Program Overview
The Grand Tour of Italy
Italy remains one of the most visited countries in the world and during our study abroad program you will find out why. You will step into the past to better understand the present; you will be wondering in the arena where gladiators were fighting for their freedom, and you will be overwhelmed by architectonical beauty and timeless art.
In IDH 4007, you will be exposed to Italian culture and traditions before traveling, utilizing specialized virtual sessions through the Google Arts & Culture App.
You will then embark on a journey mankind has been taking since antiquity in IDH 4008. The Grand Tour was a traditional trip through Europe for the upper class, with Italy as the key destination. By directly experiencing Italian life and culture in person, you will feed the human desire for discovery while raising your awareness and understanding of multicultural perspectives.
Program Start: Monday, May 10, 2027
Program End: Sunday, May 30, 2027
Application opens soon
The 2027 Honors Study Abroad application window opens September 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. EDT.
Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until January 8, 2027, or until all spaces are filled.
PROGRAM DETAILS
What you'll be doing
- Biking along the city walls of Lucca
- Touring the Royal Palace of Venaria
- Touring the Vatican Museums with a professional guide
- Visiting one of Tuscany’s most beautiful medieval towns, San Gimignano
It is a living document, meaning that scheduled Free Time may be utilized for in-person quizzes, class meetings, and/or class days. Students should always consult with their Faculty Director prior to scheduling plans during Free Time.
Cost & Aid
- 20 nights in handpicked accommodations with breakfast included
- Train transportation between cities
- Activities and excursions
- International travel medical insurance
- English-speaking tour guide for some activities
- 24/7 support from Faculty Director & Program Assistant
- Admission to Colosseum, Roman Forum, Villa D'Este, and so much more
Your Faculty Director
Magda Novelli Pearson, DML, is a Teaching Professor and the Italian Program coordinator at FIU. She oversees three Study Abroad Programs in Italy and serves as the advisor of the Italian club. She holds a DML (Doctorate in Modern Languages) from Middlebury College and her research focuses on modern Italian literature, Italian cinematography, aesthetics of Italian villas and gardens and history of fashion.
Professor Pearson has had many years of experience teaching Italian, and she has also partnered with Universities in Italy, Canada, and China for Collaborative Online International Learning. She oversees the CELI exams in cooperation with the University of Perugia. She was the 2022 FIU Top Scholar awardee in the category of Global Engaged and Culturally Responsive Teaching.
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