Drexel Spring Break in Belgium:
Exploring Global Sustainability and Development

Program Overview

This one-week program will explore culture and history, the economic environment, and global sustainability in Belgium and surrounding countries (which may include The Netherlands, Luxemburg, France or Germany as examples), using Brussels as a basis of global initiatives and worldwide connection. Working with Irish College Leuven, students will participate in specialized lectures and interactive sessions with guest faculty and speakers, interact with other students, and apply learnings at various site visits.  Topics may include the economy, international trade, innovation and entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, ESG, UNSDG’s, and strategic leadership related to sustainability across industries (which may include health care/pharmaceuticals, finance, entrepreneurship/social enterprise, global retail branding, etc.), as well is between public and private sectors. Students will consider topics as they relate to their major areas of study and interest, and they will have daily reflective briefings.  Post-program, there will be a research-based project focused on a topic specific to the student’s area of study and will incorporate program learnings and academic and/or co-op experiences.
Through this program, students will:

• Experience the cultural and historical base of the country, and its relevance to their studies and the global economy through fresh perspectives.
• Gain first-hand insights from organizational leaders, expert lecturers, and site visits.
• Reflect upon learnings and set personal and professional goals for continued cross-cultural experiences and global awareness.
• Apply learnings to further research activities and expand the knowledge base to share with the Drexel community.

Priority given to Pennoni Honors College students, but all are encouraged to apply.

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Academics

Credit/Registration
Students will be registered for HNRS T380 for 3 credits as a part of their spring term. Students must leave space for these3 credits in their credit load, or will otherwise be billed for exceeding the 20 credit term maximum.

Instructor:  This program will be led by Dana D'Angelo (danad@drexel.edu), Clinical Professor in LeBow College of Business
 

Program Calendar

Arrival Date: March 26 (students should depart March 25 to arrive on March 26)
Departure Date: April 1
*Students may extend their travel independently before or after program dates.

Tentative Itinerary Overview
Breakfast Daily; daily journal reflections are required.

Day 1
Arrival* and Check-in
Group Lunch                                                                                                              
Orientation and Introduction on Ground
Walking Tour Leuven and EU Introduction
Dinner on Own

Day 2
Full Day Brussels
            European Parliament and Think Tank
            European Commission
Lunch and Dinner on Own

Day 3
Site Visit - Management Presentation and Discussion (Maastricht Region; Start-up Ecosystem)
Site Visit - Management Presentation and Discussion (The Netherlands; ei., Nike, Honda, Duracell, Jaansen)
Lunch and Dinner on Own
                                                                                                           
Day 4
UNSDG Workshop
Site Visit – Management Presentation and Discussion (Leuven; Happonomy)
Lunch and Dinner on Own

Day 5
Full Day Bruges – Guided Tour and Free Time
Group Seek and Find Activity
Lunch and Dinner on Own

Day 6
Site Visit – Management Presentation and Discussion (Luxembourg; European Investment Bank)
Lunch on Own
Site Visit – Management Presentation and Discussion (Luxembourg; Green Finance)
Farewell Group Dinner

Day 7
Check-out and Departure

Program Fee - $ 2095

Due Nov 15, 2024 - $500 Advance Payment + $25 application fee
Due Jan 15, 2025 $1595 Final Payment
*All payments are non-refundable unless declined admission or program cancels for unforeseen reasons.

Included in Program Fee:

• 6 nights accommodation
• Welcome lunch and ​Farewell Dinner
• All breakfasts
• Train tickets
• Walking toursof Leuven and Bruges
• Entrance fees 

Not Included in Program Fee:

• Round trip airfare and airport transfers
• ​Passport
• Some lunches and dinners
• Visa fee (if applicable)
• Spending money

ICA Financial Aid: Students may request an Adjusted Cost of Attendance by submitting the ICA program fee and estimated out of pocket expenses listed above to Drexel Central (via askdrexel). Doing so could make students’ eligible for additional financial aid.  Students may also be eligible to apply for Drexel's ICA Scholarships.

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More Information

• US citizens do not need a visa to participate in this program, but students of other nationalities should confirm entry requirements.
• A recommended flight itinerary will be provided. Students are responsible for booking their own airfare.