Millikin University Center for Entrepreneurship
ET 360-01 Arts, Creative & Culinary Entrepreneurship in Italy
May 22-31, 2026
*Satisfies ICS Requirement
Experience the intersection of Italian culture, creativity, and business innovation with in the context of family business. Join us for an unforgettable journey through Italy's entrepreneurial landscape. Preparation coursework is hybrid and meets Tuesdays from 3:30-4:45 PM following Spring Break.
Program Overview
May 22 - 31, 2026
Immersive study abroad experience exploring Italy's rich entrepreneurial heritage and creative industries.
Academic Credit
Earn 3 credit Hours
Satisfies a Millikin ICS requirement
Cultural Immersion
Discover how Italian artisans, chefs, and creative entrepreneurs build successful businesses rooted in tradition.
This program combines classroom learning with real-world experiences, visiting local businesses, meeting entrepreneurs, and exploring Italy's vibrant creative economy. Open to both Millikin students and community members.
What You'll Experience
Culinary Excellence
Visit family-owned restaurants, vineyards, and food producers. Learn how Italian culinary traditions translate into thriving businesses.
- Wine tastings at historic vineyards
- Cooking demonstrations with master chefs
- Farm-to-table experiences
Creative Industries
Explore fashion houses, design studios, and artisan workshops. Understand how creativity drives economic success.
- Fashion and design studios
- Traditional craft workshops
- Contemporary art galleries
Artisan Workshops
Meet master craftspeople preserving centuries-old techniques while building modern businesses.
Wine & Agriculture
Tour sustainable vineyards and farms blending tradition with innovation.
Fashion & Design
Explore how Italian design excellence creates global brands.
Program Highlights
1
Entrepreneurial Site Visits
Tour successful Italian businesses across culinary, creative, and cultural sectors. Meet owners and learn their strategies.
2
Hands-On Workshops
Participate in cooking classes, design sessions, and creative workshops led by Italian experts.
3
Cultural Exploration
Visit historic sites, museums, and cultural landmarks that inspire Italian entrepreneurship and creativity.
4
Networking Opportunities
Connect with local entrepreneurs, fellow students, and community members passionate about creative business.
Meet Your Instructor
Millikin Instructor: Julienne Shields
This immersion course and experience is taught by Millikin University's Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Clinical Instructor of Entrepreneurship, Julienne Shields, who has traveled to over 30 countries on 5 continents. Her experience as an entrepreneurship instructor focuses on intensive experiential education and has ranged from technology innovation to arts entrepreneurship. Julienne's teaching style can be characterized as joyful learning that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application. The course content draws from multiple methodologies developed to support the creation of social ventures that address community challenges.
For more information, contact Julienne Shields ([email protected])
Join Us in Italy
For Students
Earn ET 360 course credit while experiencing entrepreneurship in one of the world's most creative cultures. Perfect for business, arts, and culinary students.
For Community Members
Join us for this unique learning adventure. No prerequisites required—just curiosity and passion for Italian culture and entrepreneurship.
Ready to Apply?
Spaces are limited for this exclusive program. Visit our website to learn about dates, costs, and application requirements. Transform your understanding of entrepreneurship through Italian creativity.
Program Itinerary: May 22-31, 2026
Italy language.
1
Days 1-2: Departure & Arrival
(May 24)
(May 24)
Depart US, and arrive in Rome, Italy. Bus transport to Urbania (4.5 hours), and welcome dinner (included)
2
Day 3: Ceramics (May 25)
Welcome ceremony and orientation. 2-hour conversational and cultural Italian class. Maiolica Ceramics decoration lab. Aperativo dinner (included)
3
Day 4: Urbino and Guado
(May 26)
(May 26)
Excursion to Urbino & Visit at Guado lab (stoles, scarves and handkerchiefs, silk and cotton accessories hand-dyed).
Guided city tour (Ducal Palace included)
Guided city tour (Ducal Palace included)
4
Day 5: Food & Wine (May 27)
Conversational and Cultural Italian.
Visit, tasting and dinner at Wine and Olive Oil Producer
Visit, tasting and dinner at Wine and Olive Oil Producer
(meal included)
5
Day 6: Fashion (May 28)
Conversational and Cultural Italian.
Visit and meetings at Cariaggi Yarn/Cashmere Company
6
Day 7: Florence (May 29)
Florence and visit of the city
Possible visits to: Uffizi Gallery, Cathedral, Gucci and Ferragamo museums
7
Day 8: Rome (May 30)
Free exploration in Rome or Guided experiences (extra expense) to Vatican Museum, Roman Forum, Colosseum, etc.
8
Day 9: Departure (May 31)
Hotel check-out and group transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport
Alternately, you are welcome to arrange for a longer stay on your own.
Program Details and Registration
01
Registration Deadline
Deadline: December 15
Students are required to provide a $500 deposit (refundable if the immersion is cancelled) and sign a contract through the Center for International Education
Community members and visiting faculty members need to provide a $500 refundable deposit if the immersion is cancelled.
02
Program Cost
Millikin Student Fee: $2,995
Includes lodging, meals, and all program activities.
Includes lodging, meals, and all program activities.
Community members and visiting faculty: $3,495
Includes, lodging, meals, $500 required community participation fee, and all program activities.
Includes, lodging, meals, $500 required community participation fee, and all program activities.
03
Contact Information
For more information, contact Julienne Shields at [email protected] or call (217) 899-6556.