Italy FAQs

Absolutely. A short-term, faculty-led program can provide students with a structured way to experience international travel while learning alongside classmates and participating in organized academic activities. You don't need to be an experienced international traveler, you need to be curious, adaptable, professional, and ready to learn.

 

The program is scheduled for May 8–16, 2027.

We will fly into Milan and conclude by flying back to Cleveland via Florence. There are scheduled business experiences in each city and during the journey between the two cities. 



 

This is an academic global business experience where Italy becomes your classroom. The itinerary combines guest lectures, guided visits, business and factory experiences, workshops, a capstone presentation, cultural exploration, and free time.

You will explore several areas of business, including the Italian economy, sports management, food production, automotive business, craftsmanship, sustainability/upcycling, and global competitive advantage.

The current itinerary specifies 3-star hotel accommodation in Milan and Florence. Specific hotels and room arrangements have not yet been identified in the itinerary and should be communicated once finalized. 

 

The current itinerary includes breakfast at the hotels throughout the scheduled program days after arrival. Welcome and farewell dinners are also scheduled, and lunch is included with the balsamic vinegar producer visit. 

 

No. Some meals are specifically included in the itinerary, while others will be on your own. This gives students opportunities to experience local restaurants and food culture independently (and at their own cost). Please be prepared to pay for least six lunches and fives dinners (plus food at the airports on travel days). We recommend bringing at least $300 for these meals.

Students should plan to bring business-casual attire suitable for professional visits and presentations. Think polished and professional rather than formal: slacks or appropriate skirts/dresses, collared shirts, blouses, sweaters, and comfortable professional shoes. Specific dress requirements have not yet been provided by the program's business hosts, so final guidance should be communicated before departure.

Since this will be the start of Summer in Italy, think light fabrics such as linen and cotton.

 

The current itinerary does not specify a suit or formal business attire requirement. Students should, however, bring at least one polished outfit appropriate for professional meetings and the capstone presentation. 

 

Comfortable walking shoes will be essential. Students should expect considerable walking in Milan and Florence. It is also wise to bring a second pair appropriate for business visits and presentations.

Treat every business visit as a professional opportunity. Students should arrive on time, dress appropriately, remain engaged, ask thoughtful questions, and show respect to hosts, employees, faculty, guides, and fellow students. Remember: you are representing yourself and Cleveland State University.

Yes. The itinerary includes a free day in Milan on May 12 and free time in Florence on the evening of May 14, and the afternoon of May 15. 

 

Our travel partner will be providing information on recommended activities in the cities when free time is indicated. Specific expectations regarding independent travel, check-ins, geographic boundaries, buddy systems, or curfews are not included in the current itinerary but will be addressed during pre-departure orientations with the expectation of adherence. 

The itinerary includes group transportation upon arrival in Milan, private-coach transportation from Milan toward Florence, and group transportation to the Florence airport for departure. Additional local transportation arrangements should be explained before departure. 

Italian language proficiency is not a requirement. Students are nevertheless encouraged to learn basic Italian greetings and travel phrases as part of being respectful and engaged international visitors.

 

Students will participate in a three-hour capstone presentation session in Florence on May 15. Details regarding teams, topics, grading, and presentation requirements will be discussed in the BUS 493 Current Topics course.

Students should plan to have a phone or other approved device for program communication, something for taking notes, and any materials specified by faculty. Because this is an academic program, students should be prepared to capture observations and connect their experiences to business concepts throughout the trip.

 

Students should check with their mobile carrier before departure regarding international coverage, roaming, or international data plans. An international eSIM may also be an option for compatible phones. Final technology recommendations can be discussed during pre-departure orientation.

 

Yes. All travelers leaving the USA are required to have a passport with validity until Novemeber 2027 or later. 

Pack light and think versatility: comfortable walking clothes, business-casual outfits, a polished presentation outfit, comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate layers, personal medications and toiletries, charging equipment/adapters, and required travel documents. A detailed packing list should be provided closer to departure.

 

Because we're changing hotels and traveling from Milan to Florence by bus, packing efficiently will make the experience significantly easier. Specific airline baggage limits and program luggage requirements will be distributed when available but plan to be permitted 1 carry-on item, a person item and 1 checked bag of less than 50 lbs. 

 

Students should disclose dietary needs on their pre-departure forms prior to departure or discuss any concerns with the Program Director. Because several experiences involve food producers and group meals, advance communication will be especially important. The current itinerary does not specify the accommodation process.