This August, we invite Seattle University alumni, guests, and current students to join a one-of-a-kind 10-day Professional Development Residency in Italy’s Dolomites, an immersive leadership experience set in Bolzano and Seiser Alm. This intergenerational “leadership laboratory” blends executive coaching, relationship intelligence, and a meaningful community with breathtaking alpine landscapes.

Students, alumni, and guests from all professional backgrounds are invited to reconnect with purpose, sharpen relational skills, and learn alongside rising leaders in one of the world’s most inspiring settings, the Dolomites. If you’re ready for a summer experience grounded in significance, reflection, and community, this is your next chapter.

Program Dates

August 29 – September 7, 2026

Cost

$3,450 non-credit, $2,950 with tuition credits

What's Included

All meals, local transport, program materials, and seasoned facilitators. Single room. (Excludes airfare)

Alumni & Guests Inquiry Contact Hartley McGrath
→
Academic Credit Options Contact Dr. Noreen Elbert
→

The Three Pillars of Transformation

Nature-Led Growth

Utilizing the vastness of the alpine environment to disconnect from daily noise, gain radical perspective, and reconnect with your inner compass.

Relational Intelligence

A deep-immersion lab to explore how you show up for yourself and others, focusing on self and social awareness and the skills needed to build trust in every part of your life.

Human Connection

An experiential space to understand group dynamics, learn to hold space for transformation, and navigate complex relationships with authenticity and ease.

 I rated my overall experience a 5/5 because of the incredible teaching and coaching as well as extremely relevant and important application to my personal and professional life.  This course intertwines theory and practice in an incredible way that provides a rich, experiential learning experience for participants/students. I appreciate that this course is open to guests and alumni in addition to current students. I felt very connected to my group in the Dolomites this year and having such a diverse group of people added so much to my learning.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2024 Guest Participant

Participant Perspectives

"I cannot say enough about how this class affected me as a person, husband, employee, boss, and community member. It is the one truly transformative class I took during my time in the program."

— 2024 Graduate Student

"The trip to the Dolomites and taking the emotional intelligence class with Seattle University was not only pivotal in my career but also my marriage. That my husband and I took the class together, the first year it was offered (2003) has stuck with us and what we learned together has impacted how we treat each other and how we interact with others."

— SU Alumni

"Each day helped me uncover patterns that held me back. I left this course feeling more confident, grounded, and capable — both as an individual and as a leader."

— 2025 Guest Participant

"Leading with emotional intelligence was one of the best courses I took at Seattle U. It left such an impact on me that till this day, more than a decade later, I still find myself reflecting on lessons learned during that course!"

— SU Graduate Student Alumni

"We talked about things that go unspoken in daily life, offering a refreshing perspective. This class is what distinguishes Seattle U from every other program."

— SU Alumni

"This course changed my life and still impacts me today. When I talk about Seattle University, this course is the thing I share about."

— SU Masters in Ed Alumni

Program Schedule

Day 1: Arrival in Bolzano

Check-in & Opening Classroom

Arrival at the hotel by 2:00 PM. We begin our journey with an opening classroom session at 3:00 PM, followed by a collaborative group dinner at 8:00 PM.

Day 2: Foundational EQ

Yoga, Classroom & Group Dynamics

Deep-dive classroom sessions integrated with morning yoga. We begin exploring the architecture of emotional intelligence and building the trust necessary for the work ahead.

Day 3: The Autobiography

Personal Narrative & Reflection

A day dedicated to the "Autobiography" process. We use personal history as a tool for leadership development, engaging in storytelling and deep peer reflection.

Day 4: T-Group Immersion

Interpersonal Dynamics in Bolzano

Full-day T-Group laboratory work. We focus on real-time interpersonal communication, feedback, and the psychological "space between" that defines effective leadership.

Days 5 – 7: Alpine Immersion

Hike to Tierser-Alpl-Hutte

Ascent to our mountain Rifugio. Two nights at the summit, breaking for lunch at the legendary Schlernhaus and engaging in mountain-top modules under the stars.

Days 8 – 9: Integration

Descent & Closing Ceremony

Return to Bolzano. Final classroom sessions and yoga to integrate our summit realizations into a concrete, sustainable leadership plan for the year ahead.

Day 10: Departure

Closing Activities & Check-out

Check out by 10:00 AM. Participants depart for home or continue their European journey with a renewed sense of clarity and connection.

The Rendezvous

Location

Kolpinghaus, Bolzano (Bozen), Italy

Arrival

Saturday, August 29, by 2:00 PM

By Train: Once you arrive at the Bolzano main train station, it is a simple 10-minute walk to our headquarters at the Kolpinghaus.

By Air: We recommend flying into a major hub like Milan, Venice, or Munich. From there, take the train directly to Bolzano. It is often faster and less stressful than connecting through regional airports.

Pre-Arrival: Please ensure you have downloaded WhatsApp and shared your contact info. This is our primary tool for real-time coordination as you land in Italy.

2026 Logistics & Fees

Student Logistics & Fee Payment

Cost: $2,950.00 trip fee (excludes airfare).

Students interested in an Independent Study will be charged for credits and insurance directly through their Seattle University student account.

Fee includes: Single room lodging, all main meals (B,L,D), local transportation, course materials, and facilitation.

Alumni and Guest Payment Terms

$3,450 trip fee, $500 Deposit: Non-refundable; due upon acceptance via Check, Zelle, or Credit Card (+3% fee).

Balance: $2,950.00 due by May 29, 2026 to Pause, Inc. ($3,450 total).

Refund Policy: Full refund (less deposit) before May 29th. No refunds after May 15th.

2026 International Residency

Dolomites Inquiries

Connect with our team regarding our programs in Italy.

For inquiries regarding registration, itinerary, logistics, or the course, please connect with the coordinator:

Hartley McGrath

Field Lead & Program Coordinator

The Place: Bolzano, Italy
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