Athena Study Abroad, Tour of Italy

  Italy

• Florence: 
Florence
• Rome: 
Roma (Rome)
• Venice: 
Venice
• All Other Areas in Italy: 
Tuscania

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall: Late Aug/Early Sept - Mid Dec; Spring: Late Jan-Early May

Description: Early Bird Gets the Discount!

Apply by March 1, 2010 and receive USD 500 off your Fall 2010 tuition. See Athena Study Abroad website for complete details.

Athena students are invited to enroll in the Tour of Italy program, which enables them to study for one month in Tuscania, one month in Rome and a third month in either Florence or Venice across the Fall or Spring semester.

Each of these locations offers amazing resources for studying the history of Western culture from the age of the Etruscans to the Renaissance, and the program is conceived as an historical journey through these civilizations, retracing the steps of our European forebearers and exploring the monuments they have left behind.

Academic Program Info
- Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors
- Minimum 2.8 GPA
- U.S. accredited transcripts available, if necessary, through Marist College in New York

School: Lorenzo de' Medici
Athena's partner school in Italy, Lorenzo de Medici (LdM), has been successfully schooling students for over 30 years. They now present a radically new conception of the semester abroad.

Course options have been designed to draw on local themes and resources; at the same time they also offer students the opportunity to experience some of the widely contrasting realities of Italy today. This is an intensive program of study, with a significantly different rhythm from that of the traditional semester program abroad.

Tour of Italy Courses:
Classes meet every day Monday through Thursday for two and a half hours each, providing a total of 45 contact hours per course. There are two mandatory 3-credit courses in the first center, Tuscania: an Italian language course and an introduction to the ancient civilizations of the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans.

Renaissance, and a second 3-credit course in Italian language and culture, which enables them to continue the study of Italian while learning about Italian culture and society today. Students choosing to complete the Three Cities experience in Florence will take a final 3-credit course entitled "Leonardo: Art and Science," whereas those completing in Venice will take a 3-credit course entitled "Venice and the East". The program has no special prerequisites, and is designed for anyone interested in experiencing the three locations and learning about Western culture.

Month 1: Tuscania
Department of Italian Language:
Regular Italian Language (ITL 101 T / ITL 201 T)*
Cr: 3; Contact hrs: 45
Monday to Thursday, 12:00 2.30pm

*Italian language courses are offered at Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced levels.
Appropriate level will be determined by a placement test.

Departments of Classical Studies and History:
Greeks, Etruscans and Romans (CLA 275 T / HIS 275 T)
Cr: 3; Contact hrs: 45
Monday to Thursday, 9:00 11.30am

Month 2: Rome
Department of Italian Language:
Italian Language and Culture (ITC 230 R)
Cr: 3; Contact hrs: 45
Monday to Thursday, 12:00 2.30pm

Department of History:
Medieval and Renaissance Transitions (HIS 292 R)
Cr: 3; Contact hrs: 45
Monday to Thursday, 3:00 5.30pm

Month 3: Option 1: Florence
Department of Art History:
Leonardo: Art and Science (ART 210 F)
Cr: 3; Contact hrs: 45
Monday to Thursday, 12:00 2.30pm

or

Month 3: Option 2: Venice
Department of History:
Venice and the East (HIS 312 V)
Cr: 3; Contact hrs: 45
Monday to Thursday, 9:30 12.00pm

View course descriptions on our web site

Housing:
Tuscania: Tuscania offers a wide range of solutions for student housing. These choices range from an independent or shared student apartment to housing with local families to hostels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.

Many of the housing locations are within the historic town center. All accommodation options are within walking distance of the Institute's buildings and classrooms. The choice of housing and related costs is dependent upon individual student requirements and specific needs will be discussed upon enrollment in the Tuscania program.

Rome: Usually, accommodations consist of shared student apartments. Bedrooms are usually double: it is advisable to reserve single rooms well in advance.

Student apartments available are usually composed of 2 - 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and living room. Most of the bedrooms are double-occupancy rooms, although a few are single-occupancy. Kitchens and bathrooms are usually to be shared with other students.

Florence: Usually, accommodations provided by the school consist of shared student apartments. Student apartments available are usually composed of 2 - 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and living room. Most of the bedrooms are double-occupancy rooms, although a few are single-occupancy rooms. Kitchens and bathrooms are usually to be shared with other students.

Apartments are located either within walking distance of the school and city center, or by no more than a 10 - 15 minute bus ride.

Venice: The student apartments are usually composed of 2-4 bedrooms, bathroom(s), a kitchen and a living room. Students are placed in double occupancy rooms and all apartments are furnished with bedding, towels, furniture and cooking utensils.

Things To Do Around Town:
Tuscania: Due to the support of the local authorities and the collaboration with the University of Viterbo, students actively participate in the cultural and social life of the region. Tuscania has not yet lost its curiosity and respect for different cultures and still values art and beauty as the uncorrupted means of communication.

