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 545 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 2010 Application for SIBT will be available in January.

The early deadline for application is April 9, 2010. Applications received after this deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis, as space is available. Applicants will be notified as soon as possible. The program cost per student is USD $9,800 and includes all tuition, deposit, room and board, and all fees and costs related to programmatic field trips and outings. There is an application processing fee of USD $75.

Proof of English language proficiency is not required for students whose media of instruction is English. (Proof of English language proficiency includes TOEFL scores.)

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

After consulting our list of frequently asked questions, you may contact sibt [at] seas.upenn.edu