PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Join Ursinus faculty on an immersive journey through Berlin, Germany and Prague, Czech Republic to explore how economies in the region have transitioned from communism to capitalism. This faculty-led program is open to ALL majors, is worth 4 academic credits and can fulfill the GN and XLP core requirements.
Students investigate the lessons learned from humanity’s recent experience with communism. This faculty-led study abroad course combines the learning objectives of an economics elective course on ‘Economies in Transition’ with an Experiential Learning component achieved through travelling, exploring, and interacting with local individuals , communities, businesses, and organizations with first-hand experience and insights into what it means to live and operate in a formerly-socialist country undergoing political, economic, and cultural transformations.
They will ask why some countries are relatively rich while other countries are poor. The class will travel to Berlin, and Prague to spend an intensive three weeks understanding the inefficiencies of a state directed economy and the challenges and opportunities in devising new institutions and policies to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial economy.
Program Dates: tentatively run from late May - June
program highlights
Academic Components
- In-classroom lectures
- Guest Lecture: Transition from Communism with Monika MacDonagh Pajerova
- Activist, professor, former diplomat, leader of the Velvet Revolution
- Panel Discussion with a focus on either: Eyewitness of the Communist Regime, or Then vs Now in Prague
Cultural Activities/Visits
- Guided City Tour of Prague
- Visit to the Museum of Communism
- Visit and Tour of KPMG
- Visit Central Bank, Led by Margaret
- Present a Czech film that depicts the life in the communist era + discussion
- Communism Tour - Behind the Iron Curtain
- Visit + Tour The Pilsner Urquell Brewery and the town of Pilsen
- Discussion with a representative about the transition, economics, production, marketing, etc.
faculty leaders
- Dr. Jennifer Vangilder, Professor of Business and Economics and Department Chair
- Amanda Cooper, Visiting Instructor in Business and Economics
Total cost: $4,500
Included:
✓ Tuition/Class instruction and guest speakers
✓ In-Country Transportation
✓ Some Meals
✓ Hotels/Accommodation
✓ Excursions
✓ Insurance
✓ Orientation
Not included:
X Airfare
X Passport Fees
X Textbooks/Course Supplies
X Personal Spending/Souvenirs
X Some Meals
Financial Aid
Students may look into the following funding opportunities:
- Gilman Scholarship
- Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)
- Rotary Club
- Espadas and Neborak Fund - Internal funding of up to $1,000 may be available to students with high financial need