Tuscania offers nature walks, individual trips to nearby towns and monuments, and activities such as bicycle tours and horse riding. In addition to course-related visits, Lorenzo de' Medici hosts regularly scheduled social events throughout the academic year.

Rome: The school's central location in Rome can be easily reached from any part of the city by public transportation. Situated between two metro stops, numerous bus lines, and less than five minutes away from the central rail station (Termini), students have access to all that this major European city has to offer.

Florence: Athena provides its students with exceptional recreational opportunities both inside and outside the city of Florence. These include guided visits to historic sites, social activities (e.g., dinners at characteristic local restaurants, allowing students to sample Italy's exceptional cuisine), seasonal festivals, special events and conferences, field trips, theatre, concerts, and much more.

Florence has a large number of private gyms and dance studios popular with visiting students, as well as facilities for track, basketball, soccer, swimming and other sports.

Each week the school organizes free activities, such as seminars on Italy and Italian culture that include a large variety of subjects (history, geography, literature, food, folkloric events, music, cinema) and guided visits to the most important monuments and churches and museums in Florence, led by professors of art history; screenings of Italian movies.

Venice: The school was founded by local Venetians who want to develop and share an authentic Venice immersion with the student. Afternoon excursions and walking tours are organized, which allow students to expand their knowledge about Venetian history, art, traditions and daily life.

Possible activities include:

Art: Tour museums and art exhibitions.

Local handcraft: Visit the glass and mask workshops and the squeri (where the gondolas are made).

History: Wander around the historical areas of the city, taking in its history and majesty.

Delicious dishes: Walk around the Rialto market (one of the greatest markets in the world), visit the local bacari and trattorie, taste local dishes and wine, and possibly even take cooking lessons!

Athletic activities: Trek the islands of the lagoon, take bike trips on Venice Lido, and have the option to become a member of the Sport University Centre where you can learn voga alla veneta (rowing), play soccer, volleyball, etc.

Highlights: Athena students are invited to enroll in the Tour of Italy program, which enables them to study for one month in Tuscania, one month in Rome and a third month in either Florence or Venice across the Fall or Spring semester.

Each of these locations offers amazing resources for studying the history of Western culture from the age of the Etruscans to the Renaissance, and the program is conceived as an historical journey through these civilizations, retracing the steps of our European forebearers and exploring the monuments they have left behind.

* Tour of Italy Highlights
Tuscania: The walled Etruscan city is a charming, medieval town nestled in the Italian hillside outside of Rome. A rich collection of Italian, Etruscan and church history, Tuscania in many ways seems untouched by time. Because of the city's smaller size, students are able to gain an authentic Italian cultural experience in this preserved city.

Rome: The capital of Italy is one of the most historic locations on the planet, and holds a cultural treasure chest of Christian, Medieval, Baroque, and Renaissance influences. Rome is itself a piece of art that captures the journey from antiquity to modernity.

Florence: Studying abroad in beautiful Florence, Italy means living in one of the most artistically and culturally rich cities in the world. From the regal Renaissance and Medieval architecture of the buildings that line the city streets, to the priceless works of art that line the walls of the Uffizi gallery, beauty and culture surround you at every turn in this richly diverse city.

Venice: The seemingly mythical "City of Water" in northeastern Italy is truly out of a fairy tale. Venice is composed of 18 small islands connected only by bridges, ferries, and the city's world-famous gondolas. Venice, which was once a sovereign nation, exists as a center of commerce and art. This incredible and unique city is sure to capture the interest and imagination of any student.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: USD 13,995.00

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American Participants.

Participants Travel to Italy Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Scholarships are Available.  * Michele Iavagnilio Charitable Service Scholarship (Available for Spring Semester Students) Award: USD 8,000 The Iavagnilio Charitable Service Scholarship is designed for the Athena student who can best demonstrate a commitment to and active participation in charitable service in his or her community. * Marie McKay Global Citizen Scholarship Award: USD 1,000 The McKay Global Citizen Scholarship is designed for the Athena student who can best demonstrate an interest in and intention to promote the concept of social justice at a city, state, national, and/or global level. * Vincent I. Benander Learning Scholarship Award: USD 1,000 The Benander Academic Scholarship is designed for the Athena student who can best demonstrate a true "love of learning" in his/her major area of study, and superior academic abilities.

Application Process Involves:

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Athena Study Abroad's Mission Statement: Athena was developed in an effort to bring study abroad back to what it was intended to be - true, cultural immersion programs designed by knowledgeable, caring professionals. Athena programs are different in that students are enrolled at small schools overseas in an effort to maintain the personalized service throughout the semester that Athena prides itself on providing. Unlike many other study abroad programs, Athena offers its students programs that are focused on intense, cultural immersion which puts them in touch with the locals of their host country, elements of the host culture, and other international students from around the world to ensure a well-rounded, diverse experience. In addition, a percentage of Athena's proceeds are donated to a chosen world charity through our S.O.S. Program (Students Offering Support), which allows students to give back to the world that welcomed them during their semester abroad.