Education in Italy and America
Location: Florence, Italy

 
 

Department: Technology

Leaders: Dr. Julie Chadd

Subjects
: Education

   
  Terms/Timeframe: Spring Break - 3/12/11 to 3/20/11 (overseas) with course meetings on-campus 2/25, 2/26, and 4/23
   
 

Language: English

  Credits:1-3
 


Budget: Cost Breakdown

 
Eligibility
:
 

Good Academic Standing
Good Judicial Standing

   
  Application Deadlines:
 
December 3, 2010 (before noon)
   
  Application Materials:
 

EIU Program Application (Faculty-led Programs)

Basics for Faculty-led Programs (step by step from application to realization)

 

Academic Program

Come with us to beautiful Florence, Italy where you will explore the educational system of Italy through first-hand experiences.  Compare America's educational system to that of Italy's while learning about some of the oldest family companies of Florence.  Tour the city of Florence and learn about the architecture throughout the city.  Visit some of the world's foremost museums inlcuding the Uffizi and the Academia (home of Michelangelo's David).

"I think everyone, especially future educators, need to go on a study abroad program because it really opens your eyes to different cultures and experiences. It really was a fantastic experience!"--Kathleen Kash, Spring 2010 participant

"Touring the countryside was probably the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen, and I now have a stamped image that will never be forgotten. With this program, I was not only able to grow professionally as a teacher, but also personally." --Kayla Kuhring, Spring 2011 participant

"The staff at FUA was amazing, so friendly and knowledgable. They had our whole week planned out for us and they gave us a great variety of things to see and places to go!" --Kelsey Kruse, Spring 2011 participant

Domes of Florence

Activities / Itinerary

The course is for a total of two (2) credits.  Approximately three weeks before departure there will be a weekend class held at EIU.  The focus of this class is to prepare the students for the learning environment and the course expectations.  An orientation to Italy and Florence as well as instruction setting the framework for the academic content of the program will be included during this weekend class.  Assignment of research topis that support the onside program will be done at this time.  The credits earned will count as elective credit in the major.  Students may also earn credit for STG4000 (1 hour) if they are in the Regular Education Program.  The program will be offered in Florence, Italy with the Florence University of the Arts.  The students will be provided the opportunity to tour schools, sit in on classes, and interview teachers and students about their experiences while in Florence.

Tentative Itinerary
March 12            
AM         Depart from Chicago

March 13            
AM         Arrive in Florence, Italy
AM         Orientation and Walking Tour of School Facility
PM         Introduction to City of Florence and Its Renaissance and Architectural Walking Tour followed by Visit to Academy Gallery
PM         Welcome Dinner

March 14            
AM         Lecture:  Assessment
PM         Kindergarten with Focus of English as Second Language Visit

March 15            
AM         Public High School Visit with Lunch
PM         High School Specialization

March 16            
AM/PM Day Trip to Montepulciano Pienza and Bindella Winery – Food and Wine Tasting  

March 17            
AM         Lecture:  Language Learning and Culture
PM         Lecture:  Italian Education System
PM         Lecture and Cooking Class:  Importance of Pasta in Italian Diet

March 18            
AM         Local Elementary School Visit
PM         Farewell Dinner

March 20            
AM         Depart from Florence
PM         Arrive in Chicago


Enrollment/Credit

Make course/substitution selections on your EIU Program Application. The credit hours associated with your selections may not exceed the credit hours allocated for this program: 1-3

Below are the choices available for this program:

Course Number: AET 3970 (CourseID 4657)

Approved Substitute: None
Course Number: STG4000 (CourseID 4673)
Approved Substitute: None

Housing

Students and faculty will be housed at a hotel located in the Renaissance Centre of Florence.  The hotel is comfortable with a staff on duty 24 hours per day.  Breakfast is provided.  Each room has a private bath, and the hotel has an elevator.  It is conveniently located within walking distance of the school.

Orientations

At least two pre-departure orientations will be provided and are required for all participants.

Your faculty leader will hold one of these orientations, where he/she will cover information on safety, health, legal, environmental, political, cultural, and religious conditions in the host country(ies), as well as planning logistics.

The Office of Study Abroad (OSA) will hold the other orientation. They will cover general information about traveling abroad to different areas of the world and facilitate a panel discussion composed of students who have already participated in faculty-led study abroad programs.

Necessary Documents

Passport
To enter a foreign country, you must have a valid passport. If you are a U.S. citizen and do not currently have a valid passport, or if your passport will expire during the time you will be overseas, please go to the U.S. State Department web site for information on how to apply for/renew your passport.

You are strongly encouraged to read the U.S. State Department's Consular Information Sheet on your host countries. It will provide you with a great deal of information to help you prepare for your trip.

**Please be aware that you are responsible for obtaining the most up-to-date information on entry requirements. The Office of Study Abroad only provides general information, as visa regulations and procedures are constantly changing. Please consult the Consulate for more information. **