• Group with sea in distance

    Capstone on Global Skills in Greece

  • UNI student with mountains in background

    Capstone on Global Skills in Greece

  • Student with Greek flag and mountain behind him

    Capstone on Global Skills in Greece

  • Athens street in evening light

    Capstone on Global Skills in Greece

Introduction

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this program will not be offered in summer 2021. We hope to offer the program in summer 2022! 

Greece is a major force in the world economy and international relations. By direct understanding of Greek culture and how to relate to Greece's citizens in a range of situations, this educational travel course provides the UNI student with an advantage in seeking career opportunities.

Program participants will visit start-up companies and established industries, explore ancient archeological sites, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Greek islands. These experiences will provide the student participant the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and capacity for working in globalized communities and learn vital skills for successful interactions in international locations and/or with international associates. 

Location

Course Leaders

Mary Connerley, Interim Associate Dean & Professor

Department: Management
Phone: 319-273-2237
Email: mary.connerley@uni.edu
Campus Address: CBB 325

Dr. Mary Connerley’s first trip to Greece was four years ago when she visited one of UNIBusiness’ international partner universities. She was very impressed by the warmth of the people of Greece, their entrepreneurial spirit, and of course, amazing historical sites. Dr. Connerley has visited 35 countries and accompanied UNI students to South Africa, Russia, Poland, and Italy, and she is excited to lead a study abroad program to Greece to expose UNI students to an amazing country with a rich culture.

Academics

CAP 3154: Global Skills (3 credits)

This course is designed to provide students with a hands on learning experience to enhance their knowledge and capability of working in a culture different from their own. Getting practical experience in a culture and society with very deep historical roots provides insights for adapting to a variety of cultures. Having an understanding of that culture as well as the skills for working with international citizens in a wide range of situations provides UNI students an advantage when seeking career opportunities.

Students will study the Greek and Eurozone business environment, including the current state of affairs in the country and historical context of Greece and EU in the global economy. This will include discussions of the current Greek economic environment, the struggles of the Greece banking system, American/Greece foreign relations, Greece’s participation in the EU, and more. Students will learn how to conduct business in Greece and will gain awareness of the influence of culture on important aspects of living and conducting business in Greece.

To view the tentative course syllabus, click HERE. 

Participation in this program requires several class meetings throughout the spring semester, although the capstone course is scheduled as a summer course. The Study Abroad Center will direct enroll participants in the capstone course during the spring semester. Please contact the program's course leader for more information on academic requirements.  

NOTES: 

  • In order to receive Capstone credit, program participants must have completed 60 credits hours prior to the program's course start date (i.e. be of Junior standing). Students who participate in capstone programs without meeting the credit hour prerequisite will receive elective credit. In this instance, students should consult with their academic advisor(s) regarding how the elective credit fits into their specific plans of study. 
  • Students planning to participate in the spring commencement ceremony in May can enroll in this summer term program, however, their degree will not be conferred until the end of the summer term and is contingent on the successful completion of the program and all required coursework.
  • Students attending colleges and universities other than UNI are welcome to participate in this program. If you are not currently a UNI student, but would like to participate in this program, please contact the UNI Study Abroad Center prior to starting your program application.
  • Capstone courses cannot be repeated. If you have previously taken the program's capstone course, please contact the UNI Study Abroad Center prior to starting your program application.

Itinerary

Tentative Program Dates: May, 2 weeks

Sample itinerary is subject to change. Depending on a variety of factors, participants may either fly individually and pay the airline directly for their airfare OR fly as a group from the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids and pay a designated travel agency for their airfare. Program participants will be informed on how to purchase airfare once they are committed to participation, in the months prior to program departure.  

Day 1: Arrive in Athens, welcome dinner

Day 2: Visit the American College of Greece for guest lecture; afternoon in central Athens with tour of the Acropolis Museum and walk to the Parthenon

Day 3: Visit with Greek-owned shipping company, then visit the US Embassy for an informational session on Greece's response to refugee needs and employment 

Day 4: Travel to the mountain town of Delphi; explore archeological site and museum 

Day 5: Tour Achaia Clauss winery to learn about operations and exports; travel to Olympia

Day 6: Tour the archeological site of ancient Olympia and museum, lunch with a cultural song and dance show, then travel to the coastal town of Tolo

Day 7: Visit with local business in Nafplio, climb to the top of the Palamidi Fortress for breath-taking views of the city and sea below 

Day 8: Visit with local orange grower; return to Athens with stop at the Corinth Canal en route 

Day 9: Visit with local organization "Enter, Grow, Go" (or EGG) that supports entrepreneurs; hear directly from several entrepreneurs; Greek cooking class in evening 

Day 10: Fly to the island of Crete

Day 11: Boat trip to enjoy the coastline with stop at beach

Day 12: Tour Terra Creta olive oil factory and local honey production facility

Day 13: Return to Athens

Day 14: Depart for home

 

Housing & Meals

Students will stay in hotel or hostel-style rooms arranged by the Study Abroad Center and paid for before departure.  Only a few meals abroad are included in the program cost.  Students are encouraged to try the local foods.

Program Costs

Capstone on Global Skills in Greece

Estimated Program Cost:

$4,294*

* estimated total cost of participation, actual amount depends on type of housing accommodation selected, actual airfare purchase price, personal spending habits, and other factors

Click Below to View Detailed Budget Sheet:

Cost of studying on-campus*

*per semester, estimated, will vary per person

Tuition & Fees:

$4,350

Room & Board:

$4,390

Books:

$450

Personal Expenses:

$825

Transportation:

$200

Total:

$10,216

Source: https://admissions.uni.edu/costs

PROGRAM COST COMPONENTS

Airfare

Your airfare may vary by airline choice, number of stopovers, choice of departure city, and actual travel dates.

Housing

Most programs include housing in the U-Bill section. When housing is not included, it will be displayed separately. Housing costs may include deposits, room upgrade charges, and special services fees.

U-Bill Charges

Includes core program costs such as tuition, mandatory fees, int'l health coverage, and many in-country costs for faculty led programs. Housing costs are often included here as well.

Day-to-Day Expenses

Typical costs include personal items, such as toiletries, as well as meals and public transportation when those costs are not included in the core program costs.

Dates & Deadlines

APPLY

Term: 
Summer

The Study Abroad Center reserves the right to determine participants' eligibility to Study Abroad. Students must meet all of the following in order to be eligible to Study Abroad:

  • Have a cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher at the time of application and maintain this cumulative GPA prior to departure and throughout the study abroad process
    • If your cumulative GPA is lower than 2.5, submit the following to the Study Abroad Center (103 East Bartlett):
    • Letters of reference from two academic contacts (e.g. academic advisor and former or current professor) supporting your pursuit of study abroad. If you are attending a faculty-led study abroad program, one of the letters must be from a course leader. However, if the program has two course leaders, only one of the letters can be from one of the course leaders.
  • Must be over the age of 18 years old
  • Must meet the course prerequisites (participation in the program is dependent upon meeting these)
  • Must be in good standing with the University
  • UNI's partner institutions may require additional eligibility requirements to be met, these vary from institution to institution. Please consult with the Study Abroad Center staff to discuss these additional requirements if applicable.
  • Applicants traveling to a region of a country or a country with an overall Travel Advisory Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) or 4 (Do Not Travel) will not be eligible.
  • All study abroad applicants must pass the Study Abroad Applicant Assessment with a score of 70% or greater.
  • Applicants may be selected for an in-person interview before being accepted. Selection for an interview does not guarantee acceptance into the program. You will be contacted directly by the Study Abroad Center if selected for an interview.