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	Summer 2008 Study Abroad Program Siena, Italy June 14 to July 15, 2008 Purpose The purpose of this program is to provide total immersion in the Italian language and in the culture of Italy. Held in cooperation with the Dante Alighieri Society in Siena, structured instruction comes alive because the whole community serves as a giant classroom and language laboratory for students who take advantage of the opportunities to practice and improve their knowledge of the language by interacting with the Italian people on the street; on buses; in museums, theaters, shops and restaurants; and in their place of residence. Italy and Siena Italy is a unique country for its location, landscape, history and civilization which spans 3,000 years. From the mysterious Etruscan through the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Baroque and Modern periods, many peoples gave their lasting contribution to the culture, arts and crafts found in Italy. Modern Italy has a prominent position as the fifth economic power in the world. Italian products such as fashion, jewelry, sport cars, leather products, foods and wines are exported everywhere. The city of Siena is located in Southwest Tuscany and, with Florence, is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. According to legend, the city was founded at the same time as Rome by the sons of Remus, who was killed by his famous brother Romulus in a quarrel during the building of the "Eternal City." Remus' sons left Rome to avoid their father's fate but took their traditions along with them. Like Rome, Siena is symbolized by the she-wolf nursing the two infant brothers Romulus and Remus. Legend apart, thanks to its long and rich history, Siena boasts an immense wealth of art: the Town Hall, the Cathedral Museum, the Chigi Collection and the Etruscan Collection are among the best-known galleries. A painting by the Senese painter Duccio di Boninsegna was sold for $18 million recently in an auction in New York. Siena is also the home for Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the oldest bank in the world (founded in 1472). Also in Siena, you can watch the most exciting horse race in the world, the Palio, started in the 12th Century. Siena is the ideal student town due to its cultural and artistic nature and its safe and comfortable way of life. Admission Requirements The program is open to serious students, teachers and others who have a strong interest in immersing themselves in another culture. There will be a personal interview with the Director to determine the applicant’s maturity and ability to adapt to a different environment. The successful completion of the application process is required for admission to the program. College students must also present evidence of a 2.75 GPA. If an applicant has special needs, the program will attempt to make whatever reasonable accommodations are possible. Language Classes: Italian 1840* All students are required to enroll in an Italian language class (4 semester hours). Language classes will meet at Societa Dante Aleghieri Language School from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Classes will accommodate students at any level: Beginning I, II and III; Mid-level I, II and III; and Advanced I, II and III. However, students who already have studied Spanish one year in college or two years in high school will benefit more from the program. In the language classes, conversation together with grammar is stressed in the small class setting. Prior to the beginning of classes, all students will be tested and placed at the appropriate level. Changes can be made if a student progresses at a faster rate or shows different learning needs. Italian Credit Option: Transfer and other interested students may be eligible to enroll in Italian 1101, 1102, 2201 or 2202 in lieu of Italian 1840. Please speak with a faculty program director for more information and advising. Culture and Civilization of Italy: History 1820* All students are required to enroll in this class (3 semester hours). The course of study covers the geography, history, political and social institutions and the art and architecture of Italy. The first sessions will be held prior to departure at College of DuPage on Friday, June 6, 2008, from 1 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, June 7, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In Italy, the course will continue with lectures, field trips and visits to museums and other places of cultural interest. Field trips, theater and/or concert performances, and visits to museums and other places of interest are integral components of this class; therefore, attendance is required. A short written report on each visit is also required. Faculty and Staff Faculty members at Societa Dante Alighieri will teach all language classes. The Director of the program will teach the Culture and Civilization of Italy. Credits Upon successful completion of classes, students will receive credit as follows: Italian 1840 (Beginning, Mid-level or Advanced), 4 semester hours credit, and History 1820 (Culture and Civilization of Italy), 3 semester hours credit. Students from other colleges are advised to clear all courses with their home school before enrolling in the program if they wish to receive academic credit. [back to top] Grades Instructors at Societa Dante Alighieri will assign the grade for the Italian language class. The Director will assign the Culture and Civilization class grade. Grades will be submitted after return from Italy. The Societa Dante Alighieri The Societa Dante Alighieri was founded in 1889. The Society promotes the Italian Language and cultural, artistic and historical patrimony of Italy. Sonia Di Centa founded the school in Siena in 1979. Since that time, the school has continued to increase in size and reputation, becoming one of the most successful schools in Tuscany. The language teachers are all highly qualified native speakers. The staff, both academic and administrative, works closely together to promote co-operation and communication. The school in Siena is located in a residential area, just fifteen minutes from downtown. The facilities of the school include classrooms with audio-visual equipment; a media center with books, audio and videotapes, and computers; and a lounge area with machines for hot and cold beverages. The school offers opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities on a daily basis. Housing and Meals Students will be housed in carefully selected Siena homes in double room occupancy. The program director encourages the use of Italian at all times. Students will be provided with breakfast and supper. Board in the families is good and food and water are safe throughout Italy. The homes are near transportation to class. A few may be within walking distance. Lunch is not provided, but there are many excellent eating places in Siena. Activities, Field Trips and Excursions Included in the cost of the program are two nights in Rome with a city tour, visits to several museums and full-day excursions to Florence and San Giminiano. Societa Dante Alighieri also offers an activity each afternoon. Some are free, such as guided walks through Siena or a visit to the Town Hall. Others, including visits to museums, cost approximately $3 to $5, depending on the entrance fee. Still others, such as local gourmet dinners, are a bit more expensive. [back to top] Program Cost The total fee will be approximately $3,998 plus tuition. Many types of financial aid can be applied to study abroad. For information on aid available to College of DuPage students, contact the Director, (630) 942-2174, the International Education office, (630) 942-3078, or the Financial Aid office, (630) 942-2304. The program fee includes: • Round trip airfare from Chicago • Single occupancy homestay • Hotel accommodations in Rome (2 nights, breakfast and supper included) • Breakfast and supper during homestay • Application fee • Full-time administrative staff • Transfers to and from the airport in Italy and city transportation • Admissions and excursions listed as included in the cost of the program • Textbooks for the language classes at Societa Dante Alighieri Not included in the program fee: • Tuition • Passport fees (approximately $65) • Passport photos • Visa fees (only if not a U.S. citizen) • International Student Identification Card (approximately $25) • Optional excursions • Personal expenses • Telephone and Internet fees Optional excursions Information will be provided on a variety of optional excursions that are not included in the price of the program. To apply, you must complete Steps 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 IN ORDER: Step 1: Apply Fill out the Application Form and send it to: Italy Program Liberal Arts Division College of DuPage 425 Fawell Blvd. Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599 Step 2: Interview Upon receipt of the 2008 Italy Summer Study Abroad completed application packet, College of DuPage will contact the applicant to schedule a 30-minute interview with the program directors. The application packet includes: • Application form • Essay • Two recommendation forms • Two passport photos (signed on the back) • Housing preferences form • Official transcript (non-C.O.D. students only) Step 3: Register If accepted into the program, go to the Registration office at College of DuPage or call (630) 942-2377. Do NOT use the automated way of registering. You MUST speak to a person. Ask to register for the Italy program. Give the code and please make a note of this code, as you will need it later: Code# 35327. Please note: Non-C.O.D. students must also complete the C.O.D. Admission Form and submit it at the time of registration with the $20 application fee. Step 4: Pay After you have registered, pay your $100 deposit/application fee through the Cashier's office. You may pay by check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover). Make checks payable to College of DuPage. Write on the check "Italy Program," your phone number, Social Security number and, if somebody else is signing the check, your name. Mail or take the check to: Cashier's Office, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599. Questions regarding payment should be directed to the Cashier's office, (630) 942-2206. Step 5: Submit Final Paperwork Upon acceptance into the program, the student is required to submit the following: • Signed statement regarding the use of Italian • Signed student conduct agreement • Signed general agreement • Signed sexual harassment form • Release agreement • Physician's statement • Proof of medical insurance (photocopy) that is valid outside the United States • Emergency information sheet • Medical insurance information sheet • Travel insurance waiver Registration for classes is separate from registration for the program. You will be registered for classes at a later date. APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEB. 15, 2008. Do not wait, however, as space is limited and the program may fill before the deadline. Registration for classes is separate from registration for the program. Information and code number to register for classes will be given to you at a later date. Remaining Payments Make all payments directly to the Cashier’s Office following the directions above. It is very important that your payments arrive on time and that you pay exactly the correct amount each time. First payment: Due March 15, 2008 ($1,300) Second payment: Due April 15, 2008 ($1,299) Third payment: Due May 15, 2008 ($1,299) Late Payments Participants who fall behind in their payments by more than one week will be assessed $15 for each late payment. Late Applicants We welcome students beyond the application deadline if space is available. However, additional charges may apply. Students enrolling late must pay the application fee and the total amount due up to the date they apply. Changes in Prices The program fees are based on air and land rates in effect at the time of writing (October 2007) and are subject to change without notice, due to possible increases in the cost of air transportation or land arrangements, devaluation of currencies or other reasons not under the control of College of DuPage. Withdrawals and Refund Policy • Notification of withdrawal must be in writing. • Claims for refunds must be in writing. • The $100 application fee is non-refundable unless the applicant is not accepted into the program. • If a participant’s withdrawal request is received more than 50 days prior to departure, he/she will receive a full refund, less $250. • If he/she withdrawals fewer than 50 days prior to departure, he/she will receive a partial refund, but the amount withheld will be at least $900 and may be considerably