Link to the CCRI Home Page Community College of Rhode Island
Department of Foreign Languages and Cultures 
and the 
CCRI Italian Club


Invite you to discover the Land of Italy and its people...

history, culture, panoramic views, museums, palaces, churches, monuments, medieval cities with their enchanting "piazze" and "vicoli", Renaissance villas, authentic culinary and folklore traditions and much more!

Summer Travel Study in Italy Program
June 24 - July 16, 2009

1-week program - June 24-July 02
2-week program  - June 24-July 09

Be more than a simple tourist and experience the deep sense and beauty of Italy. Enjoy Umbria’s rich culture, enduring traditions and peaceful atmosphere. Appreciate a civilization that began with the Etruscans, expanded during the Roman Empire, persevered during the Middle Ages, flourished during the Renaissance, and paved the way to modern-day Italy, so warm and vibrant. Assimilate the wonder and marvels of Italy with a sense of self-discovery and a rich, memorable life experience. Enhance your educational, professional and personal growth by enrolling in our one, two or three-week program along with family and friends.

Location

Our program will be held in Orvieto, a medieval town high on a plateau of tufo, a volcanic rock, that was once an island in the sea that covered the Paglia valley below. Orvieto offers an idyllic setting for immersing yourself in the Italian language and culture. Orvieto, in the province of Terni is located in the Umbria region, the land of the pre-Roman Etruscan civilization. Orvieto is 120 km (75 miles) north of Rome, and 160 km (100 miles) south of Florence.  Umbria, the "Green Heart of Italy", "il Cuore verde d'Italia", one of Italy’s smallest regions, a picturesque and still largely undiscovered treasure, lies in the center of the country, east of Tuscany, north of Lazio and west of the Marches. The CCRI Summer Program in Italy provides a rich educational experience for its participants with a focus on the artistic, intellectual, spiritual and cultural traditions of Umbria and nearby regions.

What to see in Orvieto?

Stroll down narrow medieval alleyways that lead you to the imposing Duomo built during the years 1290-1320. In the Gothic-Romanesque style, the Duomo and its façade, designed by Luca Signorelli, are a mix of marble and mosaics. Inside, one admires Signorelli's frescoes (1499) in San Brizio's Chapel. A few steps from the Duomo, the Papal Palace is now a museum of medieval artifacts. The Pozzo di San Patrizio is a well built in the period 1527-1537 on the orders of Pope Clement VII who sought refuge here during the sacking of Rome. Its famous double staircase winds down into the well (62 meters (200 feet), 248 steps for each ramp). The Temple of Belvedere, near the well of San Patrizio is another site of Etruscan interest. The Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo (1160), a city hall in the Middle Ages, is now a convention center. There is the Etruscan Museum, Museo Faina, in front of the cathedral, and the Etruscan Necropolis del Crocefisso del Tufo just outside the town. Orvieto underground, "Parco delle grotte" is unique and special; and, of course, Orvieto's "piazze" and Corso Cavour can be enjoyed over and over again each evening during our "passeggiata", a nightly ritual conversing with native speakers and  savoring a delicious "gelato".

Program

Classes are held at the Italian Cultural Studies Institute, at GHI as well as during excursions. In addition to the regular classroom instructional hours, participants may opt to take part in "Conversiamo all’aperto", a language practicum with native speakers at local cafés and trattorie.

Courses 

    ● Elementary Italian  I (ITAL 1010-999-3 Credits)

A beginning Italian language course enabling participants to master pronunciation, vocabulary, sentence structures and conversation skills, fostering interaction with the community. Cultural aspects of Italy are emphasized.

    Conversational Italian I (ITAL 1510-999- 3 Credits)

A course to further develop the student’s fluency in spoken Italian. Oral practice includes active use of the language in dialogues, stressing communication and  pronunciation. Cultural readings provide material for conversation and discussion.

    ● Italian Heritage (ITAL 1900-999-3 Credits)

An overview of the historical, artistic and literary development of the Italian culture and civilization from the Fall of the Roman Empire to Modern Italy. Guest lecturers, visits to museums and class discussions highlight  significant aspects of Italian literary, social and artistic life and their contribution  to Western Civilization. Course conducted in English.

    ● Italian Culture-Cuisine  (ITAL 8020- 999- 1 Credit)

The aim of this course is to gain knowledge and appreciation for the vast gastronomic culture of Umbria and nearby regions. Classes will combine a hands-on workshop with lectures on the rich historical, literary and artistic aspects of this marvelous and genuine land, still intact with its purity.
Course conducted in English-Italian.

    ● Italian for Business and Travel ( ITAL 8040- 999- 1 Credit)

This course is designed particularly for employees of travel agencies, those in wholesales/retail or import/export businesses and those individuals who are planning a cultural trip to Italy.  The course is tailored to the needs of the individual who wants to gain knowledge and appreciation of the Italian language and culture expediently.  Emphasis is placed on common verbal expressions for basic communication, such as greetings, lodging, shopping, food, transportation and cultural information about Italian customs and traditions.  Course conducted in English-Italian. [Read more...]

