SPRINGTIME IN ITALY
Photo Gallery 2009 Trip Video created by Curtis Webb Springtime in Italy Student Handbook
The Springtime in Italy program provides students with unique experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime. During the program, students live in residence halls in Parma, Italy where they take classes from Saint Francis Univeristy professors. Because tourism is not a large industry in Parma, students are able to experience true Italian culture and cuisine. The rental of a bicycle is included in the program cost, so each student can explore the city easily by pedaling around town just like the locals. Students are able to find their own favorite restaurants and gelaterias, so by the end of four weeks Parma truly feels like home. The trip takes place following the Spring semester and is under the direction of Mr. Charles Olson, Associate Professor and Chair of the Fine Arts Department.
Students may take up to 7 credits while studying in Parma. Classes include Fine Arts, Italian I & II, Exploration in the Arts, Photography, Guitar, Hand Drumming with Jim Donovan (drummer from Rusted Root), and several others. On the weekends, students are free to travel on their own with their six-day TrenItalia Pass, allowing them to plan their excursions based on their own interests. This ensures that each student will have a unique experience while studying in Parma.
Classes Housing Excursions Dates and Costs Financial Aid Contact 2012 Application
---------- Classes----------
Classes are held Monday through Thursday in one of the two residence halls where students are housed. Students can enroll for 5-7 credits. Classes are taught by SFU professors and are listed below.
- Exploration in the Arts (1 credit) A general education required class (2 weeks)
- Fine Arts (3 credits) Hands-on references to time and culture. (4 weeks).
- Italian 112 (3 credits) Students may complete their foreing language requirement with this class (4 weeks).
- Photography (3 credits) Limited class size. Students must provide their own digital camers (4 weeks)
- History (3 credits)
- Hand Drumming (1-2 credits) Drums are provided (2 weeks).
---------- Housing ----------
Students are housed in 2 residence halls in Parma. Each room normally accommodates two students and is equipped with a bathroom and kitchen. In addition, a free washing machine on the bottom floor and maid service is provided. The front doors of the residence halls are locked at all times and must be accessed by a room key.
---------- Excursions ----------
Each student is given a TrenItalia Pass which is good for 6 days travel by train to anywhere in Italy. With this pass, students are free to plan their own excursions and to have a completely unique Italian experience every weekend. Due to the flexible nature of the TrenItalia Passes, students can taylor their experience in Italy to their interests and travel desires. Popular sites for weekend travel include Rome, Venice, Florence, and Cinque Terre.
Visits to sites within Parma such as the National Gallery and the Castello di Torrechiara may be included depending on which classes the student chooses to take.
---------- Dates and Costs ----------
Departure: May 11, 2012
Return: June 10, 2012
Application and application fee ($100) are due by Jan. 22, 2012.
Preliminary payment for program fee ($1,000) due Mar. 5, 2012.
Final payment (balance) for program fee due May 7, 2012.
Program Costs : $3,525 plus the cost of tuition (minimum of 5 credits). Price subject to change based on airfares.
Cost includes:
Round-trip transportation to and from Parma, Italy. If the student desires, buses depart from Loretto for Dullus Airport in Washington DC on the day of departure and will drop students off in Loretto on the day of return.
Housing
TrenItalia 6 Day Pass
Bicycle rental
Textbooks
Course materials
Health Insurance
Optional cooking lessons
Not included: tuition, meals, admission to attractions/events, incidental supplies, gifts, transportation other than specified above, additional fees for change in airline tickets.
Reimbursement, in case of cancellation by student is full reimbursement, until 60 days before departure; full reimbursement minus cost of airline ticket within 60 days of departure.
Click here for the Spring 2012 Program Application.
Students may apply for any student loans for which they would normally have eligibility. It is imperative that students applying for financial aid apply by specific deadline dates in order to facilitate the financial aid process. The financial aid office will assist students needing information about financial aid.
Financial Aid Office
Padua Hall, Room 228
Saint Francis University
PO Box 600
Loretto, PA 15940
(814) 472-3010
---------- Contact ----------
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