August 27 - September 6, 2025
Why Italy? Interested in Learning More?
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Italy ranks among the world’s seven most industrialized nations and is the second-largest manufacturing powerhouse in Europe. Its diverse economy includes nearly every industry, with a strong emphasis on precision machinery, metalwork, automotive manufacturing, electronics, and fashion. Italy is also a global leader in agricultural exports, known for its wine, olive oil, wheat, dairy, and fresh produce.
The backbone of Italy’s economy lies in its over 3 million small to medium-sized enterprises, many of which remain family-owned, embodying Italy's rich entrepreneurial spirit. During the program, we may visit prominent companies such as Busatti, Aboca, Perugina, Deruta, Cose di Lana, and more, providing insights into the inner workings of these unique enterprises. |
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The Destination: Sansepolcro, Italy - Tuscany
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For ten unforgettable days, immerse yourself in Italian culture as we reside in the medieval village of Sansepolcro, set in the heart of Tuscany. Just 20 miles from Arezzo, this enchanting town is within easy reach of historic gems like Cortona, Anghiari, Montepulciano, and Montevarchi.
Throughout our stay, we’ll meet local business leaders and visit esteemed companies such as Aboca, Busatti, Lungarotti Winery, San Luciano Winery, Perugina/Nestlé, Prada, and more. These visits will provide invaluable insights into international business from a uniquely Italian perspective. Our visit coincides with the Palio Festival, held in the two weeks leading up to the second Sunday of September. This vibrant celebration transforms Sansepolcro with parades, feasts, music, and the famous flag-throwers, the Sbandieratori di Sansepolcro, who you may recognize from Under the Tuscan Sun. Witnessing their dazzling performances in person will be an unforgettable highlight of your trip! |
Sansepolcro, Italy
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Courses:
International Marketing in the EU and Cross-Cultural Communication- MKTG 4940/ MKTG 5940 - Professor Andrea Holtan [email protected]
- We will explore Italian businesses and discover the similarities and differences of culture and business marketing practices within the EU.
- Discussions will center around the challenges and opportunities as economies continue to be more globalized and will include discussions international ethics and sustainability.
- Investigate a number of topics related to international trade including emerging issues facing global marketers.
- Increase your understanding of how marketing may be adapted based on global situations
Responsible Leadership MGMT 4910/ MGMT 5910 - Professor Jeffery Smith [email protected]
- What principles of effective and responsible leadership can we learn from Italian history?
- How did the medieval and Renaissance periods in Italy gave birth to commerce, trade and the modern business firm?
- Using Sansepolcro, Italy as a base, we will see, first hand, how prominent figures and institutions from Italian history have left a rich cultural legacy that informs contemporary business, innovation and leadership.
You'll develop your credentials as a global citizen by:
- Exploring the Italian business and social culture.
- Visiting Italian businesses both small and large.
- Participating in events celebrating the Italian culture.
- Practicing intercultural understanding and communication.
- Developing your professional skills through interacting with business professionals.
Application, Logistics, and Pricing:
Cost for tour is $2,750 per-person in monastery or pension accommodation. Guests have priority for accommodation in the pension. We encourage you to bring a guest, friend, spouse, partner, or family member to take part in this unique trip! The trip fee covers lunch, some dinners, site visits, events, transportation, and logistical support in Sansepolcro. Participants will need to budget for breakfast - croissant and coffee - and some dinners not covered by the tour fee, personal incidentals, transportation from Sansepoclro, and most likely transportation (train, cab) and hotel costs if planning to arriving in Europe before the start of the tour on August 27th and/or if planning on leaving Europe a day or days after the tour ends on the 6th.
Applications are reviewed on rolling basis. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is to be made after acceptance to the program.
Students, please go to Student Financial Services to make the deposit and send a copy (photo or scan) of receipt of deposit to [email protected]. Schedule of Payments: (1) $500 non-refundable deposit with acceptance into the program (2) Remaining balance of $2,250 will be charged after registering for class(es)*.
*If you need to cancel participation in the trip, refunds of $2,250 will be made before May 9th, no refunds are given after. Scholarship students are responsible for the tour fee - not Seattle University - when they cancel participation or are deemed ineligible to attend a Study Tour program within the May 9th to August 27th window. The scholarship will be revoked by Seattle University upon cacellation/ ineligibility. The tour fee will remain on the student account to be paid by the student. You will be responsible for the full program fee.
