Italy Travel Information

The 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. 

Orientation

A mandatory pre-departure orientation will be held at College of DuPage. This typically occurs over two days in May.

Language Classes

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 Italy

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.

Program Directors/Faculty

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.

Credits

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.)

Housing and Meals

Students will be housed in carefully selected Italian homes. They will be provided with breakfast, and dinner while at the home stay. Home stays provide the opportunity to practice speaking Italian and to share in the everyday life of the family.

Activities, Field Trips and Excursions

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.

Program Cost

The program cost includes: round trip airfare from Chicago to Italy; Transfers to and from the airport in Siena; Admissions and excursions as listed; Course materials; Hotel accommodations; 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.

Changes in Prices

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 Italy. Non- U.S. citizens may need a Visa.

Insurance

All participants are required to have medical insurance, which is valid outside the United States. 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.

Cancellation/Refund Policy

In the event that a participant withdraws from the program, a right to a refund is limited.

All cancellations and refund requests must be made in writing and sent to:

College of DuPage Field Studies/Study Abroad
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 3520
425 Fawell Blvd.
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599 

Contact Information

Field and Experiential Learning, Study Abroad and Global Education
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 3520
General inquiries: (630) 942-2356
Email: fssa@cod.edu
Additional Contact Information