International Study Tours
Experience thriving co-operative economies around the globe.
Imagine exploring Spain (Mondragon) or Italy (Emilia-Romagna) and witnessing first-hand the benefits of a vibrant co-operative economy - complex, long-lasting and on a grand scale. We also visit the co-operative ecosystem in Costa Rica, focusing on their efforts towards sustainability and occasionally visit other emerging co-operative economies such as Cuba or Croatia. Our international co-op study tours connect you with co-ops and co-operative leaders who help to animate co-operative excellence, interrogate challenges and breathe life into future possibilities.
Upcoming Tours
- February 16-24, 2025 in Costa Rica - registration is open!
- Spring in 2025 and 2026: Basque Country, Spain to visit the Mondragon network of co-operatives or Emilia-Romagna, Italy (email jillian.stagg@smu.ca to register your interest)
Costa Rica
After the success of our inaugural study tour to Costa Rica in 2024, we will return to Costa Rica in 2025 to explore co-operatives in a different region of the country!
This study tour to Costa Rica is a collaboration with our centre, the Centre of Excellence in Accounting and Reporting for Co-operatives (CEARC) and the Universidad FUNDEPOS (in Costa Rica). Join us in Costa Rica to learn about the country’s co-operative context and co-ops on the leading edge of social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
The agenda is dynamic and engaging, including at least a dozen co-operative visits, some tourism and time on a beach. Enjoy visits to a variety of co-operatives including the possibility of co-operatives in agriculture, coffee, dairy, electricity, aeronautics, financial services (credit union), and even a salt co-operative, among others. Plus, you will build meaningful relationships and potential future collaborations with other tour participants and co-operators in Costa Rica.
Upcoming offering: Arrive on Saturday, February 15 to be ready for a Sunday afternoon and evening of learning and networking in San Jose (Costa Rica’s capital city). Then, travels to the Guanacaste province and Nicoya peninsula before returning to San Jose on Monday, February 24 (late in the day). Travel home on Tuesday, February 25 or extend your stay to explore Costa Rica.
Fees: $4,950 CAD
View the Costa Rica Study Tour Overview and Learning Objectives
Registration is open! Seats are limited.
Mondragon, Spain and Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Our international study tours to Mondragon, Basque Country, Spain and Emilia-Romagna, Italy are an essential component of the Master’s program. The study tour takes place in the spring of each year and is paired with a 6-week, online course that includes readings, discussions, lectures, papers, and a journal project. Non-student spots are available for the tour portion of the course.
View the Mondragon Study Tour Example Itinerary
A Note on Fees
The international study tours run on a cost-recovery basis. The fees cover the costs of your accommodation (including breakfast), some lunches and evening meals, administrative and coordinating fees within the host country, translation to English as required, transportation required during the tour, and expenses related to the tour leaders.
Students and sector participants are responsible for organizing and paying for their airfare and ground transportation to and from the tour’s starting location, some meals, and other personal and incidental expenses that may arise during the trip.
Contact Us
For more information, contact jillian.stagg@smu.ca