Italian Civilization: Language and Culture

  Italy

• Florence: 
Florence
• Rome: 
Roma (Rome)
• All Other Areas in Italy: 
Siena,  Tuscania

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: June 28 - July 26, 2007

Description: Our travel program on Italian Civilization is designed for students interested in developing a well-rounded understanding of Italy, its culture, language, history and art. The program follows the path of Italian Civilization from its Etruscan roots in Tuscania to the medieval period in Siena, continuing with the Renaissance in Florence and finishing with the spectacular Baroque monuments of Rome. Students will formally study the Italian language while also participating in Italian civilization seminars three times a week.

The program seeks to introduce art, language and historical understanding through cultural immersion and to inspire students to continue exploring these in their future studies. Students will also have time to enjoy themselves, visit the local sites, attend recreational activities, make friends, and have great fun.

Highlights: Part 1: Tuscania (June 29 - July 6)
The town, located in the countryside south of Tuscany, is the perfect place to start one's immersion experience. Students will have the opportunity to experience Italian life outside of the tourist realm.

Part 2: Siena (July 6 - July 9)
Following Tuscania, students will spend a long weekend in the medieval hill-top town of Siena. Students will explore the brick-lined winding streets of Siena while also walking the pathway of the world-famous medieval horse race, il Palio, which still takes place twice a year in the impressive Piazza del Campo.

Part 3: Florence (July 9 - July 23)
Students will spend a full two weeks in the home of the Italian Renaissance in order to maximize their Florentine immersion experience. Excursions to the Uffizi, Accademia, and others will allow the students to see some of the greatest masterpieces of Renaissance art and lay a foundation to discuss the historical and cultural life of Florentine society.

Part 4: Rome (July 23 - July 26)
The last days of the program will be spent in Rome, one of the true historical centers of the world. In Rome, the program will study the often overlooked resurgence of Roman art and architecture in the Baroque period of the 17th century. Students will also explore the other treasures of the Eternal city from the Colosseum to the Sistine Chapel.

Cost in US$: Please inquire for more information

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Italy Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Transcript
• Written Application

Abbey Road Overseas Programs's Mission Statement: Abbey Road offers summer cultural and language immersion programs in Spain, France and Italy: * We emphasize real cultural and language immersion * We combine serious learning and great fun * We balance structured time and free time * We hire the best staff -- experienced, caring and fun