Study Abroad Italy - University Semester Programs

Istituto Internazionale Di Studi Classici Di Orvieto:
The "Istituto Internazionale di Studi Classici di Orvieto" in Orvieto, Italy, is a fully accredited study abroad program for spring, summer and fall semesters. Its focus is on classical studies, Roman and Etruscan archaeology and art, and archaeological excavation. Studio Art and Architecture classes are also offered in the summer. There will be field trips, museum visits and independent study programs.

Study the Classics, Art History, Latin, Italian, Archaeology, Art, and Architecture. Course offerings will vary each semester. The language used in most classes is English.

An important part of the curriculum is focused on guided tours, fieldtrips and cultural excursions. One to two full days every week will be devoted to such excursions; the preliminary schedule (subject to change) includes:

- a fieldtrip to Paestum, Pompeii, and the Vesuvio area;

Full-day excursions to:
- Tarquinia and Cerveteri (two of the most important Etruscan towns, Tarquinia being especially famous for the painted tombs) - UNESCO sites
- Rome
- Chianciano and the Chiusi Region
- Tivoli (where we will visit Hadrian's Villa, the astonishing architectural project of the Emperor Hadrian, and Villa d'Este)
- Perugia and Todi (two of the most beautiful Umbrian hill towns, with Etruscan, Roman, Medieval remains)

Guided visits to:
- Etruscan necropolis in Orvieto
- Archaeological sites in the Orvieto area
- Museums in Orvieto
- "Orvieto Underground", a special guided tour to the hidden, underground section of the town.

We will also have a chance to experience some of the local most important traditions, tied with food, arts and crafts, with visits to an oil mill, a wine factory, a potter.

All costs (transportation, admissions to sites/museums, food and lodging for the 2/3 day trip to the Vesuvio area) are included in the program fee.

The town of Orvieto is located in central Italy, in Umbria, the region known as "the green heart of Italy". The town is located just off the A-1 toll autostrada, the principal north-south superhighway of central Italy, and on the express railroad line, la Direttissima, both of which link it quickly to major cities north and south.

The Institute is located in the central town square of Orvieto facing the Cathedral, a 14th century church considered to be one of Italy's greatest artistic treasures. The Institute is situated in a former hospital, built in the 14th century, remodeled in the 19th century, and converted to an institute and headquarters for the Orvieto Civic Foundation in 2001-2002. There are several fully furnished classrooms, each with space for 20 to 50 students, and a computer lab with high speed internet access.

The beautiful three story building has a central block and two flanking wings, enfolding a spacious, private gated garden. From the Institute you can easily reach the train station from where hourly trains reach Rome in just 50 minutes. The building adjoins a magnificent church with a façade designed by Valadier, Napoleon's renowned architect. Across the square is the famous Gothic cathedral with frescoes by Luca Signorelli.

The Institute currently includes two classrooms, an administration office and lodging for resident faculty. Abundant shopping and many restaurants and cafes are immediately adjacent. The Institute has a large computer facility with 52 work stations offering computers with Internet access by DSL.

Special lectures and symposia will be held in the 19th century Orvieto opera house, an internationally renowned masterpiece of theater design. Gym structures and a swimming pool can be used and booked at a reduced rate.

Orvieto is a charming, quiet medieval Italian town, where living is safe and not too expensive. The program fee includes housing and full board board (from Sunday evening to Friday evening; during the weekends –Saturday and Sunday lunch- meals will not be provided, but you will be able to use the kitchen facilities). Field trips are normally organized but cannot be previously scheduled.

For Spring, Summer and Fall semester: Students will live in nice, fully furnished apartments, all located in the historical district in Orvieto and within a walking distance from the school. Generally, an apartment with two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and living room, is shared by four students.

We can also offer other lodging options, such as living with an Italian family, or in convents/hotels.

For the archaeological excavation, participants will be included in the Macerata University organization; students will be housed in a building within walking distance from the dig site, where they will also eat their meals, or in a nearby area.