Community College of Rhode Island               In our participants' words...                      "My life is now enriched and forever changed after studying Italian      Heritage, Elementary Italian II and cooking in Italy. The language and culture      will forever be engrained in my life and , if may also say, my soul."      Diane M. Cardon

"I appreciate the flexibility of the conversational culture class. An enormous amount of vocabulary, grammar and cultural situations was covered in a very short time. The heritage class opened many new avenues of knowledge. It gave me a foundation for further independent exploration of Italian culture and literature….The excursions to various towns and social/cultural activities were very stimulating and informative: Etruscan art at Tarquinia, the development of Middle Ages, Renaissance art through visits to Assisi, Perugia, Florence, Rome. Our guide was terrific in presenting the connections and relationships especially between art, literature and language." Stephanie Trudeau  

"The instruction's presentations were excellent. The guest speakers were perfect selections…Absolutely terrific course…In every respect this is an outstanding program that provides a rich experience in teaching Italian conversation enriched with splendid trips to great places and events." Dr. Martin Salwen

"Classes exceeded my expectations, due entirely to their impeccable logic and structure. I feel much more comfortable conversing in Italian, and my knowledge of Italian culture is certainly richer…Excursions and cultural activities exceeded my expectations! My three weeks in Italy with CCRI were the next best thing to living, eating, and talking-to and with an Italian family in Italy. I could not ask for more." Jane Salwen

"This has been the most fulfilling summer program. The classroom experience was truly enhanced being immersed in an Italian town… The course work always motivated me to do more, explore more, and get more involved with local people, engaging them in conversation, ordering food, buying things… Enjoyed guest speakers, and finding out how they felt about various aspects of Italian way of life." Donn Gennari

"This program provided one of the most and best experience. We did see more that I expected. The quality of Prof. Mansella's presentations was excellent. The guest speakers she chose were very informative and enlightened our perspective of Italian life." Natalie Vecchio

"Fabulous experience at Bagnoregio, the "Sagra dell'oca e Sagra degli gnocchi", and the play at Ferento. Talking with the people there was invaluable in understanding the culture." Claire Giannamore

"It was wonderful experiencing the culture of Orvieto as someone who is part of the city, not just a tourist...that was how Maria taught the class. She wanted the classroom to be outside of the classroom." Debbie Lilli

"The immersion of the educational process with the culture provided an incredible learning environment… Students and professors studying together created an immeasurable bonding experience, and Prof. Mansella's unselfish extension of her time and effort highlighted the adventure." Barbara Sepe Reall

"We had the utmost integrity as Americans in a foreign country, and that was definitely Maria's leadership and influence, that was her vision of what it should be like and it definitely met those expectations."  Cherie Markward

"I would encourage anyone thinking about enrolling in the program to do so. It's such a unique experience in that not only would you learn the Italian language and culture, but you will be able to enhance that experience via the many colorful and worthwhile excursions included as part of the program". Theresa Squizzero

""The program provided an excellent experience. The most attractive aspect was to learn the language in the country where it is actually spoken. I was well satisfied with the way that the excursions and cultural activities complemented the objectives of the courses. The guides were very informative and provided a great amount of interesting information."  William Squizzero

"This program provided a fulfilling experience: culturally, educationally and it affected my perspective of being an American and appreciating the Italian heritage. I hope this cultural experience will forever be instilled in me. I want to take a piece of this experience, and to be able to demonstrate it in my day to day living."
Diane Cardon

"The Italian heritage course surpassed all my expectations. I want to continue learning more. Students come out of this learning on site experience with a great desire to continue on. More than one trip is required if the desire of learning is greater than just curiosity."  Prof. Rosendo Brito

"By staying in Orvieto I can see that this is a quite and peaceful little city. Everyone is very friendly and make you feel like you are part of the town." 
Danielle Antonetti

"Working with a top chef, in a professional kitchen; guided by our incredible, passionate, dedicate founder; nestled in an Italian hamlet with good people. Paradise. I was blessed with a true understanding of the Italian culinary tradition as well as immersed in the rich culture that created it." Connie Nicolosi