Plus3 Business

 

Plus3 is students' first chance to study abroad at Pitt. This two-week, three-credit interdisciplinary experience includes group travel with Pitt students, a Pitt faculty member, and a Pitt Program Assistant to one of seven locations. First-year students will be provided with a firsthand glimpse of globalization through industry-specific company tours, Q&A sessions with executives, academic lectures, and cultural visits.  


Locations for Plus3 2024 are: 

  • Argentina: Healthcare Management
  • Costa Rica:  Coffee and Bananas
  • Cyprus:  Global Industries
  • Ecuador:  Chocolate and Flowers
  • South Korea: Smart Systems 
  • The Netherlands:  Concept to Consumer
  • Vietnam: Globalization & Development

When completing an application for Plus3, students will be asked to note their "top 3" locations. 


Information Sessions

Interested Pitt Business students are encouraged to register for an in-person or virtual hour-long information session to learn more about the program. We’ll discuss the program timeline in more detail, offer helpful tips/suggestions for answering the short-answer questions on the application, and more. 
 
 
Virtual (registration required):
 
Wednesday, September 13th, 11:00 AM, Zoom
 
 
In-person (registration required):
 
Wednesday, September 20th (12:00 PM, Robert S. McCulloch Family Alumni Networking Zone - 2nd floor, Sennott Square)
 
Tuesday, October 3rd (4:00 PM,  Robert S. McCulloch Family Alumni Networking Zone - 2nd floor, Sennott Square)
 
 

Tentative Locations at a Glance

Argentina: Healthcare Management

This program will provide you with first-hand knowledge of the impacts of globalization on healthcare in a middle-income country. You will focus first on understanding major themes in global healthcare, such as global burden of disease, determinants of health, food security, and health and economic inequality. Background on Argentina's history and politics will provide you with a foundation to use during your site visits within the healthcare industry and Q&A sessions with industry stakeholders. By the end of this you will have an understanding of the mechanisms of delivering, financing, and managing healthcare in Argentina.

  • Who: Pitt Business students, School of Nursing students
  • Past site visits included Universidad Austral, Hospital Universitario Austral, Universidad Nacionel de La Matanza, primary healthcare centers, and both public/private hospitals
  • Cultural activities have included hop-on-hop-off bus tour of Buenos Aires, La Boca neighborhood, a tango lesson, street art tour, a visit to Recoleta Cemetary, a visit to an Estancia, Plaza de Mayo, the ESMA museum, the MALBA museum, and the Evita museum
  • Locations will include Buenos Aires, Pilar, and Tigre

 

Costa Rica: Coffee and Bananas

The second-most sought-after commodity in the world, coffee, moves through a complex global web on its way to consumption. This location gives students an in-depth look at both large-scale and small-scale coffee growing, processing, and exportation. Background on Costa Rica’s history and politics will provide a knowledge base for company visits that will explore engineering practices, environmental impacts, and international marketing. Q&A sessions with company executives and representatives will allow a deeper dive into business and engineering practices and to better understand the interdependencies in the global market.

  • Who: Pitt Business students, Swanson School of Engineering students
  • Past company visits included Cafe Britt, Cafe Rey, Life Monteverde, and Institutio Nacional del Cafe
  • Past cultural activities included a trip to Monteverde (cloud forests and coffee plantations), Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfalls, and activities with local Costa Rican students
  • Locations: San Jose, Monteverde, various areas neighboring San Jose

 

Cyprus: The Crossroad of Global Industries on a Mediterranean Island

Cyprus is an island nation that sits at the crossroads of three continents and combines traditional industries like energy and shipping with emerging technologies associated with Industry 4.0 such blockchain and cybersecurity. Cyprus’ 12,000+ years of cultural heritage will support students' understanding of the country’s role in the region for multinational corporations. Among many interesting facts, Cyprus is proud to be #1 in ship management globally, a hub for offshore gas and oil development, and a leader in online gaming. Students on this Plus3 experience will gain a better understanding of the complexities and interdependencies of supply chain management in the global market.

 

  • Who: Business and Engineering students
  • Company visits may include: IT/Gaming (Wargaming, Logicom, Block.co), Shipping (MSC Ship Management, Petronav Ship Management, Celestyal Cruises, Royal Caribbean), Energy (Exxon Mobil, Noble Energy, Schlumberger, Haliburton, Cyprus Hydrocarbons), Heavy Industry (Portland Cement, Petronlina and VTTi, Government Desalination and Power Plants), and others
  • Cultural activities may include: Tours of the capital city Nicosia and costal cities Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphas. Visits to Ancient Kourion, the Tomb of the Kings, Aphrodite’s Rock, Ayia Napa Sea Caves and Marina, Medieval Kourion Castle, the Limassol Marina, and the Blue Flagged Beaches of Cyprus.
  • Locations: This program will be based in Nicosia (with excursions to surrounding areas).

