liberal arts

Quick Info

By Term

• Fall 2013
• Spring 2013
• Spring 2014
• Academic year 2013-2014

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Program Overview

Spend a semester or year improving your Italian language skills and knowledge of contemporary and historical Italy in one of its most beautiful, renaissance towns.

Whether you’re an intermediate or advanced level Italian student, CIEE study abroad in Ferrara offers intensive coursework, homestay options, and cultural activities that will provide you with a challenging and truly immersive international experience.

Study abroad in Italy and you will:

• Study in a program that offers highly effective and innovative Italian language teaching for intermediate- to advanced-level language students
• Speak Italian every day in a true Italian environment
• Visit local festivals, art museums, and cathedrals; and join in group dinners
• Get to know nearby cities such as Mantua, Bologna, Siena, Venice, Verona, and Padua
• Enroll in university courses and study alongside Italians if you have advanced language skills

The CIEE Difference

Coursework

With three sections of language courses, ranging from intermediate to advanced high, you’ll find a course of study that perfectly suits your needs and abilities. You’ll also have access to a host of English-language electives on a variety of topics from history, art, and cinema to contemporary Italian literature, and culinary arts.

Excursions

Ferrara’s physical ambience was greatly influenced during the Renaissance period and is home to many museums, cathedrals, and spectacular architecture. The academic program is supplemented with excursions to these local places of interest and cultural activities including festivals and group dinners. Students are grouped by language level wherever possible. In addition, field trips to nearby cities such as Mantua, Siena, and Bologna provide you with a unique insight into the region.

Homestay

One of the greatest ways to immerse yourself in Italian culture is to live with a local family. Through limited homestay options, CIEE offers you the opportunity to drastically improve your language skills, experience authentic Italian culture, and custom and form relationships that endure long after your completion of the program.

Dates, Deadlines & Fees

We want to make sure you get the most out of your experience when you study abroad with CIEE, which is why we offer the most inclusions in our fees.

• Tuition and housing
• Pre-departure advising and optional on-site airport meet and greet
• Full-time program leadership and support
• Field trips and cultural activities
• CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits

Please note, program dates are subject to change. Please contact your CIEE Study Abroad Advisor before purchasing airfare. Click the button to view more detailed information about dates and fees.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Fall 2013 (14 wks)

Extended to: 05/15/2013

09/04/2013

12/14/2013

$16,850

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$13,148

Housing ***

$3,300

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** Includes two meals per day for homestay students. No meals are included in the residence option.

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee *

$2,250

International Airfare **

$1,550

Local Transportation

$175

Books & Supplies

$150

Visa Fees ***

$100

Personal expenses

$2,200

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* for students staying in the residence option. Homestay students should budget $950 per semester for meals not included in fees.

** round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

*** average cost

Spring 2013 (18 wks)

11/15/2012

01/09/2013

05/12/2013

$16,850

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$13,148

Housing ***

$3,300

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** Includes two meals per day for homestay students. No meals are included in the residence option.

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee *

$2,250

International Airfare **

$1,550

Local Transportation

$175

Books & Supplies

$150

Visa Fees ***

$100

Personal expenses

$2,200

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* for students staying in the residence option. Homestay students should budget $950 per semester for meals not included in fees.

** round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

*** average cost

Spring 2014

11/01/2013

to be announced

to be announced

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

Estimated Additional Costs

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

Academic year 2013-2014

Extended to: 05/15/2013

09/04/2013

to be announced

$32,100

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$25,098

Housing ***

$6,600

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** Includes two meals per day for homestay students. No meals are included in the residence option.

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee *

$4,500

International Airfare **

$1,550

Local Transportation

$350

Books & Supplies

$300

Visa Fees ***

$100

Personal expenses

$4,400

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* for students staying in the residence option. Homestay students should budget $950 per semester for meals not included in fees.

** round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

*** average cost

Eligibility

• Overall GPA 2.75
• 4 semesters of college-level Italian or the equivalent

Recommended Credit

Total recommended credit for the semester is 15–17 semester/22.5–25.5 quarter hours and 30–32 semester/45–48 quarter hours for the academic year.

Course contact hours are 45 and recommended credit for all courses is 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours per course, unless otherwise indicated.

Program Requirements

All study abroad students enroll in a required, intensive Italian language course at the start of the semester. Following the intensive language course, all students are required to continue their Italian language study at the appropriate level throughout the semester and select three content courses taught in Italian with Italian texts. Students with a very high language level may audit select courses at the University of Ferrara. This can be arranged with the resident director upon arrival in Ferrara.

About The City

The beautiful Renaissance city of Ferrara is close to Bologna, midway between Venice and Florence, yet relatively unknown to tourists. Shaped over the centuries by the River Po, Ferrara was one of the centers of the Italian renaissance in the 15th and 16th centuries. Today, you can walk the city walls that surround Ferrara—there is a nine km path on top of the wall and a 15 km path below the wall, ride a bicycle to class just like the locals, and visit Ferrara’s outstanding museums. The city is extremely safe, clean, and accessible with a small-town feel, yet boasts world-class art treasures and exhibits.

Meet The Staff

Richard Chapman

Richard Chapman was born in Wales and has been a resident of Ferrara since 1994. He received his undergraduate degree in history from the University of Cambridge and his Master’s in English Language Teaching and Professional Development from the University of East Anglia, UK. He has taught English as a foreign language since 1987 in both Italy and England. Since 1999, he has taught English in the Department of Languages at the University of Ferrara.

