DECATUR, Ill. 鈥 Business announces for community members in 2026, led by Professor Julienne Shields, Director of the , and in collaboration with 黑料正能量 School of Education, Centro Studi Italiani in Urbania, Italy, and Sardovaya in Sri Lanka.
"These opportunities represent Millikin's commitment to Performance Learning and our goal to prepare students for democratic citizenship in a global environment," said Dean of the Tabor School of Business RJ Podeschi. 鈥淧articipants will move beyond theory to directly experience business and innovation in global contexts. We are always happy to work with globally recognized partners like Centro Studi Italiani and Sarvodaya."
Experience an emerging cross-disciplinary and multi-generational educational innovation (MOF Method) in rural and urban Italy. Observe innovative Italian schools, meet MOF expert practitioners, explore Reggio Emilia's renowned educational center, and discover how interdisciplinary learning transforms student outcomes. Dr. Denice Love and Julienne Shields will facilitate discussions on applicability and local action plans.
This immersion is well-suited for a wide variety of those in the education field -- from Pre-K through higher education administrators -- seeking new approaches to pedagogy, and curriculum specialists seeking proven, innovative approaches to student-driven learning. Cost: $3,595 per person/double occupancy. Up to 40 CEUs for teachers.
Participants will work side-by-side with the respected Sarvodaya, Sri Lanka's 67-year-old grassroots community development organization, and with local entrepreneurs in the tourism industry to address real social challenges and explore sustainable business solutions that create a positive impact for their respective businesses. These solutions will inform innovations back in the U.S. for emerging and nascent entrepreneurs. Cost: $2,995 per person/double occupancy, includes $800 airfare allowance. An additional $500 community participation fee is included for non-students.
Experience creative business ventures in Bologna and Urbania. Meet Italian artisans, visit creative studios, vinotecas, and family restaurants while discovering how creativity and commerce intersect. Perfect for culinary enthusiasts, restaurant connoisseurs, and arts entrepreneurs seeking authentic Italian cultural immersion. Cost: $2,995 per person/double occupancy. An additional $500 community participation fee is included for non-students.
All immersions include pre-travel learning and preparations, accommodations, 10 meals, ground transportation, and program activities. Airfare is not included unless explicitly stated.
鈥淚鈥檓 excited to share entrepreneurial stories, experiences, and frameworks from around the world with our community,鈥 said Shields. 鈥淲e will share a little piece of what Central Illinois has to offer with each of these destinations, too.鈥
Deadlines:
- December 15th for community and alumni.
- $1000 deposit due at that time.
- Refundable if the program does not meet capacity.
Students have to follow the normal registration process and the international scholarship/fellowship calendar published by the .
Open to community members, alumni, and students from all universities. Please contact Julienne Shields for more information at jshields@millikin.edu or (217) 899-6556.
