March 5–15, 2026

This program, designed for the Sheetz Fellows program at Penn State Altoona, focuses on how entrepreneurial ventures differ from country to country and how these ventures compete not only locally but globally.

Students will learn:

  • How to respond quickly to an evolving market
  • Familiarity with international standards, laws, and regulations
  • Differences in leadership styles from culture to culture
  • How to manage a diverse team
  • Differences in startups between the United States and Europe

Academic Requirements

  • Available to Penn State Altoona third and fourth-year students who have been inducted into the Sheetz Fellows Program.
  • In major GPA 3.25
  • Satisfactory completion of the study abroad orientation and preparatory meetings
  • Writing a daily blog while abroad
  • Waiver and release of liability must be signed
  • Your judicial and academic records will be checked as part of the registration process.
  • Contact Donna Bon at [email protected].

Program Costs

Note: Program costs vary depending on the number of participants and exchange rates.

  • Program Fee—$2,880
  • Airfare—$979
  • Passport—$165
  • Personal expenses—$200 to $400

Program Costs include the following:

  • Eight nights of hotel stays
  • In-country public and private transportation
  • Daily breakfast at hotel, four lunches, and four dinners

Itinerary Includes the following:

  • Three days in Lisbon
    • Lisbon Walking Tour
    • Wine and Tile Making
    • Winery visit
    • Oceanario & Telecabine visit
    • Fado Performance
  • Two days in Seville
    • Company visit #1
    • Cooking Class
    • Flamenco Dance Class
  • Three days in Madrid
    • Company visit #2
    • Company visit #3
    • Company visit #4
    • Flamenco Show and Tapas

Registration Process and Deadlines

  • December 19, 2025—Register for the program online.
  • January 16, 2026—Complete forms on Canvas:
    • Disciplinary Clearance & Release Form
    • Emergency Contact & Health/Welfare Form
  • February 1:
    • Complete Global Programs Canvas Pre-departure requirement.
    • Complete Travel Safety Network online requirements.

Program Leader

Donna Bon

Director, Sheetz Fellows Program
Donna Bon has been with Penn State Altoona since 2004. She holds a Bachelor of Science in both marketing and management and a Master of Business Administration. She has been the director of the Sheetz Fellows since its inception. Bon has accompanied Sheetz Fellows on every study abroad experience.