 

Ecuador: Chocolate and Flowers

Ecuador is a major player in both the chocolate and flower global markets, and this equatorial nation provides the best firsthand experience on the global supply chain of two of the most unique commodities in the world. Through this program, students will gain background on Ecuador’s cultural and economic history that will provide valuable context as we visit companies, explore the chocolate and flower markets, and learn about sustainable agriculture and business. Students will taste, smell and witness first-hand many aspects of the chocolate and floral supply chains. 

  • Who: Pitt Business (Oakland campus) students, University of Pittsburgh Johnstown Business students
  • Site visits may include: A rose farm, a cacao agroforest, a coastal cacao plantation, a chocolate processing factory and packing center, and the Guayaquil shipping port.
  • Cultural activities may include: A tour of Colonial Quito, visit a hummingbird reserve, Amazonian-style pottery making, walk in lush cloud forests at 8000 feet, tour coast of Ecuador, and stay at an Amazonian Rain Forest Field Station.
  • Locations: Quito, the Andes Amazon Field School

 

South Korea: Smart Systems

Smart systems are what’s driving technology to be even more efficient. Digital devices working together as smart systems can sense, act upon, and communicate about a situation. They can recognize patterns, make predictions, and support human decision-making. Students will benefit from seeing how South Korea is not only manufacturing this technology but also how they are implementing into their daily life. Students will understand how this is being marketed and from a business perspective will understand how that is helping to drive the Korean economy. We will travel to the following cities: Seoul, Gyeongju, Ulsan and Busan.   

  • Who: Pitt Business students, Swanson School of Engineering students
  • Potential company visits include Oracle, Woori Investment and Securities, KPMG, Samsung Mobile, Riot Games, Hyundai, BASF, Air Busan, Korea Technology and Finance Company and Korea Southern Power Company. 
  • Potential university visits include Seoul National University or Yonsei University or Busan University of Foreign Studies
  • Cultural visits may include in Seoul the Royal Palace visit, Seoul Tower and traditional market, DMZ tour and Han River Cruise, and cultural visits in Gyeongju.

 

The Netherlands: Concept to Consumer! Aviation, Fabrication, Flood Control, Floriculture, and Food

Explore how products and services advance from an idea to reality in some of the Netherlands' critical industries. These industries are the foundation of the economic infrastructure, which is vital to the Netherlands' overall economic stability and global collaboration. The Netherlands has, for centuries, dealt with flooding and high waters by developing innovative water management techniques and technologies. The ability to control flooding significantly impacts the viability of a number of industries. Students will investigate how aviation, from fabrication of product to flight, is surviving and innovating in the current and difficult climate. Studies will take students to a university which has been involved in the Netherlands' key global commerce. The program will examine how their ability to innovate and collaborate with industry partners to advance concepts/ideas to fabrication will ultimately support their customers. This will bring us full circle in understanding how engineering and business collaborate to better drive innovation and ultimately satisfy the end user.   
Q & A sessions with company executives and representatives will allow the class to dig deeper into business and engineering practices, and better understand their interdependencies in the global market. From the manufacturing to the design practices, these visits provide a first hand look at managing innovation and the necessary interfaces such as the supply chain, of these global industries.    
  • Who: Business and Engineering students
  • Locations: Amsterdam (with excursions to surrounding areas) and include an array of cultural and professional visits.   

 

Vietnam: Globalization & Development

Vietnam’s developing economy is highlighted against its deep history that shape this Asian country’s present. Lectures will focus on Vietnam’s historical and political background to provide context for company visits where you will learn about business and engineering practices. From entrepreneurship to exportation practices, these visits will give you a firsthand look at development occurring in Asia. Q&A sessions with company executives and representatives will allow you to dig deeper into the challenges facing international firms and to better understand the interdependencies between engineering and business management. While you will be based in Ho Chi Minh City, past groups have traveled to various parts of Vietnam, including the Mekong Delta.

  • Who: Business and Engineering students
  • Locations: Ho Chi Minh City
 

Student Blogs + More Information

Want to learn more?  Check out the Pitt Plus3 Blog for past participant experiences: 

 

Where You'll Live: 

Lodging in each location is unique, but you will be housed in shared bedrooms in a centralized hotel or apartment. On each Plus3 location at least one meal a day will be covered by the program fee (generally breakfast or lunch, depending on location).

