A Typical Semester

After an initial orientation, where students get to know the faculty and staff and receive information regarding the semester course of study, the semester proceeds with a three-week period dedicated to Italian instruction, visiting service sites, and getting to know the host families.

Academic courses begin in the fourth week of the program, at which time the daily schedule of Italian instruction is reduced to provide time for classroom learning and individual study in the various academic subjects. Throughout the semester, students are offered the opportunity to spend a few hours each week in a service learning/community service projects in a variety of areas, such as health care, education, or immigrant and refugee assistance.