Maymester 2027

Portugal - McDougall Faculty of Business 

Portugal - McDougall Faculty of Business

Course name: Special Topics: Sustainable Communities and Regional Development (BUS 3850-1 or BUS 7950-3)

UPEI faculty teaching: Dr. Melissa James (undergraduate); Dr. Tina Saksida (MBA)

Dates of course: May 11–June 28, 2027

Dates of travel: Approximately April 28–May 8, 2027 (may fluctuate depending on flight availability)

Course overview: This course introduces students to environmental, social, and economic issues shaping contemporary business practices and regional development. Through experiential learning in Portugal, students will examine how communities, organizations, and industries balance economic development with environmental stewardship and social well-being. Topics include sustainable tourism, food and agriculture, cultural heritage, entrepreneurship, and responsible business practices. Drawing on field experiences in Portugal and guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), students will examine how approaches to sustainability can be adapted and applied to support sustainable business and community development on Prince Edward Island. The course emphasizes practical understanding of the SDGs and develops students’ ability to apply sustainability principles in organizational and community settings.

Method of Instruction: This course is offered in a fieldwork setting by visiting various tourism stakeholders in Portugal. Before departure, orientation sessions will allow you to understand your responsibilities and provide an overview of the itinerary, course expectations, and key concepts.

• Undergraduate: Participation and on-site activities 25%; Individual reflection journal 50%; Team competition 25%
• Graduate (MBA): Individual field journal 40%; Team competition 10%; Team presentation 25%; Participation and professionalism 25%

Pre-requisites:

• BUS 3850: none – this is a BUS elective
• BUS 7950: this course is open to students in the MBA in Global Leadership program

Costs:

• $150 Application Fee (non-refundable and will be applied towards administrative costs; due at the time of application – see date below).
• Approximately $3,000 Program Fee:
  • $500 Program Fee Deposit (non-refundable) due December 1, 2026
  • Remaining $2,500 due by February 10, 2027
  • The Program Fee includes all accommodations, daily breakfasts and several group lunches and dinners, and transportation within Portugal, but does not include flights.
• Flight costs TBD but anticipate $1,500–$2,000.

Tuition:

• Undergraduate course fee
  • Note: There are Canada Student Grants and Loans for Part-Time Students through the Government of Prince Edward Island. Students will have to apply. Maymesters are considered part-time programs (for undergraduate students).
• MBA-GL course fee (for MBA students).

Funding:

• Students in this program are eligible for the Florence Simmons Scholarship ($1,000). Students can only receive this scholarship once in their studies.
• Business students (major, minor, and MBA students) are also eligible for an internal McDougall Faculty of Business grant (up to $1,000).

Application deadline: December 1, 2026

Complete the Maymester application for this program