What You'll Study: 

 

Plus3 Academics

Plus3 is a 3-part program that occurs during the spring term with international travel the first two-weeks in May. Business students receive three credits for the completion of a Plus3 program.

  • Pre-Departure Classes – Approximately four or five cohort meetings with your faculty leader and program assistant in the spring term will help to prepare you for your time abroad. These sessions are mandatory for all participants.
  • Field Study – Company visits, guest lectures lectures, and a reflection blog comprise the academic portion of your two weeks in-country.
  • Post-Program Project – You will complete a project (details determined by the faculty member) that acts as a summary for your experience. 

 

Plus 3 Program in Costa Rica   (BUSSPP0037)

This program provides students with the opportunity to apply concepts and tools acquired in BUSSPP 0020. Students work in teams with engineering students on research projects. Business environment and practices abroad are compared to those in the U.S. The program abroad includes company visits, lectures, and cultural excursions during a two-week study period in Costa Rica under the guidance of a faculty member.

Plus 3 Program in Ecuador (BUSSPP0047)

This program provides students with the opportunity to apply concepts and tools acquired in BUSSPP 0020 abroad. Students work in teams on research projects, and business environment and practices abroad are compared to those in the U.S. The program abroad includes visits, lectures, and cultural excursions during a two-week study period in Ecuador under the guidance of a faculty member.

Plus 3 Program in Argentina (BUSSPP0045)

This program provides students with the opportunity to apply concepts and tools acquired in BUSSPP 0020 abroad. Students work in teams on research projects, and business environment & practices abroad are compared to those in the U.S. The program abroad includes company visits, lectures, and cultural excursions during a two-week study period in Argentina under the guidance of a faculty member.

Plus 3 Program in Cyprus (BUSSPP48)
Plus 3 Program in Vietnam (BUSSPP0041)

This program provides students with the opportunity to apply concepts and tools acquired in BUSSPP 0020. Students work in teams with engineering students on research projects. Business environment and practices abroad are compared to those in the U.S. The program abroad includes company visits, lectures, and cultural excursions during a two-week study period in Vietnam under the guidance of a faculty member.

Plus 3 Program in Korea (BUSSPP0046)

This program provides students with the opportunity to apply concepts and tools acquired in BUSSPP 0020 to the study of firms in a non-U.S. environment. Students work in teams with engineering students on research projects. Business environment and practices abroad are compared to those in the U.S. The program abroad includes company visits, lectures, and cultural excursions during a two-week study period in Korea under the guidance of a faculty member.
 

Plus 3 Program The Netherlands (BUSSPP50)
Experiential Learning Description: 

China: "During my time abroad in China, I learned so much more than I thought I could in just two weeks. Listening to business professionals speak about supply chain management, marketing smartphones in China, big data aggregation, and logistics was fascinating and helped deepen my understanding of such valuable concepts.” - Haley McArthur, Plus3 China 2018
 
Costa Rica: "During my two weeks in Costa Rica, I gained in-depth exposure to Costa Rica’s coffee supply chain, interacted with the Costa Rican people and learned about their unique way of life, and gained an appreciation for a country different from my own, all in just a few brief but fulfilling weeks.”  - Phil Missan, Plus3 Costa Rica 2018
 
Italy: "The Plus3 program placed me far outside my comfort zone, exposed me to a new continent, country, and culture, and showed me real life examples of both business and engineering. While the food, sights, and people were all beautiful, the trip was challenging in ways that helped me to grow both personally and academically.”  - Shelby Smith, Plus3 Italy 2018
 
Vietnam: "Along with new experiences, I gained valuable skills from Plus3 that will help me in my future business endeavors. Through traveling to a country on the other side of the world I learned adaptability first-hand. Every day I had to be able to adapt to the group’s plans and be ready for any situation.” - Kate McAssey, Plus3 Vietnam 2018

Each location has a designated faculty member and program assistant that will lead workshops, oversee academics and logistics, and travel with you in-country. The faculty and program assistants for Plus3 2023 programs will be announced in fall 2022. 

