Harvard Summer Program in Abruzzo, Italy

  Italy

Term: Summer 
Dates: June 17 -July 23, 2008

Description: Study Italian with Harvard faculty while living in the charming city of Vasto in Italy's Abruzzo region. The program includes intense grammar review, with emphasis on reading and conversation skills. Learning extends beyond the classroom, where students can enjoy the majesty of the Apennine mountains and the sparkling waters of the Adriatic while getting to know the regions food culture by interacting with those who live Vasto. The course includes a daily average of five hours of class time at least five days a week. Class time (whether it be in a traditional classroom or in the living lab of the community) is supplemented by special seminars on varying topics of relevance to the geographical region.

This program is offered in collaboration with the Consortium of Italian Teachers Teaching Abroad. Lessons are held in Vasto Centro at the Istituto San Gabriele. The program includes a traveling seminar. Last year the seminar was hosted by the Carla Rossi Academy International Institute of Italian Studies in Monsummano Terme (Pistoia), directed by Professor Marino Balducci, PhD.

Highlights: ITAL S-52 Study Abroad in Abruzzo, Italy: Mapping the Cultures of ItalyFood for Thought
Sapore, which means taste in Italian, shares the same root as sapere, which means to know. This course gives students a taste of the knowledge that is found in the language of food, what we have coined glottogastronomia. Abruzzo, renowned for its gastronomic specialties both in Italy and abroad, is the perfect setting for this sort of study. A complete, intensive grammar review is coupled with a dossier of readings including Dante and Tabucchi, covering literary comestibles and excerpts on the history (Artusi) and sociology (Il Galateo) of Italian cuisine. Regional differences are emphasized through research, which may include interviewing local shopkeepers and participating in activity-based learning. As a course project, students cultural, linguistic, and culinary discoveries are digitally documented, allowing for the visualization of data. If only data could be tasted!

Prerequisites: at least two semesters of college-level Italian or the equivalent; applicants may be asked to take a placement test before being accepted into the program

Cost in US$: $7,000

- tuition
- room and some meals
- excursions (including meals when appropriate)

Experience Required: yes

Prerequisites: at least two semesters of college-level Italian or the equivalent

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Year Founded: 1871