Experience the warm hospitality of the Italian people while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Tuscany in this unique opportunity to study the Italian language and culture in the beautiful medieval city of Siena. Siena and its surroundings offer the perfect setting in which to be immersed in the architecture, art, history and "bella lingua." The itinerary includes several daytime and overnight excursions within the region.
- Program Dates: Wednesday, June 3 to Friday, July 3
- Fee: $5,971 includes round-trip airfare from Chicago, airport transfers in Italy, home-stay with breakfast and dinner, language classes and excursions. Tuition (6-7 credits) is extra. The program is open to students at all levels of Italian.
- Scholarship: The Mirta Pagnucci Study Abroad Scholarship (Italy) is awarded exclusively for the COD Summer Language Immersion program to Siena, Italy, up to $500 will be awarded. Application deadline is February 20.
- Passport Information: If you do not have a passport, or your passport expires within six months of the program dates, you MUST apply for a passport or renew your passport immediately. Passports can take up to four months to obtain. Do not wait until you are accepted into the program.
For more information, contact Anna Serrano or fssa@cod.edu.
Travel Details
The Italy study abroad program is open to anyone who has a strong interest in immersing themselves in another culture. Qualified high school seniors 18 and over may be accepted into the program. College students must present evidence of a 2.75 GPA. Community members are welcome.
A mandatory pre-departure orientation will be held at College of DuPage. This typically occurs on a Friday or Saturday in May.
Language Class
All students are required to enroll in an Italian Language class, held at Società Dante Alighieri School in Italy. Classes accommodate students at Elementary Italian I and II, Intermediate Italian I and II and Advanced Italian I and II.
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.
Civilization and Culture of Costa Italy Class
All students are required to enroll in this class. The course of study covers the geography, history, political and social institutions and the art and architecture of Italy. This class first meets at the mandatory orientation session.
In Italy, the course will continue with guided cultural excursions to theaters, museums and other places of interest that are integral components of this class, and therefore, attendance is required. A short written report on each visit is also required.
Upon successful completion of classes, students will receive credit for, Elementary,
Intermediate or Advanced Italian (4 semester credit hours) depending on placement,
and Civilization and Culture of Italy
(3 semester credit hours.)
Activities specified in the program schedule are included in the price of the program.
Optional Excursions
Information will be provided on a variety of optional excursions that are not included in the price of the program.
The program cost includes round trip airfare from Chicago to Italy, transfers to and from the airport in Siena, admissions free and excursions per itinerary, course materials, hotel accommodations, and room and board.
Not included in the program cost: tuition for 6-7 credit hours; passport fees; visa fees (if not a U.S. citizen) optional excursions; personal expenses; telephone calls; checked baggage fees.
Late Applicants
We welcome late applicants, space permitting. However, additional charges may apply.
Change in Price
The program fees are based on air and land rates in effect at the time of writing 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
Passport
Each participant must have a valid passport that does not expire for at least 6 months after the anticipated return date to the U.S. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own passports. As passports can take substantial time to obtain, apply for it as soon as possible. Information can be obtained at travel.state.gov/passport
Visa
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Costa Rica. Non-U.S. citizens may need a Visa.
Insurance
COD provides international travel insurance with emergency medical insurance included for all participants. Trip cancellation insurance can also be purchased to provide protection against cancellations and lost or damaged baggage.
Liability Release and Assumption of Risk Form
Participants in all Field and Experiential Learning/Study Abroad programs must complete the Liability Release and Assumption of Risk form.
All language classes will be taught by instructors at Società Dante Alighieri. The Civilization and Culture of Italy class will be taught in English by COD Program Directors/Faculty who are available daily to counsel, supervise and assist students.
In the event that the participant withdraws from the program, the right to a refund is limited.
All cancellations and refund requests must be made in writing and sent to:
College of DuPage Field and Interdisciplinary Studies/Study Abroad
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 3520
425 Fawell Blvd
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599