Is CIMBA different than Study Abroad or Student Exchange?

Yes. The CIMBA program is a mix of a traditional study abroad program and the student exchange program. A small group of BYU students travel to Paderno del Grappa and meet up with other university students from the U.S. A BYU professor is usually a part of the CIMBA staff and helps direct and guide students to help them experience the most the Trevios region has to offer.

CIMBA provides undergraduate business students with an opportunity to attend the Consortium International University, a top business school in Paderno del Grappa, Italy. This unique program brings together students from a consortium of U.S. schools to be taught by some of the brightest professors in the U.S. Students can immerse themselves in the Italian way of life, and still receive a quality education. A lot of classes transfer directly to BYU so students will not lose credit or academic momentum by participating in CIMBA. For a full list of classes visit the Whitmore Global Management Center in 360 Tanner Building.

Students do not have to be Marriott School students; however preference is given to Marriott School majors and minors. The only classes that are guaranteed to transfer are business courses.

Paderno del Grappa, Italy

Paderno del Grappa is a town in the province of Treviso, in the Veneto, Italy. Paderno del Grappa is located at the base of Mount Grappa, nestled in the foothills of the Dolomite Mountains. The location offers the cultural experience of living in a small Italian community while providing direct access to the well-known art and history treasures of the most economically advanced region in Italy. The Treviso region is one of the strongest economic regions in Europe. Paderno del Grappa is also only approximately 45 miles north of Venice.

Paderno del Grappa has a population of 2,002 and is between 175 and 1.775 meters above sea level. Over half the population of Paderno del Grappa work in industrial firms.

CIMBA

Created in 1985, the Consortium of Universities for International Studies is a non-profit organization committed to international education. Consortium members actively encourage students to seek personal development and growth through international academic experiences emphasizing the importance of developing an understanding and appreciation of diversity in culture and perspective. Students will have the unique opportunity to learn international business taught by guest professors from major U.S. business schools and to participate in business visits in Italy’s Veneto region. CIMBA provides classes that continuously improve and define the learning environment.

Program Details

• A broad spectrum of business classes are offered.
• Many courses feature learning experiences designed to actively involve students with the people, history, arts, attitudes, and traditions of Italy.
• Many courses will count for Marriott School courses and toward the Global Management Certificate.
• CIMBA organizes some field excursions to cultural sites and visits to local businesses.
• Visits to cultural sites and other field trips such as museums, cathedrals, monuments, and theaters will enhance students’ study and increase appreciation and understanding of the Italian culture.

Prerequisites and Course Requirements

• Courses are only available in English.
• Many courses are transferable to the Marriott School.
• Students must complete at least twelve credit hours to maintain full-time student status during fall or winter and six credit hours during spring.
• All courses must be pre-approved before the trip by the Marriott School’s Whitmore Global Management Center.
• For a list of courses available at CIMBA, please visit the GMC (360 TNRB).

Where do Students Live?

• Participants live in campus housing at the Consortium International University (CIU) in Paderno del Grappa.
• Meals, exercise, and computer facilities are all included in the lodging.

Preparation for Student Exchange

All students are expected to register through ISP for a half credit, pre-departure preparation class. Contact Malcolm Botto in International Studies Programs (204 HRCB) for more information.

What Funding Sources are Available?

• Regular BYU tuition scholarships, Pell grants, and Federal Insured Student Loans may be applied
• Students may also apply for a need or merit scholarship of up to $2,500 through CIMBA. Information on this financial aid can be found at www.cimbaitaly.com.
• Students who submit the financial aid section of the International Study Programs (ISP) application and who have a current FAFSA form on file at the Financial Aid office, will be considered for a SEP scholarship awarded through the Kennedy Center.
• Private grants and scholarships outside of BYU may assist: kennedy.byu.edu/isp.

Application Process

• Complete the online application at kennedy.byu.edu/isp/online/app.
• Apply to CIMBA at www.cimbaitaly.com   (you must apply to both BYU and CIMBA).
• Application deadline: 15 October 2009 (Winter 2010), 15 February 2010 (Spring 2010).
• Applicants will be interviewed once the application is complete and notified via email of their acceptance into the program.
• Students from all majors on campus may apply; however, preference is given to business majors and minors.
• ISP and the GMC reserve the right to cancel this program, revise its offerings, or make any adjustments to the preliminary cost estimates due to conditions beyond its control.

How Much Does This SEP Cost?

Students need to pay the $25 ISP application fee and a $30 CIMBA application fee. Students will be expected to pay approximately $13,970-$15,000 for fall or winter semester and $5,1950-5,800 for spring.

Includes BYU and CIMBA tuition, housing, international health insurance, meals, computer access, and some excursions. Students will  be responsible for their airfare to and from Italy, visa fees, ground transportation, and any other educational and personal expenses incurred during the program.

Choose your adventure.