The CAPstone of Your Education

The CIMBA Advantage Program (CAP) provides a balanced education to students through a hands-on, exciting learning environment.  While also beginning their classes, students participate in most of the CAP activities during the first two weeks of the program.  The Cross-Cultural Awareness seminars are scheduled throughout the semester.  The following activities are included in the CAP and required of all semester program students.

Requirements:

Orientation
Travel Orientation
Cross-Cultural Awareness
Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Workshop
Da Vinci Challenge

Orientation
Orientation begins the first day students arrive on campus. The initial meeting focuses on campus issues, and students are introduced to the CIMBA staff and professors. They also receive an introduction to the living environment including meal times, housing, health care and other issues related to the campus. In subsequent meetings, orientation covers topics such as safety, immigration, academic practices and policies including the mandatory attendance policy. Orientation contains valuable and necessary information and, therefore, is mandatory for all students.

Travel Orientation
Prior to the first travel weekend, the CIMBA staff will meet with the students to discuss travel tips. Topics covered include budgeting wisely, using European trains, reading train and bus schedules, safety, places to visit, and avoiding petty theft. The staff also will discuss what to do in the case of an emergency. This orientation is mandatory.

Cross-Cultural Awareness
During the CAP program in the first two weeks and then periodically throughout the semester, students will attend a series of seminars that provide an overview of European culture.  Seminar topics range from cross-cultural comparisons to European dining etiquette.  Students will gain tools to operate better in a global environment whether it is as a tourist or working with a diverse group of people.  They will learn to appreciate the varied cultures in Europe, particularly of their host country.  Students will also take part in a seminar exploring their basic beliefs, strengths, and career interests and learn how to apply them in an cross-cultural environment.

Problem-Solving & Decision-Making Workshop
Through CIMBA’s partnership with Kepner-Tregoe, Inc students will learn proven problem-solving and decision-making skills.  Kepner-Tregoe is an international consulting company whose client list includes over half of the companies on the Fortune 100 list.  Students will learn K-T’s method of rational thought processes in order to enhance their problem-solving and decision-making skills.  The workshops are approximately one and one-half days in length and taught by K-T trained instructors.

Da Vinci Challenge
Students will put their newly enhanced problem-solving skills to the test during the Da Vinci Challenge.  This half-day exercise uses a low-ropes course to put theory into practice.  Students work in teams to solve problems and accomplish tasks as they meet and get to know each other early on in the program.  The events are facilitated by professionals with expertise in communication in teams and organizations.