Program Overview
This faculty led program provides a quick, fun, and affordable way to combine studies with international travel. This exciting experience in Italy will focus on a holistic view of health, which will likely be welcomed by students at the end of the academic year.
Health is not a boring subject when you learn about and experience it in settings like Venice, Florence, Pisa, Rome, Sienna, Vatican City, and Tuscany countryside vineyards. A holistic view of health includes physical health, mental health, social health, spiritual health, intellectual health and emotional health. You will be immersed in the beautiful Italian landscape and the many historic cultural sites to experience contributing factors to good health and well-being in the context of Italian culture. We will enjoy Italian cuisine, walk through historic streets, visit Venice canals, explore many fascinating cultural sites and some of the world’s most famous architecture, take a mindful walking tour through Boboli Gardens, and visit a UPMC hospital in Rome. Dr. Jordan and Dr. Golden have taken students to Italy many times, and inevitably it becomes one of their favorite life experiences.
Further information about this program is available from the individual program leaders noted below as well as the Study Abroad Office now located in room 247 in the Smith Student Center.
This program is not associated with a spring 2026 course. As such, participants are not eligible to explore financial aid eligibility for this experience.
Faculty Leader Information
Dr. David Jordan
Dr. John Golden
Program Timeline
| Timeline |
Important Dates |
| Program Recruitment |
September, October, November |
| Apply for your passport |
ASAP (Please don't delay!) |
| Student applications & application fee due |
November 18, 2025 (or sooner if the application cap is met sooner than the application deadline.) |
| Official acceptances announced |
Mid-November or sooner if the program application cap is met. |
| Mandatory-Pre-Departure meetings with participants |
Student meetings may begin in December and will continue throughout the Spring 2026 semester. |
| Students billed for program fees |
Mid December 2025 |
| Airline reservations confirmed |
Mid January 2026
Once the flights reservations are confirmed, flights costs are non-refundable. |
| Group departs |
Tentatively May 11, 2026 |
| Group returns |
Tentatively May 19, 2026 |
Costs
A non-refundable application fee of
$100.00 will be paid at the time of application. The application fee is a $100.00 non-refundable administrative fee to cover wire transfer fees as well as currency fluctuations.
This program is not associated with a spring 2026 course. As such, participants are not eligible to explore financial aid eligibility for this experience.
Estimated Costs: $2,985 (estimated cost-final cost will be confirmed in December and at the time of billing)
Cost includes:
Round Trip International airfare
Most program activities/site visits and excursions
Shared accommodations in a hotel (2-4 students per room)
Most breakfasts except on air travel days
In-country transportation to all program sponsored activities
Not included in the program cost above:
Basic international travel insurance-estimated at $16 per week of travel. Participants will purchase this insurance during the spring semester during orientation
Any baggage fees charged by the airlines-estimated at $50-$75.00 per checked in bag
Personal spending money-we recommend an estimated $700.00 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.
Entry visa costs (if applicable)-estimated between $15-$30
Vaccine/Health related expenses
Health and Safety
For general safety and security information for students abroad visit
U.S. Students Abroad.
For information regarding vaccines and medicines 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.