 
 

Your Pitt Study Abroad Contacts: 

Rick Moslen

I’m Rick, and I’m a Global Experiences Program Manger at Pitt Business. I have managed international programming, advised & taught international students, and helped others strengthen their cultural competancies for over seven years. My international interests began as an undergrad, and since then I’ve explored over 26 countries and have experienced everything from presenting on a panel at a music festival in Spain, to studying traditional dance music in Peru, to getting chased by monkeys in Malaysia (not recommended), to hiking to the top of Table Mountain in South Africa. Fun fact: I love turbulence on planes (it’s like getting rocked to sleep).

Feel free to contact me at rickmoslen@business.pitt.edu or 412-383-5476.

 

Schedule an appointment

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  • Select a day, find my name and find time that works best for you!

Don't see a time that works for you? Just send me an email!

Items Billed by Pitt

Program Fee & Tuition $5400 $5600
Study Abroad Fee $300 $300
Total Billed by Pitt $5700 $5900

Estimated Additional Out-of-Pocket Costs

Additional Spending Money ~$100-$600 (depending on location and your own spending habits)
 
 
What's Included: 
  • Lodging for orientation in Pittsburgh and time abroad
  • Tuition for three credits
  • Roundtrip international airfare*
  • In-country transportation
  • Excursions
  • Most meals
  • International Health Insurance

While your program fee will cover most of your expenses, keep in mind that you are also responsible for the following:

  • Study Abroad Fee ($300)
  • Additional spending money (~$300-$500)**

*The cost of airfare is included in the program fee and includes roundtrip airfare to the host country and back to the United States on the scheduled departure and return dates. Upon the end of the program, students will have the option for their return destination to be Pittsburgh (PIT) or Philadelphia (PHL). Students are responsible for any cost of airfare beyond the price of the original itinerary from PIT to PIT or PHL. If another flight is required to return home, then the additional booking and the cost will be the responsibility of the student. 

**Remember that your lifestyle and spending choices can greatly affect the amount of money you'll need while abroad. Visit our budgeting page for more information.

 

Scholarships

Pitt Business students may also apply for additional scholarships through the CBA Global Experiences Scholarship here, as well as crowdfund using the Pitt Business Fund My Travel page. Please note that the application deadline for the CBA Global Experiences Scholarship is the same as the program application deadline.

When You'll Go: 

Dates for Plus3 2024 are May 3-17. Students will be required to report to the University of Pittsburgh on the 3rd (designated time, based on location, will be determined in spring 2024). 

What Else You Need to Know: 

Application requirements 

  • First year, first semester students enrolled full-time in Pitt Business 
  • Students must complete 24 credits earned at Pitt before the program start date 
  • Students must have a clean judicial record
  • Students must have a minimum of a 2.75 GPA at the end of the first semester
  • Students must have a valid passport

 

Passports

Students must have applied for a passport or already hold a valid passport by the application deadline. A valid passport means that it will not expire within 6 months after the program (by November 18). If a student has a new or renewal passport processing, they must upload documentation that they've expedited that process and are waiting for a new passport to arrive.

  • Students can apply at the Allegheny County of Dept. of Court Records or at your local post office (check your post office's website for more details).
    City County Building
    414 Grant Street
    Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 4pm, Wednesdays until 7pm. 
    Application: www.us-passport-service-guide.com

  • ​​​Check out our helpful Passport Guide for more information.

 

Plus3 Meeting

All participants are required to attend the virtual Plus3 meeting on December 9th at 10:00 AM. A link will be sent to all participants who complete an application. This meeting will review program details, logistics, and the study abroad agreement, which is the document that'll need signed in order to commit to the program. 

 

Plus3 Interviews

Students will be notified if they are accepted for the first round of interviews with faculty (along with their Plus3 location). Faculty interviews will take place the first week of the spring 2024 semester. Students MUST attend the Plus3 meeting on the 9th in order to be selected to interview for the program. 

 

Flights

The cost of airfare is included in the program fee and includes roundtrip airfare to the host country and back to the United States on the scheduled departure and return dates. 

All participants are required to arrive on-campus Friday, May 3rd and depart from PIT on Saturday, May 4th with the group to their location. 
 
Upon the end of the program, students will have the option for their return destination to be Pittsburgh (PIT) or Philadelphia (PHL). Students are responsible for any cost of airfare beyond the price of the original itinerary from PIT to PIT or PHL. If another flight is required to return home, then the additional booking and the cost will be the responsibility of the student. 

 

Disciplinary Record

  • One or more disciplinary violations on a student's record will trigger an additional review.  
  • Students with any drugs and alcohol-related violations will not be eligible to participate in Plus3. 
  • Students under active disciplinary sanction at the time of application and/or during the program are not eligible to study abroad.