Sustainable Cities of Northern Europe

In this program, we will study the policies, plans, systems, technologies and designs that support urban sustainability, exploring transit, bike and pedestrian circulation; renewable energy and water systems, recycling and solid waste management; economic equity and development; land use and urban design; landscape/open space design and the planning principles on which they are based. Relying on lectures, field trips, bike and walking tours, guest speakers, and reading-the-city exercises, the program shows what lessons can be taken from Europe back to U.S. cities. We will visit 6-8 cities—large and small—in four countries that have demonstrated a commitment to and success in becoming more sustainable. This includes looking in-depth at various deliberate eco-districts and neighborhoods in places like Stockholm, Basel, Copenhagen, Freiburg, and Lucerne.

Housing and Urbanism in Barcelona

Learn about housing while living in one of the most exciting cities in Europe. Barcelona, celebrated for its architecture, urbanism, and landscape, is also a city with strong community identities and legacies of activism. With the city as our classroom, we will explore Barcelona’s renowned attractions as well as its hidden gems, hear talks from local experts, and engage with architects, planners, and residents of fascinating projects in ecological, affordable, and cooperative housing. In your free time, sample from the city’s incredible food scene, wander medieval streets, or sun yourself at the beach. On the weekends, take a hike in the nearby Pyrenees, hop a ferry to the island of Mallorca, or explore Spain’s exquisite cities of Valencia, Girona, Madrid, Granada, or Seville.

Global Management in the UK

The dynamics of the European economy is an especially good setting to study global management in action. We will examine how firms develop new ideas and distribute products and services to international markets, and how they respond to changing winds of trade. We will visit ports to see supply chain management in practice, study the International Standards Organization that facilitates cross-border trade and learn how such trade is financed. Based in historic Edinburgh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we will also visit Glasgow and London for additional lessons and perspectives on global management—including a visit to the Bloomberg office in London. The third weekend is your travel weekend to explore your specific regions of interest in the UK or Europe.