Information on the 2026 Trip Coming Soon
The Destination: Sansepolcro, Italy - Tuscany
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Immerse yourself in the heart of Italian culture as we reside in the medieval village of Sansepolcro, Tuscany. Set just 20 miles from Arezzo, this enchanting location provides easy access to historic gems like Cortona, Anghiari, and Montepulciano.
This program is designed to deliver invaluable insights into international business operations through direct engagement with esteemed local leaders and companies. Our corporate visits include:
These engagements will provide a unique perspective on international business dynamics through a distinctly Italian lens. Your visit is timed to coincide with the spectacular 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 dazzling performances of the famous flag-throwers, the Sbandieratori di Sansepolcro. Witnessing this authentic cultural highlight in person will be an unforgettable part of your trip! |
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Why Italy?
A Strategic Economic & Cultural Choice Italy is chosen as a destination for its unique economic duality, offering students a vital perspective on international business, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship. Global Manufacturing Powerhouse Italy ranks among the world's seven most industrialized nations and is the second-largest manufacturing powerhouse in Europe. Its highly diversified economy includes global strengths in key sectors:
The Entrepreneurial Backbone (SMEs) The true strength of the Italian economy lies in its over 3 million small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The majority of these remain family-owned, showcasing Italy's profound, enduring entrepreneurial spirit. Through the program, students will gain invaluable insights into the inner workings of these unique enterprises, including prominent companies such as Busatti, Aboca, Perugina, Cose di Lana, and more. This provides a contrast to typical multinational corporate models, highlighting resilience and legacy in the global market. |
Sansepolcro, Italy
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By joining this study tour, you will 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 Italian culture.
- Practicing intercultural understanding and communication.
- Polish your professional skills through interacting with business professionals.
Courses
MKTG 4940/ MKTG 5940
International Marketing in the EU and Cross-Cultural Communication
Professor Andrea Holtan [email protected]
International Marketing in the EU and Cross-Cultural Communication
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
International Management 4910/5910
- What are the virtues the underpin effective leadership in the global business environment?
- How can one cultivate the virtues of an effective leader?
- What is the role of ethics in effective leadership?
- What examples of effective leadership can we learn from the Italian business, politics and cultural history?
- This Italy Study Tour course can count for: MGMT major elective, MGMT minor elective, MGMT Grad Certificate, Leadership Formation Grad Certificate, and P/OMBA elective, and MSF Behavioral Elective.
Application, Logistics, and Pricing:
The cost of the tour is $2,850 per person in simple pensione accommodation, and guests (spouse, partner, friend, or family) are welcome to join. The fee includes all lunches, some dinners, site visits, events, and transportation in Sansepolcro. Participants should budget separately for breakfast, some dinners, personal expenses, transportation from Sansepolcro, and any travel or lodging before September 7, 2026, or after September 16. A $500 non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance, with the remaining $2,350 charged after course registration. Cancellations made more than 121 days before September 7, 2026, will receive a refund of $2,350; no refunds are available within 120 days of departure. Scholarship students who cancel or are deemed ineligible within that window remain responsible for the full program fee.
Tour Cost & Details
Payment Schedule
Tour Cost & Details
- Total cost: $2,850 per person (simple pensione accommodation included).
- Guests welcome: You’re encouraged to bring a spouse, partner, family member, or friend.
- All lunches
- Some dinners - including two with a Michelin-starred chef!
- All site visits and events
- Transportation and logistical support in Sansepolcro
- Airfare to Italy
- Breakfast (typically croissant + coffee)
- Some dinners
- Personal expenses
- Transportation from Sansepolcro at the end of the tour
- Transportation and hotel costs if arriving in Europe before September 7 or staying after the tour ends on September 16
Payment Schedule
- Deposit: $500 non-refundable deposit due after acceptance.
- Students: Pay the deposit at Student Financial Services and email a copy of your receipt to [email protected]
- Balance: $2,350 charged after course registration.
- Cancellations made more than 121 days before September 7, 2026 (on or before May 9, 2026) → $2,350 refunded.
- Cancellations made within 120 days of September 7, 2026 (on or after May 10, 2026) → No refund.
- If you cancel or are ineligible to participate within 120 days of departure, the scholarship will be revoked, and you will be responsible for payment.
- You remain fully responsible for the entire $2,850 program fee, even if the scholarship originally covered it.
2026 Pre-departure class meetings for students:
Students need to attend the following pre-departure class meetings:
TBD
TBD
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 |
Open Evening |
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
A Legacy in Sansepolcro: The Origins of the Albers Italy Study Tour
In 1994, Sansepolcro, Italy became one of the very first destinations for an Albers School of Business & Economics Study Tour. It all began when three Seattle University professors—Chauncey Burke, Dave Tinius, and Bill Weis—organized a symposium to honor Luca Pacioli, often called the “father of accounting,” and to mark the 500th anniversary of his landmark publication on double-entry bookkeeping.
What many may not know is that the idea began almost playfully. When Bill discovered the approaching anniversary, a lighthearted conversation about celebrating it in Pacioli’s hometown quickly evolved into something much bigger. Before long, the idea had gathered momentum, and the Pacioli Society was born.
Word of the symposium reached The Wall Street Journal, which published a front-page story about the event—later included in the anthology Dressing for Dinner in the Naked City and Other Tales from the Journal's famed "Middle Column." For the occasion, the Pacioli Society produced a video on Pacioli’s life, which can be viewed here, published a new translation of his treatise, and hosted a truly international celebration of accounting history.
Chauncey Burke brought 25 Seattle University business students to participate in the two-week event. From that gathering, the Albers Italy Study Tour was born. It became one of the very first international study tours in the business school and returned to Sansepolcro every summer for many years. We celebrated the 25th anniversary of the tour with a 2019 Alumni visit.
In recognition of the relationship built over time, and the friendships forged through those visits, the town of Sansepolcro erected a statue of Luca Pacioli in his honor—and in honor of ours.
In 1994, Sansepolcro, Italy became one of the very first destinations for an Albers School of Business & Economics Study Tour. It all began when three Seattle University professors—Chauncey Burke, Dave Tinius, and Bill Weis—organized a symposium to honor Luca Pacioli, often called the “father of accounting,” and to mark the 500th anniversary of his landmark publication on double-entry bookkeeping.
What many may not know is that the idea began almost playfully. When Bill discovered the approaching anniversary, a lighthearted conversation about celebrating it in Pacioli’s hometown quickly evolved into something much bigger. Before long, the idea had gathered momentum, and the Pacioli Society was born.
Word of the symposium reached The Wall Street Journal, which published a front-page story about the event—later included in the anthology Dressing for Dinner in the Naked City and Other Tales from the Journal's famed "Middle Column." For the occasion, the Pacioli Society produced a video on Pacioli’s life, which can be viewed here, published a new translation of his treatise, and hosted a truly international celebration of accounting history.
Chauncey Burke brought 25 Seattle University business students to participate in the two-week event. From that gathering, the Albers Italy Study Tour was born. It became one of the very first international study tours in the business school and returned to Sansepolcro every summer for many years. We celebrated the 25th anniversary of the tour with a 2019 Alumni visit.
In recognition of the relationship built over time, and the friendships forged through those visits, the town of Sansepolcro erected a statue of Luca Pacioli in his honor—and in honor of ours.
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