Business Marketing & Logistics in Portugal & Spain
Spring Break 2026

Travel Dates: February 20-28, 2026

Join Marketing Professor Elisabeth Beristain and Logistics & Supply Management Professor Ron Mesia as they embark on an unforgettable adventure during Spring Break 2026, from February 20 to February 28, with our 9-day study abroad program in Lisbon, Portugal, and Valencia, Spain! Travels include a day trip to Sintra, Portugal. Immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant cultures, and stunning landscapes of these iconic cities while gaining a global perspective and earning academic credits toward graduation.

  • Travel Dates and Locations

    The program participants will travel from February 20-28, 2026 to Lisbon, Portugal & Valencia, Spain.

  • Program Costs
    • $3,799 program fee
    • $195 Education Abroad fee (non-refundable)
    • $616.71 instructional fee per course

    All students (international/out-of-state and in-state) pay the same course fees.

    Please note that an initial non-refundable registration fee of $500 is due when enrolling. Students who are not preliminarily approved to participate by academic advising will receive a full refund. The registration fee can be paid with any major credit card. We cannot accept checks or money orders. Additionally, the initial registration fee cannot be added to a student's Panthersoft (my.fiu.edu) account. The registration fee will be deducted from the program fee.

  • What’s Included

    The program fee includes international airfare, hotel accommodations in a double-occupancy room with daily breakfast, a day trip to Sintra, Portugal, gratuities, entrance fees for cultural activities, guided tours and ground transportation to business events and cultural activities.

    Students will be responsible for any and all personal and/or additional expenses including (but not exclusive to), travel visas, passport fees, currency exchange fees, internet fees, faxes, phone, lodging incidentals (i.e. room service) or extensions, meals not covered in the program, appropriate tips, vaccinations/inoculations, and any other voluntary tours or excursions not covered in the program.

  • Eligibility

    It is recommended for students to speak with their assigned academic advisor to predetermine course approval before enrolling in a study abroad program. This is important to ensure courses meet student's individual academic needs.

    Once we receive your application, the Office of Global Initiatives will request approval from Academic Advising.

    1. Students must be FIU degree-seeking students.
    2. Non-business FIU students may participate.
    3. Students must be in good academic standing and meet the minimum 2.50 GPA.
    4. Students must meet all prerequisites for the selected courses.
    5. Students must have a health evaluation by a licensed physician to determine suitability to travel. FIU reserves the right to determine suitability to travel.
    6. Students must not have any current student conduct violations.
  • Courses Offered

    It is highly recommended that students select/enroll in two courses.

    Mandatory (must select one of the following options):

    • MAR 4955: Study Abroad in Marketing (3 cr.)
    • SCM 4955: Study Abroad in Logistics & Supply Chain Management (3 cr.)

    Students may choose one additional course:

    • MAR 4156: International Marketing (3 cr.)
    • MAR 4144: Export Marketing (3 cr.)
    • MAR 4203: Marketing Channels (3 cr.)
    • MAR 4323: Integrated Marketing Communications (3 cr.)
    • SCM 4201: Principles of Logistics (3 cr.)
    • SCM 4240: Principles of Transportation (3 cr.)

    Program travel will take place during spring break and classes will be completed in Spring 2026.

    The Office of Global Initiatives will manage course enrollment for all students in this program, based on the courses approved by Academic Advising.

  • Tentative Itinerary

    Specific itinerary information will be provided to students enrolled in the program.

  • Financial Aid

    Financial aid may be used for this study abroad program. Students who wish to use financial aid (grants, scholarships, loans, etc.) to help cover the cost of this program must speak with Financial Aid (305) 348-7272 to discuss their individual needs.

    While we do our utmost to accommodate students with financial aid, please be aware that it is the student’s responsibility for paying the balance of this program by the due dates. In the event the disbursement date of the financial aid funds occurs after our due date, students will be responsible for paying the balance out of their own pocket by such time.

  • Program Directors

    For any questions regarding academics of this program, please contact the program directors for this program:

    Professor Elisabeth Beristain
    Marketing & Logistics Department
    RB 327
    E-mail: beristae@fiu.edu
    Phone:  (305) 348-2571

    Professor Ron Messia
    Marketing & Logistics Department
    RB 348A
    E-mail: rmesia@fiu.edu
    Phone: (305) 348-1663

  • Due Dates

    Students must be mindful of the due dates listed below. Failure to submit the requested documents by the due date may result in removal from the program and forfeiture of all monies paid. Students must adhere to these dates in order to successfully participate in this program.

    Payment 1

    $1,100 due October 10, 2025

    Payment 2

    $1,100 due November 10, 2025

    Final Payment

    $1,099 due January 10, 2026

    Copy of Passport & U.S. Residency Card/Visa/I20

    November 15, 2025

    Medical Information Form

    November 15, 2025

  • Refund Policy

    Refunds for Students Not Approved

    Students who are not preliminarily approved to participate by academic advising will receive a full refund.

    Non-business majors must submit their advisor's contact information to the Office of Global Initiatives within 1 week of application submission. The Office of Global Initiatives will contact the advisor for approval or next steps. If advisor approval is not received within 2 weeks of initial contact, the student’s application will be automatically declined. In such cases, any deposit paid by non-Business majors will be fully refunded if academic advising does not approve their participation in the program.

    Student requested withdrawal/cancellation

    Registration fees are nonrefundable.

    By requesting enrollment to study abroad, students are fully committing to the program and are liable for the total program costs. After November 1 students are fully committed to the total program cost and therefore cancellations from the program will not be accommodated.

  • On Campus Meetings

    Students enrolled in this program will be required to attend two on-campus meetings prior to the departure of the trip. The meetings will be held by the faculty directors. Faculty director predeparture meetings are typically held on a Saturday 1:00 p.m. - 5 p.m. or weekday evenings. Attendance to the two meetings is mandatory. Students who cannot attend must e-mail the professor and the Office of Global Initiatives in advance and will be required to obtain any missed information. Parents and spouses are always welcome to attend the faculty director meetings, but please know these meetings will mainly discuss the course curriculum.

    Faculty Director Pre-departure Meeting 1

    TBD

    Faculty Director Pre-departure Meeting 2

    TBD

  • Scholarship Resources
  • Passport and Travel Visas

    Passport

    All students traveling on an FIU sponsored study abroad program must be in possession of a valid passport. Students must have a passport valid for at least six months as of program travel date. Many countries will not allow entry if the passport expires within six months of the date of return. Students should speak with the individual Embassy or Consulate to determine exact requirements for entry. Students are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of a valid passport and that it meets entry requirements while traveling internationally. Additionally, students should ensure that they have at least three blank visa pages in their passport.

    Travel Visas

    All students are responsible for verifying if they require a visa for travel. Students are responsible for applying for travel visas and paying all necessary fees. When applying for a visa, please apply for a tourist visa. Upon request, our office will be able to provide the student with any necessary documentation needed when applying, such as a letter of enrollment verification, an official itinerary, or a copy of airfare/hotel reservation.

    These documents should be requested one week in advance from our office. These documents can only be processed once the student has provided us with a copy of their valid passport, and a copy of their student visa/green card (if applicable). Students are urged not to wait until the last moment to apply for their visa.

Disclaimer

Florida International University is not responsible for delays, changes in itinerary, changes in content and cost of program or other matters which are beyond their control.

For questions regarding your study abroad application, please contact Global Initiatives within the College of Business at (305) 348-4825 or by e-mail Globiz@fiu.edu.