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 review
- Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program
- Students should have previously taken HDFS courses (HDFS 129 or 229) or a PSYCH equivalent (PSYCH 212)
- Although the final deadline for the HDFS program is January 24, 2024, students may be considered by an earlier deadline of December 8, 2023
Program Description
Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is today one of the world's most visited sites. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982 and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Situated in beautiful Tuscany, Florence contains many museums and art galleries, as well as also being one of the top fifty fashion capitals in the world.
This international program in Human Development and Family Studies offers a unique opportunity for students in HDFS and related fields to explore the sights, sounds, history and culture of contemporary Florence, while taking courses on family and childhood in Italy. With activities that include learning to buy fresh fruit and vegetables in the mercato and interacting with children in Italian schools, Penn State students will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Italian life.
Students will take courses led by Penn State faculty members in conjunction with the International Studies Institute at the Palazzo Rucellai in Florence. Classroom work will be enhanced by trips to places of historical and artistic importance, such as Rome, where they will see the magnificent Coliseum, the Forum, the Vatican, and the Pantheon. Other field trips will include Naples and Pompeii, as well as Venice, and other parts of Italy that will allow students to see first-hand the communities that families and children have lived in during the past and live in today.
This program was designed for undergraduate students majoring in Human Development and Family Studies. All the courses being offered can be used as supporting courses for that major. However, students in Early Childhood or Elementary Education would benefit from the program, as would students in Psychology or Sociology, Communication Sciences & Disorders, Biobehavioral Health, Nursing, and other similar programs.
Although the final deadline for the HDFS program is January 24, 2024, students may be considered by an earlier deadline of December 8, 2023 in order to plan accordingly for the Spring semester. If students apply by the early deadline, they will be notified of acceptance early. Any students who do not apply before December 8, will be considered and will receive notification after the January 24 deadline. Please be aware that the program may fill up by the December deadline.
Dates
Summer: May 13 - June 28, 2024
Program Note
This program may have limited space, so we recommend that you identify an appropriate backup program and complete the Education Abroad Backup Questionnaire in your Penn State Application when applying to this program. Should you not be accepted for your first-choice program, you will automatically be reviewed for your backup choice. For help on choosing an appropriate backup, please contact your education abroad adviser.
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 Penn State Global. 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.
