Program Overview
The purpose of this trip is to explore early childhood and elementary teaching as many innovative approaches have come from Italy. By being based in Florence for the entire trip, we will have the opportunity to visit the International School of Florence. We will also visit Reggio Emilia for one day to visit the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre for Children where students will learn about the Reggio Emilia philosophy which is a highly influential approach worldwide. In Florence, students will get the opportunity to visit the famous Uffizi Museum, see the Statue of David at the Accademia Gallery and explore so many other historical sites. Further information about this program is available from the individual program leaders noted below as well as the Office for Global Engagement (Spotts World Culture Building-Room 002C-Ground Level).
Enrollment in an associated spring 2024 course is
not required for this program. As such, students are
not eligible to explore financial aid eligibility to offset the costs associated with this program. In addition, graduating seniors are
not eligible to participate in this program unless they will continue their enrollment at SRU in credit bearing summer courses or an SRU graduate program in the fall.
This program will be capped at 20 student participants. Applications will be reviewed and approved on a first come-first serve basis.
Faculty Leader Information
Dr. Michelle Amodei
Elementary Education and Early Childhood
017 Carruth Rizza Hall
michelle.amodei@sru.edu
Dr. Laura Strong
Elementary Education and Early Childhood
104 McKay Education Building
laura.strong@sru.edu
Program Timeline
| Timeline |
Important Dates |
| Fall publicity begins |
September, October, November |
| Apply for your passport |
At the time of application-Please don't wait! (On average passports take 3 months to be processed) |
| Student applications & application fee due |
November 17, 2023 (Programs may close for applications earlier than the deadline if the number of completed applications exceeds the number of spots open on the program.) |
| Official acceptances announced |
Last week of November/First week of December |
| Mandatory-Pre-Departure meetings with participants |
Early December |
| Students billed for program fees |
Early December with spring 2024 billing |
| Airline reservations confirmed |
Mid January (flights are non-refundable once confirmed) |
| Pre-Departure meetings with Directors |
Mid January/February/March/April/May |
| Group departs |
Early May 2024 (exact date TBA) |
| Group returns |
Mid May 2024 (exact date TBA) |
Costs
A
non-refundable application fee of $100.00 is due at the time of application. The application fee is a $100.00 non-refundable administrative fee covering currency fluctuations and wire transfer fees.
This program is not associated with a spring 2024 course. As such, students are not eligible to explore financial aid eligibility to offset the costs associated with this program. Graduating seniors are
not eligible to participate in this program unless they will continue their enrollment at SRU in credit bearing summer courses or an SRU graduate program in the fall.
Estimated Costs: $2,500.00 (estimated-final price will be confirmed at the time of billing)
Cost includes:
- International airfare
- Most program activities/site visits and excursions
- Shared accommodations
- Most breakfasts in country except on days of departures
- In-country transportation
Not included in the program cost above:
- Basic international travel insurance-estimated at $14 per week of travel
- Any baggage fees charged by the airlines-estimated at $50-$75.00 per checked in bag
- Personal spending money-we recommend an estimated $500.00-$600.00 in personal spending money to cover meals beyond breakfasts and incidentals including personal shopping. This estimate is determined by previous student reports of personal spending and may vary by participant.
- Vaccine/Health related expenses
Health and Safety
For general safety and security information for students abroad visit
U.S. Students Abroad.
For information regarding health related travel guidance visit the
CDC. **Vaccines are the financial responsibility of the program participants and not covered in the above costs.**
To learn more about international travel in this country,
click here.