Faculty-led, world-focused

Penn State faculty-led programs offer students the guidance of trusted faculty, with the freedom to explore the world. Our faculty will create the ideal itinerary for you.

Total cultural immersion in the heart of Italy is the cornerstone of the Todi program. Since 1986, families in Todi have been welcoming Penn State students into their homes during the seven-week program. The experience provides students with a chance to become part of the fabric of the family and of the town. Since few residents speak English, students also have the opportunity for continuous language development. 

Todi is a picturesque Umbrian town with a history dating back to Etruscan times. The town of 6,000 residents is built on a hill sits around an intact medieval piazza, and includes outstanding examples of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

The program is designed to combine classroom studies with travel. Beginning with five days in Rome and its environs, faculty and local experts will guide students through famous Italian cultural treasures in churches, museums, and archaeological sites. Following the days in Rome, students are based in Todi for six weeks. From there, day trips are planned to cities within the region of Umbria, including Perugia, Orvieto, and Assisi. Extended trips to Florence and Venice also are included on the itinerary. While site visits are considered extensions of the classroom experience, they are structured to allow for independent exploration.

The program offers either 9 or 10 academic credits in Italian language and the arts. All students are required to take the same set of courses, which are offered at both beginning and advanced levels. The curriculum consists of courses in Italian language, art history, and visual arts. There are no academic prerequisites for the beginning-level courses.

Courses Offered

Participants are required to take 9 or 10 credits. Equivalent competency may substitute for specific course prerequisites. Students electing to take the 10th credit will be charged additional tuition.

LANGUAGE (select one course)

IT 099 Essential Italian (3 credits; no prerequisite)
An introduction to Italian, with an emphasis on conversation and basic grammar. The course is designed for students who do not intend to continue with Italian, since it is not the equivalent of IT 001.

IT 003 Intermediate Italian (4 credits; prerequisite: IT 002)
Advanced grammar; oral and written composition; reading of modern authors; Italian life and culture.

IT 399 Independent Study (3 credits; prerequisite: IT 003)
Grammar review, special advanced-level written and oral assignments. Students are approved on a case-by-case basis, according to their level of Italian.

ART HISTORY (select one course)

ART H 299 Foreign Study — Survey of Italian Art and Architecture (3 credits)
Classroom and on-site studies focusing on medieval and Renaissance Italy. Class discussions and visits to museums, galleries, and exhibitions will include study of Etruscan, Roman, baroque, and modern art and architecture.

ART H 499 Foreign Study — Individual Research Project (3 credits)
Students taking this course will write a research paper upon their return to the United States. They will receive a deferred grade.

VISUAL ARTS (select one course)

ART 020 Introduction to Drawing (3 credits; no prerequisite)
This course is designed for students who are not art majors. Classes meet outdoors and use the local environment for the development of drawing skills. Nonmajors are graded on the basis of individual progress.

ART 299/499 Foreign Study — Art: Drawing (3 credits)
An intermediate- or advanced-level course for art majors. Classes at both levels meet outdoors and use the local environment for the development of drawing skills.

Eligibility

The program is open to all undergraduate students with a minimum 2.5 grade-point average and to graduate students. Applicants are interviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, but final enrollment decisions will not be made until shortly after the February 18, 2010, application deadline. Students are encouraged to apply early, as enrollment is limited.

Faculty

TBD

 

 

Expenses

The total program fee includes two components: tuition (based on the number of credits) and a class fee (based on activities and location). All the students will pay the in-state tuition rate for 2010 Summer Abroad programs.

Expenses NOT covered are:

• passport
• personal expenses
• optional excursions
• round-trip airfare (approximately $1,000 plus tax)
• some meals outside Todi
• textbooks and supplies

Estimated Tuition

Out-of-state students will be charged the out-of-state tuition rate until the first day of the program. At that time the students’ bursar account will be adjusted to reflect the in-state tuition rate of $613 per credit.

In-state students will pay tuition according to their standing and the Penn State tuition schedule.

Tuition (9 credits) $5,517 in-state/out-of-state
Tuition (10 credits) $6,130 in-state/out-of-state

The University reserves the right to revise the schedule of tuition and charges without further notice. For more information on tuition, visit http://tuition.psu.edu.

Class Fee

The class fee of $2,795 includes insurance, housing, meals in Todi, all transportation within Italy, museum visits, and administrative costs.

Estimated Total Program Fee

Total Program Fee (9 credits) The estimated program fee of $8,312 includes tuition as well as the class fee.
Total Program Fee (10 credits) The estimated program fee of $8,925 includes tuition as well as the class fee.

Financial Aid

For alternative grant, loan, and minority and Whole World scholarship information, visit the Education Abroad Financial Aid and Scholarships Web page.

Refunds

All cancellations must be received by the conference planner, in writing, by mail or fax. Do not use eLion; it does not remove you from the course, and you will be held responsible for all fees. Full refunds minus the nonrefundable $1,000 application fee will be made for cancellations received at least thirty days prior to the first day of the program. Refund requests made after that time will not be honored, and the participant or sponsoring organization will be responsible for the fees.

Information Technology Fee: 1 to 4.5 credits, $78; 5 to 8.5 credits, $170; 9 or more credits, $230

For passport information, visit www.travel.state.gov/passport/index.html.

How to Apply

Financial assistance: The Student Support Initiative for Penn State undergraduates enrolling in our Summer Education Abroad programs will continue for summer 2010. If you would like to be considered for such an award, please indicate this in the required short essay you will submit with your application. Include the reasons why you should receive financial assistance.

Online registration will be available soon.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 18, 2010

Cancellation: The University may cancel or postpone any course or activity because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is canceled or postponed, the University will refund registration fees but cannot be held responsible for any related costs, charges, or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines or travel agencies.

Access: Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing special accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the conference planner at 814-863-1738.

Space may be available after the application deadline. Please contact the conference planner to determine availability and/or to be added to the waiting list.

Contact Us

Regarding program content:
Dr. Kristi Wormhoudt
The Pennsylvania State University
410 Boucke Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-3960
Fax: 814-863-7138
E-mail: kaw7@psu.edu

Regarding application process:
Judy Meder, Conference Planner
The Pennsylvania State University
The 329 Building, Suite 213
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-1738
Fax: 814-863-5190
E-mail: ConferenceInfo2@outreach.psu.edu

Regarding financial aid:
Office of Student Aid
The Pennsylvania State University
314 Shields Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-6301

 

For alternative grant, loan, and minority and Whole World scholarship information, visit the Education Abroad Financial Aid and Scholarships Web page.