Excursions

Participants will have the opportunity to visit a variety of sites:  museums, art galleries and artesian studios. They will participate in local festivals, called "sagra", unique workshops such as making delicious gelato, learn how to take pictures with professional photographers, make typical Italian dessert with well-known pastry chef, and they will enjoy movie night programs. The 2009 program includes guided excursions to Perugia, Assisi, Bolsena, Civita Bagnoregio, Florence, Rome, Tivoli, and visits to local "agriturismi" .  Optional excursions will be available to Todi, Spoleto, and Bevagna. Participants may opt to attend a play or an "Evening at the Opera" while in Rome, Spoleto or Ferento.

Accommodations

Participants are housed in the Grand Hotel Italia, an elegant landmark building dating back to the Renaissance, conveniently located in the center of Orvieto. The Grand Hotel Italia has comfortable rooms with air-conditioning and a private bath and several terraces with spectacular views of the Umbrian countryside. A buffet breakfast is included.

Meals

Special group meals are included in the program. Students should budget approximately $35.00-$45.00 per day.

Travel Arrangements and Information

Program participants must make their own travel arrangements to and from Italy. Round trip ground transportation, on the day of arrival, between Rome Fiumicino Airport and Orvieto will be available at no extra charge as long as participants travel as a group at the same time.

Participants are strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance. Please check with your travel agent.

Program Cost

3-week program (June 24-July 16, 2009) Program Cost $2,795.00* (Single room supplement $550.00, provided that single accommodations are available).
2-week program (June 24-July 09, 2009)
Program Cost $2,595.00* (Single room supplement $450.00, provided that single accommodations are available).
1-week program (June 24-July 02, 2009)
Program Cost $2,395.00* (Single room supplement $350.00, provided that single accommodations are available).
*(Cost is based on double room occupancy.)

Tuition [Read more ...] payable separately and directly to CCRI Bursar before departure for Italy. 
 

       Included in the program cost:

  • Pre-departure orientations
  • Guest lectures
  • Reading material for courses and excursions
  • 4 star hotel accommodations in Rome & Orvieto
  • Transfer from Orvieto bus stop to Grand Hotel Italia
  • Several dinners in Orvieto and during excursions
  • Field trips and cultural excursions with local certified guides
  • Scheduled admission fees to museums, art galleries and churches
  • Ground transportation
  • Transfer from the airport Leonardo daVinci-Fiumicino-Rome to Orvieto

      Not included in the program cost:

  • Round trip airfare U.S./Rome
  • Excess baggage fees
  • Travel and Medical insurance
  • Tuition and textbooks
  • Tips hotel staff, bus driver, porters
  • Personal expenses, laundry, telephone calls, fax
  • Passport expenses*
  • Additional personal travel expenses before, during and/or after termination of the program
  • Any other additional expenses not included in program cost

    *A passport valid for at least six months after your scheduled return to the United States is required. Passport application forms may be obtained at most post offices.

Enrollment, Cancellation, and Refund Policy

Please read carefully the following Program Enrollment, Cancellation and Refund Policy detailed below.

The Travel Study Program in Italy requires extensive long-term planning. Costs are incurred well in advance of actual departure. We encourage our participants to enroll as early as possible.  Your application will be reviewed in the order in which it is received. Notification of acceptance in the program will be communicated by Program Coordinator/Director.

  • The Application/registration is on-going now. [Read more ... ] Participants may opt to register for the 1, 2 or 3 week program. No knowledge of the Italian language is required. The program welcomes students from CCRI and other universities and adult learners eager to immerse themselves in the Italian language and culture. The application/registration must include a $395.00 deposit, which will be applied toward the cost of the program.

  • Final Payment is due May 4, 2009. Please make a check or money order payable to CCRI in Italy Program.

  • Applications/registrations may be accepted after May 4, 2009 on space-available basis.

  • Participants may audit or enroll for credits. Students enrolled for 3 credits or more must attend the full program (June 24-July 16, 2009).

  • Applicants may be required to attend an interview in addition to completing this application.

  • Students will be registered for their courses upon acceptance into the program. It is a participant's responsibility to pay his/her tuition directly to the CCRI Bursar's office before departure.

  • Participants are strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance when booking their flight.

  • The CCRI Travel Study Program in Italy reserves the right to cancel the summer program prior to departure for insufficient enrollment or other valid reasons. In the event of cancellation by CCRI, a full program refund will be provided.

  • All cancellations by participants must be received in writing and sent via traditional mail.
    If a participant cancels the following policy applies. Charges are calculated as of the day written notification is received:
    90 days before departure: no refund administrative study abroad fee $180.00.
    60-90 days before departure: no refund $395.00 deposit and administrative fee.
    30-60 days before departure: 25% program cost refund, less deposit and administrative fee.
    30 days or less before departure, and after the start of the program in Italy: NO REFUND.


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    Contact InformationPhoto of Maria C. Mansella

     Maria C. Mansella, Professor
     Community College of Rhode Island
     Department of Foreign Languages & Cultures
     400 East Ave.
     Warwick, RI 02886

     Tel. (401) 825-2011/825-2168
     E-mail: mmansella@ccri.edu

    All requirements, courses, itineraries, and fees are subject to change without notice.

    In bocca al lupo!
     

    Link to the CCRI Home Page

    This page developed and maintained by Maria C. Mansella.  Send comments and suggestions to mmansella@ccri.edu © 2003, Community College of Rhode Island
    This page last update 02/18/09