Overview
Eligibility
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 2.5 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application
- Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program
- 0-3 semesters of college-level Italian language
Program Description
Total cultural immersion in the heart of Italy is the cornerstone of the Todi program. Since 1986, families in Todi have been welcoming Penn State students into their homes during the six-week program. The experience provides students with a chance to become part of the fabric of the family and of the town. Since few residents speak English, students also have the opportunity for continuous language development. Todi is a picturesque Umbrian town with a history dating back to Etruscan times. The historic center, with 6,000 residents, is built on a hill, sits around an intact medieval piazza, and includes outstanding examples of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
The program is designed to combine classroom studies with travel through famous Italian cultural treasures: churches, museums, and archaeological sites. The instructors will meet the students at the airport in Rome and the group will travel together to Todi, where they will be based for the duration of the program. From there, day trips are tentatively planned to cities such as Tarquinia, Assisi, Ravenna, Siena, Pienza, and Urbino. Extended trips to other Italian cities are also on the itinerary. While site visits are considered extensions of the classroom experience, they are structured to allow independent exploration too. At the end of the program, the group will travel back to Rome together where they will spend the last days of the program.
All participants will take 8 or 9 credits, depending on the Italian course they enroll in. Equivalent competency may substitute for specific course prerequisites. Students will be charge tuition according to the number of credits they take.
International students who are interested in studying in Italy during the summer semester should contact the Education Abroad Adviser for Italy concerning the immigration processes for international students.
Dates
Summer: May 13 - June 24, 2023
Program Costs
Summer Costs
For more information on program costs, please be sure to review the budget sheet. These budget sheets include information on costs that are billable to the bursar bill, as well as estimated additional costs. Costs vary by program, so it is important to review this information carefully.
Please note that tuition rates may vary depending on major and class standing.
Scholarships
The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Global Programs. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.
Student Aid
Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid.
Withdrawal & Refund Policy
Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies.
After Commitment
Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred.
Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. For faculty-led freestanding programs, there is a specific withdrawal penalty schedule.
Education Abroad makes every attempt at keeping the program and administrative costs to a minimum. However, when you commit to participating in a program, Education Abroad begins to make financial commitments on your behalf. In case of withdrawal, the following fees will be charged to your Bursar account
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Upon Commitment - 90 Days Prior to Departure: 25% Program Fee + EA Admin Fee
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30 - 89 Days Prior to Departure: 50% Program Fee + EA Admin Fee
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29 Days - Departure Date: 100% Program Fee + EA Admin Fee
Following the start of the summer semester, any adjustment of tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. More information can be found on the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
After the Start of the Program
If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.
For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
