Immersive Experiences Abroad

by | Sep 4, 2023

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Italian Studies Immersive Experiences

Amalfi Coast

Language, Food, Culture, and Community Service on the Amalfi Coast

Stay in charming and breathtaking Sorrento and visit picturesque cliffside cities alongside the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea through excursions to the Amalfi Coast (Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano), Pompeii, and the Island of Capri. Sharpen your Italian language skills in structured courses and cultural activities, including immersing yourself in Mediterranean cuisine. You will learn/improve your Italian language skills as well as participate in cooking classes, excursions and community-based learning experiences with local volunteer organizations. Classes will be held at the renowned Sant’Anna Institute.

About The Program

This four-week program offers up to 8 credits in language and culture courses allowing you to explore Italian history and culture through three of the major areas for which Italy is famous in the world: Arts, Made in Italy, and Food. Explore Italian culture, visiting museums, cathedrals, and the Pompeii archeological site. Experience a food tour and tasting of local products like mozzarella, lemon, and olive oil. Take a cooking class to create a traditional three-course Mediterranean meal and learn how to make pizza. Pitch in on exciting and rewarding community projects with Italian volunteers in a soup kitchen, foster home, and local NGOs. The courses will help not only students who plan to minor or major in Italian, but also students who are interested in the culture and lifestyle of Italy, or just want to complete the language or Gen. Ed. requirements.

Credits earned will apply towards a Drew degree and can be used for the Italian Major/Minor and the following General Education requirements: BHUM: GenEd-Breadth/Humanities, BINT: GenEd-Breadth/Interdisciplinary, CBL: Community Based Learn, DVIT: GenEd-Diversity International, IMMX: GenEd-Immersive Experience.

Program Director

Dr. Emanuele Occhipinti, Professor and Director of the Italian Program, will supervise and coordinate all educational (teaching, syllabi, tests and final grades) and extracurricular activities, such as field trips, museum tours, and the community service. He will always be available on site to ensure students’ general welfare.

What is included

  • 8 credits of tuition (one language class and one culture one)
  • Airport transportation from Naples to Sorrento
  • Accommodation with host families
  • All meals except lunches
  • Museum entrances
  • Educational materials
  • Cultural Activities
  • Cooking Classes
  • Amalfi Coast excursions

Not included: airfare, incidentals and personal expenses

Students are eligible for Financial Aid. Italian Majors and Minors have access to the following scholarships >

Eligibility

A completed application including an on-line faculty recommendation is required. You must be in good academic and disciplinary standing from the time of application until the end of the program. For additional information contact Professor Occhipinti, eocchipi@drew.edu

Food, Culture, & Sustainability in Tuscany

This new 4-week interdisciplinary program (offered in English) will allow students to use site-based experiences and interact with natives in order to explore the interplay among food, culture, and sustainability through readings, lectures, and workshops. Students will stay in the beautiful city of Siena, in the heart of Tuscany, where cultural traditions are tied to the rich bounty of the natural environment. There will be day trips to Chianti and San Gimignano, and a three-day stay in Bologna, the food capital of Italy. Activities will include cooking classes, visits to farms and food production companies. The 8-credit courses will help not only students who plan to minor or major in Italian, but also students of English, Food Studies, Environmental Science and Sustainability, or students planning careers in tourism, food science, and natural resources management.

Course Selection

The 8 Credits earned will apply towards a Drew degree and can be used for the General Education requirements, the Italian, English and ESS majors and minors, Business majors and minors.

  • ITAL399 – Short-Term Program Seminar: Italian Culture cross listed with ENGH/ESS 309 – Food, Justice, & US Literature
  • Business 399 – cross listed with ESS

Program Directors

Dr. Emanuele Occhipinti, Professor and Director of the Italian Program, and Dr. Susan Harrison, Associate Professor of English and Environmental Studies & Sustainability, will supervise and coordinate all educational (teaching, syllabi, tests and final grades) and extracurricular activities. They will always be available on site to ensure students’ general welfare.

What is included

Eligibility

A completed application including an on-line faculty recommendation is required. You must be in good academic and disciplinary standing from the time of application until the end of the program. For additional information contact Professor Occhipinti, eocchipi@drew.edu