more. • No refunds after 30 days prior to departure. • Due to special contracts and conditions, no refunds will be given under any circumstances for unused meals, accommodations, land transportation or other activities once the trip has begun. Substitutions are not allowed. • We recommend the purchase of Trip Cancellation Insurance. We can supply you with information. [back to top] Other Information International Student ID Card All participants will be required to obtain an International Student ID card. Basic emergency medical insurance is provided and occasionally bearers are entitled to discounts. College of DuPage will provide application forms, or call the International Education office at (630) 942-3079. Transportation No change is possible for departure. Any change from the established return date will be subject to a surcharge of $100 for such arrangements plus any additional cost charged by the airline. Participants need to inform the program directors of this possibility at the time of application. Tickets The Director will have participants’ tickets. Passport Each participant must have a valid passport that does not expire for at least six months form the anticipated return date to the U.S. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own passports. To obtain a passport, one can apply at the nearest central post office in your own town. Participants must apply for a passport as soon as they are accepted into the program. Visa U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Italy. Only participants who are not U.S. citizens may need one. Be sure to let us know at the time of application if you are not a U.S. citizen. Immunizations No special immunizations are required for travel to Italy. However, whether traveling or staying at home, it is wise to have an up-to-date tetanus inoculation (no more than 10 years before return to U.S.). Each participant should check with her/his personal physician for additional confirmation or suggestions regarding personal health needs. Insurance All participants in the program will have basic emergency medical insurance through the required International Student ID Card. However, in case of any major occurrence, this would not be sufficient. Therefore, all participants are required to have additional medical insurance, which is valid outside the United States and to show proof of such insurance. Insurance can also be purchased to provide protection against cancellation and lost or damaged baggage. We suggest cancellation insurance to cover the cost of the program if you must cancel or interrupt your trip due to illness or other reasons. Flight insurance can also be purchased if desired. Information on insurance will be provided at the time of the interview. Photos You will need at least three passport photos. Two must be submitted with your application and another is necessary for the International Student ID Card. In addition, if you do not already have a valid passport, you will need two more photos for the passport. Clothing It is difficult to provide a complete list of precisely what to pack, but a list to use as a guideline will be provided at a later date. You do not need as much clothing as you might think. It is not wise to purchase a new wardrobe because clothing gets harsh treatment when traveling. Be sure you have comfortable walking shoes. Linens and towels will be provided by the families. Money Matters We recommend at least $200 per week for spending money for lunches, entrance fees to museums, movies, theater and concerts, and incidentals such as snacks, laundry, post cards and souvenirs. If you plan to participate in one or more of the optional excursions, you also need to take that into consideration. (More information on offerings and cost of optional excursions will be provided at a later date.) Credit and ATM cards are widely accepted in Italy. It would be a good idea to take one or both of these with you. ATM cards are the most practical and economical way to obtain cash in Italy. Mail, fax and e-mail It takes a week or more for mail from the U.S. to reach Italy. It is very important to remember this during the last two weeks. There are many places in Siena where you can receive and send faxes (for a fee). You can receive and send e-mail from Societa Dante Alighieri as well as Internet Cafes. Phone Calls and Visits International phone calls are always expensive. Too many phone calls to or from home can hinder your making a successful adjustment and diminish your total immersion in Italian. They can interrupt your life in Italy and make you homesick and unhappy. For these reasons, we advise family and friends not to call unless there is an emergency. In case of emergency, the Director of the program will contact the student’s family. The Siena phone number of the Director will be provided to families prior to the group’s departure. Relatives and friends are strongly discouraged from visiting. The interruption breaks the continuity of the adjustment experience for the student. Rules of Behavior These rules have not been drawn up to restrict freedom, but to ensure that the program is successful. The participants are subject at all times to the guidance and authority of the Director who has the right to enforce appropriate standards of conduct. The Director reserves the right to cancel any participant at any time for any reason, which appear to the Director to be valid in his/her sole judgment. The Director shall have the right to withdraw a student from the program without refund or credit if his/her conduct causes serious inconvenience for the rest of the group or for any actions or conduct, which the Director considers to be incompatible with the interest, harmony, comfort and welfare of others or the reputation of the program. The use of illegal drugs and/or the excessive use of alcoholic beverages are not allowed and are grounds for termination of participation in the program. Each student will be required to indicate his/her compliance with these rules by signing a separate Student Conduct Agreement. The judgment of the Director will be final in all matters of discipline. Students may not withdraw from classes without the consent of the Director. [back to top]	Gino Impellizzeri Berg Instructional Center (IC), Room 3098 Phone: (630) 942-2047 impelliz@cod.edu Sandra Anderson Berg Instructional Center (IC), Room 2111E Phone: (630) 942-2174 anderss@cod.edu