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managua - liberal arts

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naples - liberal arts

Study in Italy
naples - classical studies

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berlin - language + culture

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perth - sustainability + the environment

Is this program right for you?

This program is designed for students with 0-3 semesters of Italian language, who want to be immersed in the culture of their host country by studying in a small and untouristed Renaissance city.  Students will improve their Italian language skills, but will take content courses in English.

Program Snapshot

  • Italian language immersion through an intensive Italian language course, whether you are at a beginning or intermediate level
  • Courses in English concerning contemporary and historic Italian issues
  • Cultural and educational activities such as visits to local festivals, art museums, cathedrals, and group dinners
  • Excursions to cultural attractions in the renaissance city of Ferrara
  • Field trips to nearby cities such as Mantua, Bologna, Siena, Pisa, and Ravenna

Subject Areas

  • Art
  • Art History
  • Cultural Studies
  • Culture (host country)
  • Gender Studies
  • History
  • Italian Culture
  • Italian Language
  • Language (host country)
  • Language, Literature, Culture (host country)
  • Literature
  • Literature (host country)
  • Political Science

About Ferrara

The beautiful renaissance city of Ferrara is close to Bologna, midway between Venice and Florence, yet it is 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, ride a bicycle to class just like the locals, and visit Ferrara’s outstanding museums. The city is extremely safe, clean, and accessible, and has a small-town feel yet boasts world-class art treasures and exhibits.

Where You'll Study

University of Ferrara

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. There is a 16-km path on top of the city walls and another 25-km path below the city walls surrounding the city of Ferrara.

Thoughts From Abroad

Ferrara is a university town where the pace of life is comfortable and pleasant; where the food is local, genuine, and delicious; and where bikes are the most popular mode of transportation. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, yet is not on the tourist map. Its quiet streets have renaissance palazzos, shops, and numerous churches. The town has a medieval and a renaissance quarter, both of which have survived virtually intact.

For those students who would like to learn and practice Italian every day around town, Ferrara is the place to be, no matter your language level. The three-week intensive Italian course at the beginning of the semester will get you off to a good start linguistically, while you explore the city, participate in group activities and excursions, acclimate yourself to the university, and get to know some locals. In Ferrara, you won’t meet another English speaker on every street corner.

The semester content courses offered vary widely, and you’re sure to find something that interests you. If you love the arts, consider taking a course on the Italian Renaissance. If you’re a business student, take the class on Italy and the EU.

As time goes by, you will feel more and more comfortable in Ferrara, and, like me, it’s possible you won’t want to leave.

— Richard Chapman, Resident Director

Staff Bios

Richard Chapman, Resident Director, 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 Masters 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.

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

Recommended Credit

semester: 15 semester/22.5 quarter hours
academic year: 30 semester/45 quarter hours

Eligibility Requirements

  • Overall GPA 2.75
  • 0–3 semesters of college-level Italian or equivalent

Program Dates

Fall 20099/2/2009 - 12/12/2009
Academic Year 2009-109/2/2009 - 5/15/2010
Spring 20101/13/2010 - 5/15/2010

Application Deadlines

Fall 20094/1/2009
Academic Year 2009-104/1/2009
Spring 201011/1/2009

Click here to check for deadline extensions.

Duration

Fall 200914 weeks
early September - mid-December
Academic Year 2009-1032 weeks
early September - mid-May
Spring 201014 weeks
early January - mid-May

CIEE Costs

CIEE program fees, inclusions, and estimated additional costs, are outlined below. Please note that CIEE reserves the right to adjust its fees in the event of significant change in exchange rates or other factors beyond its control. The actual cost of the programs may vary slightly for students from different institutions.

For comprehensive fee breakdowns and estimated additional costs, click the costs below:

  • Fall 2009 $13,900
    The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, orientation, cultural activities, local and regional excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.*Students in the homestay option have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the residence option.

    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 below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$10,526
    Housing*$3,300
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$13,900

    The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, orientation, cultural activities, local and regional excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.*Students in the homestay option have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the residence option.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below 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.

    Potential Travel to Consulate for Visa$400
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,650
    Personal Expenses$2,200
    Meals (residence halls)**$2,000
    Books and Supplies$150
    Local Public Transportation$300
    Visa Fee (average)$110
    Total$6,810

    **Additional meals for homestay students are estimated at $700 per semester.


  • Academic Year 2009-10 $25,000
    The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, orientation, cultural activities, local and regional excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.*Students in the homestay option have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee.  No meals are included in the residence option.

    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 below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$18,326
    Housing*$6,600
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$25,000

    The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, orientation, cultural activities, local and regional excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.*Students in the homestay option have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee.  No meals are included in the residence option.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below 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.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,650
    Meals (residence halls)**$4,000
    Personal Expenses$4,400
    Books and Supplies$300
    Local Public Transportation$600
    Visa Fee (average)$110
    Potential Travel to Consulate for Visa$400
    Total$11,460

    **Additional meals for homestay students are estimated at $700 per semester.


  • Spring 2010 $13,900
    The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, orientation, cultural activities, local and regional excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. *Students in the homestay option have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the residence option.

    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 below.

    Housing (Residence Option)*$3,290
    Medical Insurance$74
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$10,536
    Total$13,900

    The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, orientation, cultural activities, local and regional excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. *Students in the homestay option have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the residence option.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below 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.

    Potential Travel to Consulate for Visa$400
    Visa Fee (average)$100
    Transportation (round trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,650
    Meals (Residence Option)**$2,000
    Books and Supplies$150
    Personal Expenses$2,200
    Local Public Transportation$300
    Total$6,800

    **Additional meals for homestay students are estimated at $700 per semester.


Scholarship Information

For a complete list of scholarships available, please vist our Scholarships section.