Luxury Management in Italy - Study Abroad 2025 - RETL 592 or HTMT 502

PROGRAM DATES:
Travel: 12 May 2026 through 20 May 2026

FACULTY LEADERS:
Karen Edwards, J.D.
Sandy Strick, Ph.D

COURSE CREDIT:
3 Credit Hours – RETL 592 or HRTM 502

Visit iconic sites and learn from luxury retail and hospitality experts in the heart of Florence, Italy!
Counts toward graduation with leadership distinction.

Highlights:
•    Daytrip to Tuscany with a private tour and tasting at Castillo Banfi Winery including lunch at their Michelin star restaurant
•    Guided tour of the Lamborghini (or other luxury automaker) factory and museum
•    Luxury fashion and hospitality walking tours with insider visits
•    Tour of the 5-star St. Regis hotel with afternoon tea
•    Visit to Parma including a tour of Parmesan cheese plant, and a visit to Balsamaria for tour and lunch
•    Leather upcycling hands-on workshop and luxury leathergoods factory tour
•    Guided tours of the Sant’Ambrogio Market, Ferragamo shoe museum, and Gucci Garden
•    Italian cooking class with dinner
•    You’ll also visit the historic Leather School, Uffizi Museum, a perfumery, watch a live opera performance, and experience much more!

*Please note that events listed here and on the final itinerary are subject to change based on business necessity.

Program Fees Include:
•    Hotel (eight nights, multiple occupancy)
•    Breakfast daily
•    In-country transportation
•    Five group meals including lunches in Parma and Tuscany, afternoon tea, and two dinners in Florence 
•    Entrance to all venues and tours listed on final itinerary

Program Fees Do Not Include:
•    Transportation and airfare to / from Florence, Italy
•    Tuition for RETL 592 or HRTM 502
•    USC global health insurance ($36)
•    Trip Interruption insurance (recommended)
•    USC Education Abroad application fee ($150)
•    Meals, site visits and excursions not listed on final itinerary
•    Passports, any required medical treatment/testing/documentation
•    Personal expenses and shopping

Course meeting times:  
This is a three-credit-hour course which involves pre- and post-travel assignments.  In addition, all participants must attend, in person, these four mandatory pre-departure meetings:
•    1/30/26: 4 – 5:30 pm, Close-Hipp Welcome Center
•    2/27/26: 4 – 5:30 pm, Close-Hipp Welcome Center
•    3/27/26: 4 – 5:30 pm, Close-Hipp Welcome Center
•    4/24/26: 4 – 5:45 pm, Enzo’s Bar Grasso

The in-country portion of this course begins at 2 pm on May 12, 2026, in Florence Italy, and ends at noon on May 20, 2026 (local times).
Price per student is $3,995.00 + tuition (separate) for RETL 592 or HRTM 502, USC global health insurance, and Education Abroad fee. Program fees are non-refundable. If the program is cancelled by USC prior to departure, recoverable costs will be refunded.

This trip is limited to 16 participants and is expected to be filled quickly; reserve your space by submitting your first payment soon. Contact Karen Edwards or Sandy Strick for the registration access code.

Reserve your space by 31 October 2025. Please complete your application with the Education Abroad Office prior to 9 January 2026. You must register and pay for RETL 592 or HRTM 502 no later than 1 May 2026.

Payment Deadlines:
1st Program Fee payment of $1,997.50 — due by 31 October 2025
2nd Program Fee payment of $1,997.50 — due by 9 January 2026

Program fees are not refundable.