Program Overview
The goal of this program is to prepare leaders for a global society through immersion in a setting that is impacted by the surrounding community and circumstances. Italy’s rich history and welcoming environment provide a unique destination for cultural immersion and leadership development. Traveling to Italy would allow students the opportunity to learn about the education system, experience the strong influence of art & music, and explore the lush landscape.
This travel opportunity will provide students with the perfect combination of learning and firsthand experiences, helping students to understand the world around them, from cultures and languages to economies and social systems. This program will allow students to step outside their comfort zone, experience Italian culture, expand their knowledge, and see the world from a different perspective.
Enrollment in an associated spring 2025 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. Graduating seniors are not eligible for this program unless they will be enrolled in summer courses to complete their degree or an SRU graduate program in the fall. The program will be capped at 20 student participants. Applications will be reviewed and approved in the order that they are completed and received.
Further information is available from the individual program leaders below as well as SRU Study Abroad in Smith Student Center-Room 247.
Faculty Leader Information
Aubrey Rader
Assistant Director-Student Engagement & Leadership
239 Smith Student Center
aubrey.rader@sru.edu
Patrick Beswick
Director of Student Engagement & Leadership
246 Smith Student Center
patrick.beswick@sru.edu
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
. Graduating seniors are not eligible to participate in this program unless they are enrolled in summer courses to complete their undergraduate studies at SRU or enrolled in an SRU graduate program beginning in the fall 2026 semester.
Estimated Costs: $2,750.00 (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
Two group meals
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 (where 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.