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. In addition, we occasionally visit other emerging co-operative economies such as Cuba or Croatia (and perhaps others in the future). 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

  • June 15-23, 2024 in Basque Country, Spain to visit the Mondragón network of co-operatives (space is limited)
  • February 2025 in Costa Rica (email jude.robertson@smu.ca to register your interest)
  • Spring 2025 in Emilia-Romagna, Italy (email jude.robertson@smu.ca to register your interest)

Mondragón, Spain and Emilia-Romagna, Italy 

Our international study tours to Mondragón, 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.

Upcoming offering: June 15-23, 2024 in Basque Country, Spain to visit the Mondragón network of co-operatives.

Registration: Registration is open and spots for sector participants are limited and going fast. Register here.

Fees: $4,750 CAD for sector participants and $4,400 CAD for ICCM students and alumni. 

View the Mondragón Study Tour Example Itinerary

Questions: email jude.robertston@smu.ca

Costa Rica

In February 2024, we partnered with the Centre of Excellence in Accounting and Reporting for Co-operatives(CEARC) and theUniversidad Fundepos de Costa Rica to launch the inaugural co-op study tour to Costa Rica. This ten-day study tour connected with co-ops on the leading edge of sustainable development!

Experience the Costa Rican social ecology and co-operative economy on our next study tour. Contact jude.robertson@smu.ca with expressions of interest.

April 23, 2024

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.