"SIBT was a unique opportunity to learn on the ground through company site visits. It was also a great chance to familiarize myself with the sciences, legal and finance environments." - Alex (Switzerland)


The Summer Institute in Business and Technology (SIBT) is a four-week program for globally-minded undergraduates enrolled full-time in universities abroad, as well as in the U.S. The program offers 6 full semester hours of credit, site visits to companies, visits from corporate representatives, guest lectures, optional coaching on improving oral and written communication (in English), and co-curricular activities designed to enhance the overall experience of the visiting students. Wharton and Engineering undergraduates serve as Residential/Teaching Advisors (RTAs); they live with the international students on campus and provide a resource for academic and co-curricular activities.

SIBT provides an intense academic experience in business and technology, as well as a cultural immersion experience for international students. Participants take the following courses:

EAS 445 Technology Entrepreneurship ( 3 credit hours)

MKTG 221 New Product Development (1.5 credit hours)

MKTG 281 Entrepreneurial Marketing (1.5 credit hours)

These courses complement each other with a main focus on Technology and Entrpreneurship. Courses meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Tuesdays and Thursdays are reserved for co-curricular activities -- such as corporate site visits — which are incorporated into the classroom. The program also provides excursions during evenings and weekends for the purpose of cultural exploration and socialization.

Participants reside in a University of Pennsylvania residence hall. Residential Team Advisors (RTAs) live with students on a 1:8 ratio, and social activities are regularly organized for the students as appropriate. Meals are provided at the University Commons, a campus dinning hall. As part of their weekend cultural excursions, students have the opportunity to dine off campus.

The early deadline for application is April 11, 2008. Applications received after this deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis, as space is available. Applicants will be notified as soon as possible. You may apply starting January ! (application processing fee is USD $75). The program cost per student is USD $8,900 and includes all tuition, deposit, room and board, and all fees and costs related to programmatic field trips and outings.

Proof of English language proficiency is not required for students whose media of instruction is English.

*Please make sure all application materials are in English, including official transcript.*

For more information please contact sibt@seas.upenn.edu.

To accommodate the calendar of international universities, SIBT will run the third full week of July through the second full week of August. In the summer of 2008:

Student Arrival
Saturday, July 12, 2008

Orientation
Saturday, July 12 to Sunday, July 13

Student Departure
Saturday, August 9

A maximum of 40 participants will be admitted to the summer program. Applicants must be in good academic standing in their home institution and demonstrate proficiency in English. Please download the application from this site or apply online.
Applications require:


Official university transcript

Two letters of recommendation from teachers

One essay

Official test score reports, including TOEFL