"I had one of the greatest times of my life and made unbelievable friendships which I know will not end now that the program has finally finished. My only regret was that the end crept up on us so suddenly. Thank you very much for organizing such a wonderful trip and giving me the opportunity to create memories and friendships that I will keep for the rest of my life." Diana, student - Oakland, CA
"It was everything you described and more … the academic aspects of the program were, from Sarah's vantage point, sensational, most especially the quality of the professors and the venues … She experienced things she may never experience again. But it is clear the whole package prepared her better for the upcoming college life. Third, the RA's were, according to Sarah, top class and very supportive and professional." Bill, father - Boston, MA
Italian Civilization
Art History & Italian Language Program
Program Overview
Itinerary:
Tuscania, Siena, Florence and Rome
Dates:
June 28 - July 26, 2007
Key Excursions:
Fiesole, San Gimignano, Viareggio and more
Focus:
Art History, Italian Language and Culture
Housing:
Hotels and Residence
Level:
Grades 10-12
Availability is becoming limited for many programs.
We encourage serious students to call us to find out if there is availability for their program of interest.
Call us today at 888-462-2239.
Our travel program on Italian Civilization is a Florence-based program designed for students interested in developing a well-rounded understanding of spectacular Italy, its culture, language, history and art. The program follows the path of Italian history and art 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 study the Italian language while also learning about Italian art and history three times a week. Abbey Roaders will also have the opportunity to take photography and art workshops among many other choices.
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.
Program Itinerary
Part 1: Tuscania (June 29 - July 6)
The first part of the program begins in Tuscania, an Etruscan center conquered by the Romans in 300 BC. 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. Students will live together at the residence in student apartments where they will learn to cook together using traditional Italian recipes.
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.
Academics
This program is designed as an introduction to Italian culture, history, language and art. The language courses will be taught by our partner school Lorenzo de'Medici. In addition to learning Italian, students will also attend Italian art history classes which will be taught on location at the various sites and monuments of the cities visited. No background in Italian language is required.
Housing
The group will live in centrally located hotels during their stays in Tuscania, Siena and Rome. While in Florence students will live in an apartment residence complex in the historical center. As part of the cultural experience in Florence, students will learn to share house responsibilities, shop for groceries, and cook group meals using traditional Italian recipes.
Daily Schedule
Students will attend afternoon Italian language classes Monday through Thursday. Three times per week students will start their day with the Italian art history course which will include an excursion to a historical site or museum, accompanied by a lecture or a group discussion. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in daily recreational activities, workshops or events including. In the evenings, students will have many options: outdoor concerts, cinema, cafés, time with friends and other relaxing activities.
Weekend Excursions
Students will also visit the Mediterranean seaside town of Viareggio for a relaxing day at the beach as well as a trip to the medieval town of San Gimignano for spectacular views of the Tuscan hills. The group will also explore the Etruscan village of Fiesole perched above Florence, once used as the launching ground for Da Vinci's flying inventions.
Fiesole: San Gimignano: Viareggio:
Program Fee & What's Included
Our program fee is all-inclusive: it includes airfare from New York to the program site, all travel extensions, trips and excursions, tuition, lodging and insurance, and much more. There are no hidden fees, extra costs or surprises. We encourage you to compare our program fee to other programs and see what they include.
The 2007 program fee for the Italian Civilization program is:
Before airfare
Including airfare R/T from JFK
Italian Civilization:
$6,350
$7,250
The fee covers everything except personal expenses, such as shopping, eating out by choice, taking taxis, or certain optional activities going beyond the planned program. Specifically, the fee includes:
Round-trip group airfare from New York to Europe
All regional travel costs: air, bus and train
Tuition, graduation certificate, and academic credit (varies by program)
Workshops and individual tutoring
Room and board (hotels; all meals included)
All pre-planned group excursions and activities, including tickets, passes, meals and transport
All regional day trips (including meals, group activities and transport)
Travel, accident, and medical insurance for the full period of the program
For any questions regarding the program fee, deposits and payment schedule, or cancellations and refunds, please visit the Application & Fees page.
How to Apply for the Program
Availability is becoming limited for many programs. We encourage serious students to call to find out if there is availability for their program of interest: 888-462-2239.
If you would like to receive a brochure by mail, please complete the short online Preliminary Inquiry, and we will send one immediately.
If you are ready to apply now, click on the Online Application to get started.
For general questions about the application process, please visit our Application & Fees page.
If you have any special questions about the program or need assistance with the application process, please call us toll-free at 1-888-462-2239 (from abroad 1-310-276-1745) or email us at info@goabbeyroad.com.
