Summer Program in Italy
What our students say:
“This program really impressed me as my first study abroad. I am grateful to learn a new culture with so many new friends from URochester and from Italy!”
“I really enjoyed this program and would definitely recommend it to friends interested in immersing themselves in a different culture.”
“I loved being part of this program. I feel like I learned so much about Italy that I did not know, and I've developed more interest in it."
ITAL 207: Sustainability, Food, and Local Cultures in Italy
Ciao! Are you ready for a life-changing summer in Italy? Below is information on:
- Program dates and deadlines
- Destinations
- Program overview
- Prerequisites
- Accommodations
- Excursions
- Fellowship aid
- Program costs and application
- Contact
Program Dates and Deadlines
The program dates for the 2027 summer program are May 19 (arrival in Italy on May 18)-June 10.
All applicants will be considered for the Lisio and/or any related donor awards with priority for those with demonstrated financial need. Merit only applicants will be considered for scholarships on a fund availability basis. Scholarship determinations will be made in February 2027. Late applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Destinations
Our program is intentionally based in a smaller destination to give students the opportunity to experience Italy beyond its tourist centers. This choice also reflects our commitment to responsible travel and meaningful engagement with local communities. We will be based in Bra, a lively town in the heart of Piedmont (Piemonte), ideally situated between the Alps and the Ligurian coast. Nestled in a quieter corner of northern Italy, Bra also offers convenient train connections to Turin, one of Italy's most important cultural centers.
Just a short shuttle ride from Bra, the nearby town of Pollenzo is home to our partner institution, the University of Gastronomic Sciences, one of the world’s leading institutions devoted to the study of food. Housed in a beautiful historic complex, the University brings together an international community of faculty and students.
Program Overview
The goal of this program is to provide students with an in-depth, experiential understanding of Italian culture. Through academic coursework, hands-on experiences, and direct engagement with local communities, students will explore the connections between food, culture, and the environment.
Weekday classes and activities combine theory and practice through lectures, cooking labs, workshops, nature excursions, and visits to food producers, research centers, and museums. Students will learn from scholars at Italy’s leading institution dedicated to the study of food, as well as from farmers, artisans, and innovators working toward more sustainable futures.
Language learning is also an essential part of the experience, as it helps students become thoughtful and respectful travelers, able to connect more meaningfully with local people and culture. Weekday mornings will be devoted to Italian language classes tailored to each student's level, with an emphasis on communication and practical use of the language.
Late afternoons and evenings are generally free for students to explore Bra, enjoy its cafés and restaurants, and discover the town at their own pace. Weekends offer additional time for independent activities and excursions to other Italian destinations, such as Turin, Milan, Venice, Bologna, Florence, and Genoa, all easily accessible by train.
Throughout the program, students will develop language proficiency, interdisciplinary understanding, and intercultural competence, gaining the skills and confidence to navigate new cultural settings and build meaningful connections.
Students will earn four academic credits that count toward the Italian cluster, major, and minor. They will also receive a certificate from the University of Gastronomic Sciences.
Prerequisites
No previous knowledge of Italian is required. All participants take language courses suited to their level.
Accommodations
Students will stay in a carefully selected, family-owned hotel in Bra that has been welcoming guests since 1917. Choosing a locally rooted business reflects our commitment to responsible travel and supporting the local community. The hotel offers a welcoming setting, close connections with faculty, and easy access to classes, workshops, and excursions.
Excursions
Faculty-led field experiences include cooking labs, foraging classes, workshops, and visits to farms, museums, markets, food businesses, and local artisans.
Scheduled free time and optional excursions offer additional opportunities to explore local markets, villages, and cities. The program director will be available to share recommendations and offer guidance to students planning their own independent trips.
Fellowship Aid
All applicants will be considered for the Lisio and/or any related donor awards with priority for those with demonstrated financial need. Merit only applicants will be considered for scholarships on a fund availability basis. Scholarship determinations will be made in February 2027. Late applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Program Cost and Application
The program fee ($5,200) includes:
- Tuition (four credits)
- Instruction
- Accommodation
- Breakfasts at the hotel and lunches at the University of Gastronomic Sciences
- Excursions
- Local transportation to the program’s destinations
- Museum fees
- Select additional meals
- Gala farewell dinner
Not included: Transatlantic airfare, personal expenses, and some meals are not covered by the program fee.
Tuition and program costs will be added to your official tuition bill. For information on payments and deadlines, please refer to your billing statement from the Office of the Bursar.
Interested in studying in Italy? The application deadline is February 1, 2027. Late applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Contact
For more information, contact:
Lucia Casiraghi
Assistant Professor of Instruction in Italian
411 Lattimore Hall
luciacasiraghi@rochester.edu
