Innovation, Tech, and Business
The Berlin Commerce and Technology experience is an experiential three credit special topics Business course with Dr. Kimberly Kinsley of the College of Business. Students will first gain knowledge in the classroom through research, discussions, videos and reading to learn about law in Germany surrounding commerce in the field of technology and manufacturing. Students will appreciate the Berlin setting due to its historic significance and incredible transformation from its past stigmatism with Nazism and near destruction during World War II, to a vibrant city that inspires innovation, culture, art, business, finance, and technology.
During spring break the class will travel to Berlin to experience the city’s culture and engage in tech-focused visits to German factories, such as BMW, and Volkswagen. We will visit Classic Remise Berlin where students can view classic cars and collectors’ vehicles. Students will visit German Bundestag, a government patent/trademark office or court, a Robotics company, Autostadt, Technology and Science related Museums. Student will also explore historic Berlin sites to reflect on the Holocaust. The course will emphasize legal and policy regulations overseeing German industry and culture.
Spring Break 2025
February 28 – March 9, 2025
Program Fee: $5,845
Registration and $500 non-refundable deposit due: October 20, 2024
Final Balance ($5,345) due: November 21, 2024
Use the Make a Standard Payment button below to pay your deposit and regular program balance payment. Use the Make a Flexible Payment option to pay an alternate amount (such as additional insurance or payment in a different amount as a result of a scholarship award).
Online payees have the choice of either credit card or eCheck (ACH) payment. ACH transactions will be charged a flat fee of $0.50 per transaction. All credit card payments will incur a 2.95% service fee. For credit card payments, a minimum convenience fee of $3.00 will be applied to transactions over $20.00 and under $102.00.
Students can avoid fees by paying in-person at the UMW Cashier’s office by cash or check (made out to “UMW”). The Cashier’s office is located on the 2nd floor of Lee Hall.
Students will enroll in the spring 2025 course: BUAD 472 (Business Administration Seminar Abroad) for three credits. This course will meet for the first 8 week term of the spring semester and will conclude with an asynchronous assignment following the required travel portion to Berlin during spring break 2025. Contact Dr. Kimberly Kinsley for syllabus details. Open to all majors.
This course satisfies the Beyond the Classroom OR Diverse and Global Perspectives general education requirement by contract with the Faculty Director.
Students will stay in double or triple rooms in 3-star hotel in Berlin city center area. Should a student require alternate arrangements, they must contact cie@umw.edu ASAP to discuss options and associated costs.
Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA in order to participate. The program is open to all majors and non-UMW students.
Included in the program fee:
- International airfare
- Accommodations (breakfasts and WiFi included)
- Group excursions and entrance tickets per itinerary
- UMW Education Abroad Fee
- International medical insurance
- Farewell dinner
Excluded in the program fee:
- Passport and/or visa fees
- Souvenirs and other personal expenses
- Personal health costs (ex. vaccination fees, COVID-19 testing, etc.)
- Independent site-seeing and entrance fees
- Textbooks
- All lunches and most dinners
This program requires a moderate to high level of activity, including significant city walking and lengthy hours.
International travel may require immunizations or preventative medicines. Please refer to the US Center for Disease Control’s Traveler’s Health Information Page for recommendations. The UMW Health Center provides free travel consultations by appointment, as well as travel information for UMW students. The Center for International Education recommends that each student have a personalized medical consultation prior to international travel.
Visit CIE’s Scholarships & Funding webpage to learn more about financial options as it relates to education abroad including Financial Aid, 529 Plans, etc.