Global Experience: International Automotive Studies
Immerse yourself in the intriguing world of exclusive automotive production facilities as you travel to France and Italy.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
GLB160: Automotive Study Abroad
Offers a unique, hands-on opportunity to study international automotive manufacturing practices while traveling to France and Italy. During the course, students will:
- Tour leading automotive facilities, gaining firsthand insight into how vehicles are manufactured, assembled, and repaired in global contexts.
- Engage with industry professionals and observe advanced production technologies and sustainable practices in action.
- Experience cultural immersion, adding a broader perspective to the global automotive landscape.
This course blends technical education with international exposure, making it ideal for students interested in global manufacturing trends, engineering, or automotive technology.
How does this work?
Students will apply concepts from their coursework while observing real-world practices in globally renowned automotive environments. Highlights include factory tours of Lamborghini and Ferrari and visits to automotive museums. This immersive experience gives students a broader understanding of global automotive systems, practices, and culture.
Housing will be in various hotels throughout Italy and France. The cost of this 3-credit course will cover tuition, travel, accommodations, site visits (including Lamborghini and Ferrari factory tours), and most group activities.
May 21-June 2, 2026
Details
- Tour the Lamborghini and Ferrari automotive museums
- Engage with industry professionals throughout Italy
- Explore private luxury car collections
- Enjoy Italian culture in Bologna and Rome
- Stay in hotels with private bathrooms throughout Italy
- In-country orientation and tours
- Optional transportation to and from the airport based on student need
- Excursion transportation will be provided by bus, public transit, and train
- Daily breakfasts and dinners are provided
- Must meet PCT policies and procedures
- 3-credit course
Successful completion of the course will satisfy the following electives: open elective, and cultural diversity perspective elective.
Billable Expenses
- Program Cost: $6900 (includes airfare)
- International insurance: $30 (approximate)
- Tuition/Fees (in-state): $623/credit x 3 = $1,869
Total: $8,699 (approximate)
Non-Billable Expenses
- Some meals & incidentals: $500 (approximate)
- International phone plan: $100 (approximate)
- Shuttle to/from airport: $250 (if needed)
Total: $850 (approximate)
Grand Total: $9,549 (approximate)
Billing
All billable expenses appear on a student’s semester bill as: Tuition/Fees (credit hours) and International Travel Fee (program and travel costs). Some costs and expenses are estimates. Payment overages will be refunded to students after all trip costs are reconciled on June 30.
Financial Aid
Most financial aid you would receive on campus can be applied toward the cost of this program. All financial aid eligibility is determined by Financial Aid.
Scholarships
PCT offers many study abroad scholarships with various eligibility criteria. The Spring-Summer 2026 application deadline is October 17, 2026. Apply by submitting your interest to Mindy Gunn meg45@pct.edu.
Eligibility
Good standing - A status indicating that a student is not under any disciplinary sanctions, has no unsatisfied financial obligation to the College, and is not on academic probation or suspension.
Committing to your Program
All students register for their program during the normal advising period in the semester prior to the program start. Registration in the course constitutes commitment to the payment terms. Semester bills will include the associated billable expenses of tuition/fees and the International Travel Fee.
Withdrawal Policy
Students will be subject to the Termination, Drops, and Withdrawals Policy (P4.31) and the Refunds Policy (P5.23) for the tuition/fees and International Travel Fees associated with the course. Travel-related costs may be refunded to the student to the extent those costs have not already been contractually committed by the College to outside parties. Note that contractually committed costs increase closer to the travel date. In cases where program costs are divided evenly among all participants, the student’s portion of costs will be considered contractually committed and non-recoverable. If at any point prior to travel, a student is no longer in good standing, they may be removed from the course and prohibited from traveling. Those students may receive refunds minus all non-recoverable costs.
Travel Highlights
Explore cities in France and Italy, where innovation, design, and history converge in both classic and modern vehicles.
France
Italy
Experienced Faculty
Meet Your Faculty Guide
"When you study at Penn College, your instructors will do more than know your name. They'll get to know you. Experienced, passionate, and dedicated to your success, Penn College faculty are here to support your academic journey."
Roy Klinger
Instructor, Collision Repair, Co-Department Head
Contact
Interested?
For more information about this course, contact Roy Klinger, the Faculty Guide for this Global Experience.
Questions?
For general questions about Global Experiences, such as study away programs and student exchanges at Penn College, contact Daniel Clasby, Assistant Dean of Academic Operations.