Applications are reviewed on rolling basis. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is to be made after acceptance to the program.
Students, please go to Student Financial Services to make the deposit and send a copy (photo or scan) of receipt of deposit to [email protected]. Schedule of Payments: (1) $500 non-refundable deposit with acceptance into the program (2) Remaining balance of $2,250 will be charged after registering for class(es)*.
*If you need to cancel participation in the trip, refunds of $2,250 will be made before May 9th, no refunds are given after. Scholarship students are responsible for the tour fee - not Seattle University - when they cancel participation or are deemed ineligible to attend a Study Tour program within the May 9th to August 27th window. The scholarship will be revoked by Seattle University upon cacellation/ ineligibility. The tour fee will remain on the student account to be paid by the student. You will be responsible for the full program fee.
2025 Pre-departure class meetings for students:
Students in MKTG and MGMT need to attend the following pre-departure class meetings:
June 18, 5:30-7:30 pm
July 16, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
August 6, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
June 18, 5:30-7:30 pm
July 16, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
August 6, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
If you have questions on either the Italy Study Tour or the Dolomites Study Tour taking place immediately after this trip, please submit your info in the contact form or email Hartley McGrath at [email protected].
Seattle University is proud to partner with Pause, Inc. to coordinate the logistics of this immersive Italian study tour. Founded by Hartley McGrath, an adjunct professor at Seattle University, Pause, Inc. has collaborated with the Albers School of Business since 2005 to deliver unforgettable, expertly organized tours in Italy. With top-tier logistical support from Pause, Inc., participants can fully immerse themselves in the experience, focusing exclusively on the beauty of the region, the course content, and meaningful engagement with local culture—without distraction.
Seattle University is proud to partner with Pause, Inc. to coordinate the logistics of this immersive Italian study tour. Founded by Hartley McGrath, an adjunct professor at Seattle University, Pause, Inc. has collaborated with the Albers School of Business since 2005 to deliver unforgettable, expertly organized tours in Italy. With top-tier logistical support from Pause, Inc., participants can fully immerse themselves in the experience, focusing exclusively on the beauty of the region, the course content, and meaningful engagement with local culture—without distraction.
FLAG BEARERS – PHOTO CREDITS: LUCA PIOMBONI
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TaccuiniStorici.it testata di Alex Revelli Sorini
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FLAG BEARERS – PHOTO CREDITS: LUCA PIOMBONI
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Sample of Schedule:
September |
September |
September |
September |
September |
Arrivals Bus From Rome |
Free |
Walking Tour of Sansepolcro |
Saturday Morning Market |
Open |
Arrival in Sansepolcro Monastery drop off |
Class |
Tour of Perugia and Perugina |
Visit the Medieval city of Anghiari - Busatti Fabrics Tour and Shopping |
Class |
Get Settled |
Lunch |
Lunch in Perugia |
Lunch in Anghiari |
Lunch |
Free |
Class |
Tour of Assisi |
Free |
Free |
Welcome Dinner |
Dinner at The Fiorentino |
Free Dinner |
Flag Flowers Show in Square |
Convivio Renaissance Banquet |
CONVIVIO RINSCIMENTALE - A MAGICAL FEAST
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A true 16th century banquet dedicated to the Renaissance Convivium where the atmosphere, smells, flavors, and emotions are of a true Renaissance banquet. Enjoy the jugglers, musicians, dancers and entertainment that cheered up the courts era. Madonnas and Messeri, with elegant costumes faithfully taken from paintings by Piero della Francesca, create an extraordinary spectacle of colors, sounds and movements while guests dine on traditional dishes. This evening is truly a magical one!
THE EREMO DI MONTECASALE - SUBLIME
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The Eremo di Montecasale (the Hermitage of Montecasale) built in 1192 is now a lodging facility for pilgrims. Donated to St. Francis in 1213, the Hermitage is a place of prime importance for the saint of Assisi and his spirituality.
Today, it is possible to visit the site in which Saint Francis slept, prayed and lived his life in solitude, surrounded by nature, silence and spirituality. The architecture is a wonderful example of the “poor style,” which emphasizes the simplicity of the religious order and the use of local materials.
We will have an optional mid-morning hike to the Eremo di Montecasale, or take the group bus, where all will meet for a picnic lunch overlooking the stunning valley.
