The courses at the Piccola Università Italiana are from June 7 to June 26.

 

The program is meant to provide students with at least three weeks of "immersion" in Italian language and culture. An attempt will be made to strike a balance between academics and the sheer experience of absorbing a culture through being there. Every aspect of the program will expose students to different `faces' of Italian culture, especially on the excursions to neighboring cities. Students are expected to speak Italian at all times and to venture out and practice it in everyday situations. Generally speaking, the Italian people are very friendly and are deeply flattered when international students make a real effort to learn their language and culture. You will get out of the program only as much as YOU put into it. Students are expected to maintain a serious attitude towards the academics of this program, even in the lighter aspects of the program, and to behave in way as befits an international student in a host country.

 

 

An official Transcript with certificates of achievement will be issued by the Piccola Università Italiana upon successful completion of the language component. Students will enroll in Italian language courses commensurate with their level. The Piccola offers Italian at the beginning, intermediate, advanced, and intensive levels for Audit or College Credit. (Consult the course Piccola website for details.

 

 

Students will receive their language instruction from language professors at the Piccola Università Italiana. All of the instructors hold all of the appropriate training and accreditation to teach the Italian language, coupled with ample experience in teaching Italian as a foreign language. All students without exception will be tested upon arrival for language competency to ensure proper placement with students at their own level.

 

HISTORY FACULTY:

 

Dr. Alberto Ferreiro, Full Professor of European History, will teach Late Antiquity in the Eastern Mediterranean. Professor Ferreiro was born in Mexico, is a native speaker of Spanish, and was a Fulbright scholar in Spain in 1983-84 and took his Ph.D in Medieval History at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His research specialty, in which he has published widely, is Medieval Iberian and Gallic History. He is also a Visiting Professor/ Lecturer at the University of Salamanca and Founder-Director of the Centro Fray Luis de León.

 

 

Students upon successful completion of this course will receive the equivalent of five quarter credits (5) in upper division history for Audit or College Credit. Applicants will receive a detailed syllabus of the course once a formal application is filled out and received.

 

 

As part of the History course requirement we will go on excursions to Pompei, Messina-Taormina (Sicily), Reggio Calabria   Museum, Locri, Castles and Churches, and 3 days in Rome, they are included in the fee.

 

 

Consult the Piccola website for the full description of the many cultural activities that are available during your stay in Tropea.

 

 

All students are required to participate in the Italian Cooking Class. For details on this and other opportunities consult the Piccola website.

 

You are required to attend all scheduled meetings before we leave for Italy any that I convene in Salamanca.

 

 

The Piccola website has full information about your many options. Students will cook their own meals in fully equipped kitchens in the apartments. At extra cost there are also available single rooms. Students do not have to bring pillows, towels or any bedding.

 

Students are encouraged to check with their private insurance to know what the protocols are for reimbursements for medical bills incurred while abroad. Centro Fray Luis de León includes in the fee 24/7 comprehensive and catastrophic medical insurance through CMI medical insurance coverage is for the entire duration of the program June 5-30.

 

 

Visas are not required for U.S. citizens going to Spain. A VALID U.S. PASSPORT is, however. 

 

MEDICAL PRESCRIPTIONS:

 

If you take prescription medicines, bring an official statement from your doctor to confirm this. Bring your medicines in their prescription packaging. Be sure you have enough medicine for the entire duration of your stay in Europe.

 

The month of June will be very pleasant in Italy. Even so, shorts should be of modest length. It is wise to wear cool, loose clothing; skirts or long shorts for women and cool trousers for men. In any case, do not over pack; it will save you untold hassles. What you pack you carry.

 

 

For additional costs such as laundry, cultural events, pool passbook, taxis, and the like, one should bring no less than $500 for the month. Since spending habits are so arbitrary, use your best judgment on spending money. Your costs after the program are not covered. You will have to spend at least two nights in Madrid prior to returning home. Also, Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted in Europe.  American Express is NOT accepted in the majority of shops and restaurants.

 

 

 

 

 

If you plan to do any traveling AFTER the program, it is up to you to make your own arrangements. I do not take any responsibility on these matters. Be advised to set your plans well in advance and stick to them to the letter, unless an emergency arises, but only then. Experience shows that travel changes overseas are an enormous hassle for all concerned. Our travel agent Sandy is ready to assist you, he may contacted at: sandyd@travelmeet.com

 

 

The $300 deposit is due with the application. If not accepted into the program, the deposit will be returned in full. Applications are due February 1, 2009. If WE cancel the trip for any reason, your money is also fully refundable minus $100.00. You must be PAID IN FULL by May 14, 2009. Make sure that all FINANCIAL AID arrangements are in order BEFORE you leave.