March 1–10, 2024

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 the following:

  • 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 of 3.25 or higher
  • 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

$4663–$5000
Program costs vary depending on the number of participants and exchange rates.

Costs include the following:

  • Eight nights of hotel stays
  • In-country public and private transportation
  • Daily breakfast at hotel, four lunches and five dinners
  • Itinerary Includes the following:
    • Three days in Rome
      • Tours of Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill
      • Tours of Vatican City Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica
      • Walking tour of Rome
      • Interactive Company Visit: The Legacy of Luxury: Balancing Tradition with Innovation
      • Pasta Making Class
    • Two days in Florence
      • Walking tour of Florence
      • Vivoli and Gelato Tasting Tours
      • Winery and Olive Oil Tour – Medici Villa of Lilliano Wine Estate
      • Interactive Company Visit: The Italian Consumer: Market Trends and the Influence of Culture on the Consumer Economy
    • Three days in Zurich
      • Walking tour of Zurich
      • Interactive Company Visit: Hospitality and Tourism in a Changing Landscape
      • Interactive Company Visit: Switzerland’s Global Role: Opportunities and Challenges
      • Lindt Chocolate Museum / House of Chocolate Visit
      • Zurich Dinner Cruise

Other expenses include the following:

  • Airfare: $1108
  • Passport: $165
  • Personal expenses: $150–300

Registration Process and Deadlines

  • November 30, 2023—Register for the program online
  • January 12, 2024—Complete forms on Canvas
  • February 1
    • Complete Global Programs Canvas Pre-departure requirement
    • Complete Travel Safety Network online requirements

Program Leaders

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.

Paul Cooney

Professor of Practice, Entrepreneurship
Paul Cooney became an adjunct faculty member at Penn State Altoona in 2013 teaching entrepreneurship classes. He is a graduate of Penn State with a B.S. in Finance. Cooney has traveled with the Sheetz Fellows on previous study abroad experiences.