Contact Diego Vacaflores at dv13@txstate.edu with any inquiries.
Travel Details
ITINERARY
Friday, Sept. 26, 2025: Departure from Austin
We will fly as a group from Austin to Frankfurt where we will be picked up by a coach bus. We will travel through the German countryside to Pforzheim, Germany, a town of about 125,000 people where we will be based for the first part of the program.
Sept. 27 to Oct. 2: Pforzheim, Germany
- Two upskilling sessions on relevant business topics taught by Pforzheim University faculty members.
- Company visits including: Mercedes Benz Factory and Headquarters, Startup Autobahn, SAP Headquarters, Witzenmann, Stoeber, Bosch, Avedo, and more.
- Visit to several "hidden champions" of business in Germany.
- Visit to Tübingen, Germany.
- Wine tour in Pfalz.
- A few pre-planned group dinners and meals throughout the program.
Oct. 2 to Oct. 5: Paris, France
On Thursday, October 2, we will travel to Paris, France to explore the city’s wide boulevards, Eiffel Tower, River Siene, Notre-Dame cathedral and other world known attractions. Participants will have Friday evening and all-day Saturday to enjoy this global center for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture.
Sunday, Oct. 5: Return
We will return together via a group flight on Sunday, October 5, returning to Austin in the evening.
COST DETAILS
Packaged price
- $6,000 per person (single occupancy, includes roundtrip airfare from Austin, TX, and transportation to/from the airport in Germany)
- $4,000 per person (single occupancy, without roundtrip airfare included)
**Double occupancy reduces the cost by $500 per person.**
Includes:
- Two upskilling sessions by Pforzheim University faculty
- All business visits and excursions
- Hotels for the duration of the program (breakfast included each morning)
- Ground transportation via private coach and train
- Three organized meals
- Texas State International Health Insurance
Does Not Include:
- Any applicable processing fees for participants that may require a visa
- Passport fees
- Meals, activities, or transportation arranged on own — any daily inclusions not listed within the itinerary
Payment Schedule
- A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due with the application to the program
- The remaining balance is due on July 6, 2024
Late Payments
- If a payment is not received by the due date, a late fee of $50 will be assessed
- If the final payment is not received by the final due date, the participant may be removed from the program and will forfeit all payments made
Refund Policy
- All payments made are non-refundable.
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is highly recommended in case of any unexpected disruptions. If desired, travel insurance may be purchased directly through Ascot Travel in San Marcos.
- Get your personalized quote now. (Ascot Travel recommends the “preferred policy” to cover cancellation and medical coverage during the trip).
- If you have any questions, please reach out or directly contact John Spellmann at Ascot Travel.
SECURE YOUR SPOT NOW. Deadline is June 13.
Faculty Hosts
Dr. Diego Vacaflores
Associate Dean, Graduate Programs
Dr. Diego Vacaflores is responsible for overseeing the administration and management of the graduate programs in the McCoy College of Business. This includes developing and implementing new programs, managing program budgets, recruiting and advising students, and working with faculty to develop and improve the curriculum.