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Ferrara è la città ideale per gli studenti che vogliono non solo migliorare il loro italiano, ma anche inserirlo in un contesto pratico e quotidiano.

Dopo i tre giorni di orientation durante i quali lo staff del centro vi dirà tutto ciò di cui avrete bisogno per cominciare la vostra esperienza al meglio, comincerete il corso intensivo di lingua della durata di duesettimane. In questo periodo, quando dovrete concentrarvi solo sul fronte linguistico, avrete il tempo di esplorare la città, partecipare ad attività di gruppo ed escursioni, trarre vantaggio dalle strutture universitarie, e magari anche fare qualche nuova amicizia.

La curiosità riguardo agli stranieri è ancora presente a Ferrara, e nonostante la presenza di molti studenti europei e non, non sentirete certo parlare inglese ad ogni angolo. Una volta adattati, i corsi di contenuto vi impegneranno in una vasta gamma di nozioni: se amate l’arte, non potete perdere la classe sul Rinascimento, mentre se preferite le materie meno classiche il corso di Cinema Italiano fa al caso vostro.

Con il passare del tempo vi sentirete sempre più a vostro agio in un ambiente che vi era estraneo fino ad un paio di mesi prima. E’ possibile che non vogliate andarvene. E non sarà solo per il cibo eccellente e la gentilezza delle persone... è pura magia.

— Richard Chapman, Resident Director

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Riccardo Rossi

Riccardo Rossi is Ferrara born and has worked with CIEE since the inception of the program. Riccardo is responsible for all administrative aspects of the program.

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Patrizia Turchi

PatriziaTurchi, Housing and Student Services Coordinator, studied special needs education and play therapy in Italy and in the UK. Her work experience has centered on learning support for pupils and families.

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Where You'll Study

The University of Ferrara was founded in 1391. Faculties and departments include history, philosophy, languages and literatures, education, law, and natural sciences, among others. There are approximately 12,000 students enrolled, with a teaching staff of 600. CIEE students have access to the University’s libraries, computers, student canteen, sports facilities, playing fields, tennis courts, and gymnasium.

Housing & Meals

Housing, in apartments or homestays, is included in the study abroad program fee. Homestay, including two meals per day, are located in and outside the city center. Living in a homestay is a great opportunity to experience how Italians live firsthand, but requires a commitment on the part of the student. Families that welcome American students in their home may be interested in U.S. culture and enjoy the opportunity to house foreign students and the possibility of cultural exchange that it offers. Students who choose a homestay must adapt to a different daily schedule and new ways of dealing with day-to-day issues. Homestay opportunities are liminted and CIEE cannot guarantee a student’s first choice housing placement.

Students staying in the apartments share a double room and shared bathroom and kitchen facilities with another CIEE student.

Orientations

You'll begin your study abroad experience in Ferrara even before leaving home by participating in a CIEE online pre-departure orientation. Meeting with students online, the resident director shares information about the program and site, highlighting issues that alumni have said are important, and giving you time to ask questions. The online orientation allows you to connect with others in the group, reflect on what you want to get out of the program, and learn what others in the group would like to accomplish. CIEE’s aim for the pre-departure orientation is simple—to help you understand more about the program, and to identify your objectives so that you arrive well-informed and return home having made significant progress towards your goals.

Each semester begins with a mandatory three-day orientation session organized by CIEE resident staff. It includes an academic orientation, introduction to Italian customs and culture, information on personal safety, and cultural activities throughout Ferrara. During this time, you'll begin your intensive Italian language instruction. Ongoing support is providedby CIEE staff on an individual and group basis throughout the program.

Internet

You are encouraged to bring a wirless-enabled laptop. Internet access is not guaranteed at homestays; however, you will be able to access the Internet at the university and CIEE Study Center. You will be given a University of Ferrara email address and be able to use the computers, free of charge, at the University of Ferrara‘s computer labs, but please note these labs have limited hours. Past students have purchased wireless keys which have resolved the issue where Internet is not available.

Academics

The CIEE Study Center in Ferrara opened in 2003 and the Liberal Arts study abroad program began in spring 2006. This program is designed for students with intermediate to advanced Italian language skills with a strong interest in immersing themselves in the language and culture of Italy through intensive Italian language study and content courses taught in Italian. Students with a very high level of Italian also have the opportunity to enroll in a regular university course at the University of Ferrara.

Academic Culture

The courses are designed for U.S. undergraduates, and the teaching and learning methods will be familiar to most students from the U.S. However, all classes are taught by local faculty and require students to work independently outside the classroom. Learning takes place through a coherent blend of lectures, group seminars, visits, and practical work. Most U.S. students consider the courses to be rigorous in comparison to courses at their home universities. Classes take place Monday through Friday.

Nature of Classes

All CIEE classes are with CIEE students only, and not with Italian students. Students may also audit courses in the University on request.

CIEE Community Language Commitment

Students take part in the CIEE Community Language Commitment by speaking Italian at all times (except in emergencies). This fosters a learning community that contributes to both Italian language proficiency and understanding of Italian society.

Grading System

Assessment is based on the students’ overall performance. Each professor evaluates CIEE students based on class participation and academic work, including essays and examinations, throughout the semester. All courses have writing assignments. Students may have a written final examination and/or written paper. Assessment for course grades are explained on individual course syllabi. Language courses tend to have written tests and numerous writing assignments.

Language of Instruction

Italian

Faculty

Course Description

Program Blog

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