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UW Global Experience in Supply Chain Management in Germany

A group of students are gathered outside of a castle. They are posed for a photo and smiling at the camera.
Students are outside of a Porsche building where there is a Porsche car in the foreground. The students are close together and smiling at the camera.
Sunset over a hill. The hill has bare trees and sparce greenery.
Students are gathered at a hilltop photo point. They are bundled in winter gear and smiling at the camera.

Posted costs are currently estimates but will be updated soon.

Scholarships & funding: The program fee is subsidized by a generous contribuiton from the Grainger Center. Additionally, All 2027 participants are guaranteed a $500 IAP Spring Break Scholarship.

Germany, Multiple

This course/program will focus on businesses/industry in Germany and global supply chains. We will explore the diverse network of German and global companies that power the Germany economy, some of which include automotive, retail, logistics, distribution, food/beverage, and many others.
 
The corresponding global trip will include the German cities/areas of Munich (Bavaria) and Cologne and Dusseldorf (North Rhine-Westphalia). Munich is one of the business, education, and cultural hubs of Germany. It is a gateway to the Alps and filled with art, architecture, history, and the home of Oktoberfest. Cologne and Dusseldorf (and the surrounding state of North Rhine-Westphalia) is the most populous state in western Germany and is where many German and multi-national firms have based their German headquarters and operations. Both are also global, cosmopolitan cities rich in history and culture. 

Business Site Visits (examples/tentative)
  • BMW – headquarters and assembly plant in Munich  
  • Amazon Deutschland 
  • Medtronic (medical device) 
  • REWE (grocery/retail)
  • Capgemini (consulting) 
  • DHL (logistics) 
  • Haribo (food/gummy bears) 
  • American Chamber of Commerce-Germany (AmCham) 
 
Cultural Experiences (examples/tentative)
  • Munich: Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, Olympic Stadium, English Garden, Neuschwanstein Castle, University of Munich student social
  • Cologne/Dusseldorf: Cologne Cathedral, Old Town, River Rhine tour 

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Apply supply chain management theory and practice in a global and industry-specific context 
  • Analyze how cultural, political, economic, and historical factors impact global business generally and industry-specific
  • Develop cultural awareness and appreciation through interactions with students, faculty, and business professionals in the host country

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • This program is limited to Wisconsin BBA students enrolled in the Supply Chain Management major. Applicants must have completed or be enrolled in MKT/OTM 421 – Fundamentals of SCM by the spring term to be considered.

  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

WSB icon

Program Structure

UW Signature

Subjects

Supply Chain Management

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Hotels

Program Duration

Spring short course on-campus + spring break travel

2027 in-country dates: March 19-27
(additional days may be needed for travel)

Application Deadline(s)

Spring break module 2026-27 12/1/2026 Cost Details
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

Students will earn a total of 2 credits on the program, split into two parts:

  • OTM/MARKETNG 429 (1 credit): Students will enroll in this course for Spring 2027. Enrollment in this course is required for participation in the travel. Permission to enroll will be given to students after their acceptance into the program. 

    The on-campus spring course will provide academic, cultural, and logistical preparation prior to the Spring Break travel experience. A detailed syllabus will be distributed on the first class day. 

    During the 2027 session, the tentative meeting dates/time for the on-campus course will be February 1-April 11 on Tue from 5:40-8:40 PM. 
  • MARKETNG 349 (1 credit): Students will automatically be awarded this credit after completion of the program's international component during Spring Break 2027.

    The Spring Break travel component will include a variety of meetings with business professionals, educators, and students in addition to a number of cultural and social activities. Samples of the program activities are provided below.

Program Leader

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Verda Blythe

Distinguished Teaching Faculty III , Marketing

Program leader Verda Blythe is a faculty associate in the Marketing Department and affiliated with the Grainger Center for Supplly Chain Management, where she served in a director role for 12 years. Verda's teaching portfolio includes serveral courses in the undergraduate and full-time MBA program including Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management; Marketing Channels; Global Experience in Supply Chain Management; Personal and Professional Foundations in Business; Business and Society: History, Politics, Globalization; and Ethical Ledership. 

She brings extensive industry experience to her position and has worked in a variety of supply chain roles including procurement and sourcing, manufacturing, and logistics. In her business career she has worked for Ruan Transportation Management Systems, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, and IBM. Verda is an advocate for and has participated in several conferences and programs related to attracting and advancing women in the supply chain profession.