Students to explore entrepreneurship in Europe through study abroad
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Most people know London for its famous sites such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower Bridge, and the London Eye, but the bustling city with lots of entrepreneurial opportunities. In addition, although it might be known as a global fashion capital, along with its architecture, and art, Milan, Italy, is also known as a hub for incubators, accelerators, and innovation hubs.
Clinical Associate Professor Hananeh Esmailbeigi recently created the Entrepreneurship in Augmentative, Medical, Smart Sensing, and Wearable Technology in Europe study abroad program. Through this program, students will spend a week in London followed by a week in Milan exploring cutting-edge innovations in assistive and medical devices while visiting leading tech hubs to gain hands-on experience, connect with industry experts, and explore how to develop students’ own innovative ideas in this immersive, career-building adventure.
“Through site visits, hands-on activities, and networking with experts, students gain real-world insights into the challenges and opportunities in bringing assistive and wearable technologies from concept to market,” Esmailbeigi said. “The biggest takeaway I hope students gain is the confidence and knowledge to pursue their innovative ideas and understanding of the interdisciplinary collaboration, regulatory pathways, and business strategies necessary to translate medical technology innovations into impactful solutions. Ultimately, this program is designed to inspire and equip students with the entrepreneurial mindset and practical skills needed to make meaningful contributions to the future of healthcare technology.”
The program was inspired by the wearable technology research that Esmailbeigi does and the mentorship work that she’s done with the dual-degree program and partnership with the Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI). The program allows students to complete two master’s degrees, one at UIC and one at POLIMI.
“The biggest impact for participants is the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the innovation ecosystems of London and Milan, two of Europe’s leading hubs for medical and assistive technology,” Esmailbeigi said. “This experience exposes them to cutting-edge advancements, startup culture, and industry leaders, giving them a global perspective on entrepreneurship and medical technology development and building a network for potential internship and career opportunities they could explore.”
The program is open to students from engineering, medicine, business, and across campus.
The application deadline for this study abroad program is Sunday, March 9. Application decisions will be released on a rolling basis. The trip takes place from June 10 to June 24.
The program costs $5,185, which includes tuition for 6 UIC credits for BME 194 and BME 494, shared housing in hotels, local transportation for program excursions, entrance fees for program activities, public transportation passes for London and Milan, flight between London and Milan, some group meals and international health insurance. There is a non-refundable $50 application fee and $200 study abroad fee.
Participants are responsible for airfare, passport, visa (if applicable), most meals, and personal expenses.
UIC Study Abroad Office Executive Director Kyle Rausch added that students can use their UIC financial aid to help pay for their study abroad. There are also a variety of scholarships to help students pay for their study abroad experience.
For questions, email Kyle Rausch at kcrausch@uic.edu. To apply for the program or for more information, visit https://uic.studioabroad.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular&id=75744