O'Neill in Germany and Italy

May 14-June 4, 2025

Please Note: Dr. Audretsch is the professor of record for this program, however, the course is co-taught by faculty from three universities and also includes a variety of guest lectures. Dr. Audretsch will teach several lectures, but you should expect to hear from a variety of people.

V482/V582 – Strategic Management of Cities, States & Regions: Public Policy Perspectives (3cr.)

Students will learn the tools for devising and implementing policies to enhance the sustainable development of cities, states and regions. They learn both a tractable framework and application to two European cities – Augsburg in Germany and Bergamo in Italy. The tools and framework for the strategic management of place is applicable and useful across the globe. The course is integrated with comparable classes at the University of Augsburg and the University of Bergamo. Together with their student counterparts from Italy and Germany, students work in small groups to complete a written analysis and oral presentation of strategies for a selected city, state or region to attain its goals in the most positive and sustainable manner. To understand the cultural, political, social and economic contexts, a broad range of visits are made to local organizations, government agencies, companies and historical sites in both Bergamo and Augsburg.

IU Bloomington Undergrads: See how this course counts towards your major/minor at O'Neill here.

Bergamo Medieval City Walking Tour
Fuggerei Social Settlement in Augsburg
Dachau Concentration Camp (optional)
Neuschwanstein Castle in the Alps
Visit "Mittelstand" companies
Augsburg City Walking Tour and City Hall-Golden Hall
Guided tour in Munich

Housing in Augsburg, Germany

While studying at the University of Augsburg, you will receive room and board at the centrally located SLEPS Hostel, which is situated in the center of Augsburg. The location is within easy walking distance of the central train station, as well as local tram and bus stops, which you will be using to travel to the campus. In addition, there are several theaters, shopping plazas, bookshops, restaurants, cafes, and a grocery store within close proximity to the hotel. You will live in fully equipped double-occupancy rooms in a modern building. The hotel is secure and frequently patrolled by local police officers on foot patrol. The entire campus is a Wi-Fi zone. In addition, you will have access to a large modern library, study halls, and computer labs in which to study and prepare assignments. 

Housing in Bergamo, Italy

While studying at the University of Bergamo, you will receive room and board at a bed and breakfast in downtown Bergamo. The location is within walking distance of trams and bus stops, which you can use to travel around town during your free time. In addition, there are several parks, shopping plazas, bookshops, restaurants, and cafes within close proximity to the university and housing accommodations. 

Food

You will be provided breakfast everyday. Some additional meals will be provided as appropriate during excursions/field trips. Any remaining meals will be left to your discretion.

All O’Neill International programs are academic, credit-bearing courses that take place abroad. As such, your bursar will be charged two amounts for participation in this program:

1. Program Fee for O’Neill in Germany and Italy (made in two payments)
2. Tuition for the course (3 credits of IU Bloomington tuition, rate based on your student status (res/non-res; grad/UG, etc))

2025 Program Fee: $2,300

The Program Fee for this program includes:

• Lodging for 3 weeks in Augsburg, Germany and Bergamo, Italy
• Site visits and guest speakers
• Cultural excursions
• Some meals
• International health insurance

The Program Fee will be charged to your IU Bloomington Bursar account in two installments:

1. A $550 non-refundable pre-payment will be charged shortly after you confirm your participation in the program
2. The remaining balance will be charged in March prior to departure

For a breakdown of costs, please see the Germany + Italy fee sheet.

Tuition: 3 credits of IU-Bloomington tuition

Students will pay for 3 credit hours of tuition based on their student status (resident/non-resident, graduate/undergraduate, etc.) on the Bloomington campus. Note for students from other campuses: the tuition rates on the Bloomington campus may differ from your campus.

Additional Costs

Students will pay for their own flight to and from Germany/Italy, meals that are not included in the Program Fee, and other personal incidentals. 

For a full breakdown of estimated costs, see the Germany and Italy fee sheet.

Scholarships

The O’Neill International Office offers several scholarships to support students studying abroad. The O’Neill International Equal Opportunity Scholarship is a need-based award available to help O'Neill students from IUB and IUI to be able to study abroad. Please visit our scholarship page for eligibility requirements and application deadlines. Other need and merit-based scholarships are available on a competitive basis. Students are encouraged to apply widely to all scholarships they are eligible for. Please email us at oio@iu.edu if you want help navigating different funding resources.

The program will be open to IU undergraduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA, as well as graduate students in good standing. Students from across IU will be allowed to apply. The instructor will review student applications and make the final decision on admission to the program.

During the application period (November 1 - December 8) an "Apply Now" button will be available at the top of this page. You will need to submit the online application by 11:59pm on December 8. 

Please review our detailed application instructions!

If you have any issues or questions throughout the application process, contact us via email: oio@iu.edu

• Ability to Walk Long Distances Daily: Participants should be prepared to walk at least 3-5 miles each day, often in urban areas or on uneven terrain such as cobblestone streets.
• Ability to Walk on Uneven Ground and Climb Stairs: Some excursions may require walking on uneven ground or cobblestones and managing multiple flights of stairs at once. A basic level of fitness is necessary.
• Ability to Manage Stressful Situations: Students should be able to navigate stressful situations such as crowded areas, time zone changes, language barriers, and group travel dynamics.
• Ability to Adapt to a New Culture: Willingness to embrace a different culture and step outside one’s comfort zone is essential. Students should be prepared to adapt to new customs, norms, food, and environments.
• Ability to Navigate New Cities Independently: Participants should feel comfortable navigating new cities in small groups, using maps or public transportation.
• Ability to Stay Calm and Focused in Unfamiliar Environments: Students may encounter unfamiliar situations such as navigating airports, public transportation, or crowded cities. The ability to stay calm and focused is important.
• Ability to Identify and Cope with Personal Stressors: Understanding one’s own stressors (e.g., travel fatigue, group dynamics) and employing coping mechanisms is essential for a smooth experience.
• Ability to Adjust to Language Barriers: Students should be open to learning key phrases in the local language (e.g., ordering food, asking for directions).
• Openness to Embrace Group Dynamics and Teamwork: Programs often involve group work, requiring openness to grow as a team member, listen to others, and share responsibilities.
• Willingness to Broaden Perspectives: A core part of the experience is expanding one’s worldview. Students must be willing to broaden their perspectives and learn about new cultures, even if it challenges their existing beliefs.