Today, it is possible to visit the site in which Saint Francis slept, prayed and lived his life in solitude, surrounded by nature, silence and spirituality. The architecture is a wonderful example of the “poor style,” which emphasizes the simplicity of the religious order and the use of local materials.
We will have an optional mid-morning hike to the Eremo di Montecasale, or take the group bus, where all will meet for a picnic lunch overlooking the stunning valley.
WINERY TOURS AND FOOD & WINE TASTINGS - INDULGE AND LEARN
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We will travel the Tuscan countryside, visiting wineries, learning about the region, of course, tasting luscious food and wine. In Sansepolcro, we will hold additional wine tastings with our friends and sommeliers at Enoteca Guidi and Ottimi Vini Di Strugnell. Both shops ship to the US so you do not have to worry about limiting your purchases to what will fit in your suitcase!
ANGHIARI AND BUSATTI - A MEDIEVIL VILLAGE WITH THE FINEST TEXTILES
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We will visit the town of Anghiari and enjoy a panorama of the Tiber Valley. We will also tour Busatti a weaving company that has some of the most lush textiles in the world!
From Busatti's website:
Since 1842 the Busatti family has been weaving in the cellars of the Palazzo Morgalanti in Anghiari, Tuscany. Busatti is still a synonym of quality and tradition, but also of innovation because of a constant search of new designs, colors and models. We can meet any textile home decor and linen request. In addition to our normal production lines, we can customize any request to your specifications. We can make tablecloths, curtains, bath towels, fabric panels and many more in any dimension and shape. We can also create and make exclusive embroideries or a customized unique pattern.
From Busatti's website:
Since 1842 the Busatti family has been weaving in the cellars of the Palazzo Morgalanti in Anghiari, Tuscany. Busatti is still a synonym of quality and tradition, but also of innovation because of a constant search of new designs, colors and models. We can meet any textile home decor and linen request. In addition to our normal production lines, we can customize any request to your specifications. We can make tablecloths, curtains, bath towels, fabric panels and many more in any dimension and shape. We can also create and make exclusive embroideries or a customized unique pattern.
Climate and Weather
During the months of May, June, July, August and September you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures. There will be sunny days with a few rainy days. The best time to visit Tuscany is really in the quieter part of the season, from April to June and from September to October when weather is usually good, prices a bit lower (often called the mid season) and there are "fewer" tourists to crowd the main sights.
Location
THE HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL STUDY TOUR - ITALY
In 1994 Sansepolcro, Italy became one of the first destinations for an Albers Business School Study Tour. Three Seattle University professors, Chauncey Burke, Dave Tinius, and Bill Weis created and held a symposium to honor the “father of accounting” Luca Pacioli and recognize the 500th anniversary of his publication of a treatise on double-entry bookkeeping. Not known to all, but when the impending anniversary was discovered by Bill and the brainstorming began about celebrating in Luca’s hometown of Sansepolcro, it was really all in good fun and not meant to be serious. But the idea gained traction quickly and soon the Pacioli Society was created.
The Wall Street Journal got wind of the three’s plans for the international symposium and published a story on the front page, which is now included in the anthology, "Dressing for Dinner in the Naked City and Other Tales" from The Wall Street Journal's "Middle Column." For the event, The Pacioli Society produced a video about Luca Pacioli’s life and published a new translation of the treatise, among other things.
Chauncey brought 25 Seattle University business students to join the two-week symposium and from there the Albers Italy Study Tour was born. It was one of the first, if not the first study tour in the business school, and it took place every summer in Sansepolcro for many years. To honor our visits and the friendships the town commissioned and resurrected a statue of Luca Pacioli!
The Wall Street Journal got wind of the three’s plans for the international symposium and published a story on the front page, which is now included in the anthology, "Dressing for Dinner in the Naked City and Other Tales" from The Wall Street Journal's "Middle Column." For the event, The Pacioli Society produced a video about Luca Pacioli’s life and published a new translation of the treatise, among other things.
Chauncey brought 25 Seattle University business students to join the two-week symposium and from there the Albers Italy Study Tour was born. It was one of the first, if not the first study tour in the business school, and it took place every summer in Sansepolcro for many years. To honor our visits and the friendships the town commissioned and resurrected a statue of Luca Pacioli!
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