Structure: Two Semesters
Travel Portion:
2025 (FULL):
Start: Monday, May 5
End: Sunday, May 25
Price (airfare not included): $4,400 $3,200
Overview
Why participate?
The Grand Tour was a traditional trip through Europe for the upper class. The custom of embarking in this educational journey, started in the 17th century and lasted for centuries. Italy was the key destination of the Grand Tour. Nowadays Italy is still one of the most visited countries in the world and during our study abroad 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, you will be touched by the lives destroyed by a sudden eruption in Pompei, you will be overwhelmed by architectonical beauty and timeless art.
Students will also reflect on how tourism has been changed in the last 300 years. Men have been traveling near and far since the antiquity, feeding the human desire of discovery, but the Grand Tour will start a new concept of tourism that is still lasting nowadays. Traveling in the course will expand the students’ awareness and understanding of multicultural perspectives. In order to acquire the necessary knowledge of Italian culture and traditions before traveling in Italy during Summer A, students will be exposed to virtual Italy through Google Arts & Culture App.
Course focus
- Italian Culture
- History
- Tourism
- Food
- COURSE SYLLABUS: 2025 Syllabus
Program information
- Spring 2025 (on campus): IDH 4007 (3 credits) - MMC, Wednesdays, 2:00PM-4:30PM
- Summer A 2025 (abroad): IDH 4008 (3 credits) - May 5-May 25, 2025
Program highlights
- Walking through the Colosseum and Roman Forum
- Biking on the Appia Antica
- Boating on the Arno River and Burchiello River
- Cooking class in Chianti region
- Visiting the Venetian islands of Murano and Burano
What is included
- 20 nights in handpicked accommodations with breakfast included
- Train transportation between cities
- Ferries to Murano and Burano
- Guided tours of historic monuments & museums
- Boat tours of Renaioli and Burchiello rivers
- Bike tour of the Appian Way
- Cheese & cold cuts tasting in Tuscany
- Cooking class
- International travel medical insurance
- English-speaking tour guide for some activities
- Few meals
- 24/7 support from Faculty Director & Program Assistant
- Admission to Colosseum, Roman Forum, Borghese Gallery, and so much more
What is not included
- Hotel city taxes (approximately €3 to €10 per night). Must be paid in cash at hotels
- Airfare arriving to Rome, Italy and returning from Verona, Italy
- $195.00 Education Abroad administrative fee (OEA Fee)
- FIU in-state tuition (6 credits, $205.57 per credit)
- Passport, visa, and other necessary documents
- Personal expenses
Key:
(#) = number of nights
Itinerary
Itinerary is subject to change. 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"
Day 1-6: Roma
Students arrive to Roma. Highlights include guided visit of Colosseum and Roman Forum, guided bike tour of Appia Antica, and entry to Borghese Gallery and picnic in park
Day 7-13: Firenze
Travel by train to Firenze. Highlights include visit Boboli Gardens, boat ride on Arno river with light aperitivo on baord, cooking class in Chianti region, guided tour of Capezzana, tasting of typical cheese and cold cuts in Pienza, and guided tour of artisanal labs
Day 14-21: Verona
Travel by train to Verona. Highlights include Burchiello river boat ride, and goodbye dinner. Plus, day trips to Venezia, Padua with visit to Cappella degli Scrovegni, Murano, and Burano. End of program
Faculty Director
Magda Novelli Pearson
Dr. Magda Novelli Pearson is the Italian Program coordinator at FIU. She oversees three Study Abroad Programs in Italy. Advisor of the Italian club and FIU Teaching Professor. 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.
Dr. 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 University of Perugia (Italy). Prof. Novelli was 2022 FIU Top Scholar awardee in the category of Global Engaged and Culturally Responsive Teaching.
Finally, she collaborates with the Italian Consulate in Miami in order to support and promote Italian language and culture in local K-12 schools.
2025 Payment Schedule
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1st Payment (Deposit)* |
2nd Program Payment* |
Spring 2025 |
3rd Program Payment* |
Education Abroad Fee* |
Summer A 2025 |
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*Payments are non-refundable & non-transferrable