Summer in Italy: Operations Management

Program Overview:

Travel this summer to Florence, Italy with Dr. Robert Aboolian to gain a global perspective on operations and supply chain management while networking with industry professionals, touring facilities and witnessing operational strategies in action.

Program Excursions:  

• Program Excursions:

  • Welcome Dinner
  • Tuscan Wine Tasting
  • Business Student Mixer
  • City Walking Tour
  • Company Visit: Ducati
  • Day Trip to Rome
  • Meet the Founder Event
  • Company Visit: Lamborghini
  • Cooking Class
  • Visit to Uffizi Gallery
  • Company Visit: Barilla Pasta
  • Day Trip to Cinque Terre
  • Arno Gondola Ride
  • Guest Lecture from European School of Economics
  • Farewell Dinner

Academic Calendar: 

July 13, 2025 - August 2, 2025 (fly out July 12 to arrive by afternoon of July 13)

Academic Focus:  

OM 305:  Operations Management (4 units)

Language of Instruction:

English

Requirements:

• Class level:  Upper-division standing or prior approval by professor
• Completion of Pre-Business Core or prior approval by professor
• GPA:  2.75 and above; good academic standing to departure
• Current COVID-19 vaccination (at least the initial vaccination(s) plus at least one booster if eligible) is strongly encouraged for participation in any of CSUSM’s international travel programs due to the increased risk of contracting COVID while travelling.

Units:

4 units, OM 305:  Operations Management

Housing:

Double or triple occupancy in student-shared apartments. Apartments will be fully furnished and equipped with fans. Students will have a utility allotment. If exceeded, the excess will be divided by the number of students in that apartment and students will be charged individually the appropriate amount.

Estimated Cost:

$3,200 + Extended Learning Fees, estimated at $808 for 4 units

All fees include welcome/farewell dinners + 2 additional meals (Florence Cooking Class & dinner with winery visit),  excursions to Rome and Cinque Terre; on ground transportation on site visits and excursions; 20 nights shared accommodation in furnished student apartments; and medical insurance.  

Additional Expenses to Budget:  
Airfare:  $1,200-$1,800 (great deals are out there for those who book early, but do await permission to book by Global)
Meals:  $1,000 (estimated at $50/day; you may spend more or less and will have apartments where you can cook)
Spending money:  $300 (depends on the individual, could spend more or less)

Faculty Led Cancellation Policy

A Note on Financial Aid & Veteran's Benefits:

Please note that January and Summer programs are not financial aid eligible since they are optional terms at CSUSM, and therefore, all program fees would be considered out-of-pocket.  All program fees maintain strict deadlines and are due to the Office of Global Education the term prior to when studies will take place, following the dates set forward in the How to Apply section below. Tuition will be billed onto your student account according to the timelines of Extended Learning and must be paid through the structure set forth by University Cashiers.  You may begin researching alternative loans, Parent PLUS loan options etc. through the Office of Financial Aid:  finaid@csusm.edu

If you are using VA benefits (CH33 or CH35), you must verify with Study Abroad that the program meets all of the following criteria:

• Taught by CSUSM faculty
• Course is needed as part of your degree plan
• Tuition charges will appear on you student account

If all of the above criteria are met – you must reach out to Veterans Services for additional eligibility information – prior to signing up for the program. 

Note: Only the tuition piece of the program – if approved – can be submitted to the VA for payment.  All other costs will be the student’s responsibility.

If you are using CALVET – you will need to contact calvet@csusm.edu for further information.

Some Useful Airfare Search Engines:

• Kayak
• Student Universe
• Sky Scanner

Please be sure to read the fine print concerning change fees, taxes, luggage restrictions, etc. before booking.  Whenever possible, book directly with an airline.  Do NOT book flights until Global Education has given you the authorization to do so.  We WILL suggest best flight options for this program.

Passports:

An adult passport book with at least 6 months validity until expiration is necessary for overseas travel.  First-time passport book applicants can expect processing times up to 4 months.  Plan to submit your passport applications early if you enroll in this program as withdrawals due to passport delays will not be refunded.  Non-US travelers are responsible for researching entry requirements and possible visas through their country's consular pages.

To Apply: 

1. Attend a required information session led by the Program Leader running your course: Dr. Robert Aboolian:  raboolia@csusm.edu.  
2. Fill out the online application materials via the link below. All application materials must be completed by Friday, Friday, February 14, 2025 along with your non-refundable $500 deposit.  Online payment preferred via the new study abroad portal at studyabroad.csusm.edu.   Please be advised to choose E-check and enter your checking account details to avoid the 2.65% convenience fees applicable to all non-checking account payments. Cash, checks, and money orders made payable to CSUSM will also be accepted via the Cashier's Office in Cougar Central, but must include this deposit form to track the payment.
3. A second payment of $500 is due by noon March 14. Online payment is preferred as outlined above.  Payment of tuition related expenses ($808) will be billed by Extended Learning and appear on your Student Center, following the payment guidelines set out for Summer session.
4. Final payment is due on Friday, April 4 following the payment guidelines outlined above.  
5. Submit your flight details to Global Education:  Flight Information Form
6. Attend mandatory pre-departure orientation with your Program Leader & Global Education to discuss arrival instructions and the upcoming course(s).  Some course requirements/sessions may take place prior to leaving, beginning in Spring semester.

Summer in Italy:  Operations Management Application

Summer in Italy Operations Management Application