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 22, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. 

Deposit: The $1,000 nonrefundable deposit must be submitted to complete an application. If the student is not accepted, the deposit is refunded. Otherwise, the deposit is applied to the class fee.

Cancellation: The University may cancel or postpone any course or activity because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is canceled or postponed, the University will refund registration fees but cannot be held responsible for any related costs, charges, or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines or travel agencies.

Access: Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing special accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the planner at 800-252-3592.

Space may be available after the application deadline. Please contact Carolyn Andersen to determine availability and/or to be added to the waiting list.

Contact Us

Regarding program content:
Dr. Austin J. Jaffe
Smeal College of Business
The Pennsylvania State University
355 Business Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-4264
Fax: 814-865-6284
Email: ajj@psu.edu

Regarding application process:
Carolyn Andersen, program planner 
The Pennsylvania State University
128 Outreach Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-5143
Fax: 814-865-3749
Email: SummerAbroad@outreach.psu.edu

Regarding financial aid:
Office of Student Aid
The Pennsylvania State University
314 Shields Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-6301

For alternative grant, loan, and minority scholarship information, visit the Financial Aid and Scholarships webpage.