Location

Verona, Italy

Program Description

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the life of a beautiful Italian town while learning Italian alongside students from all over the world? Join us in Verona, the world-renowned hometown of Romeo and Juliet, where you’ll have the opportunity to experience the Italian lifestyle in the vibrant atmosphere of early summer. This 4-week, 6-credit Study Abroad program, offered by the JMU Department of World Languages and Cultures, is open to all undergraduate students who wish to learn the Italian language while being immersed in two thousand years of Italian history, art, and culture. To make the most of this experience, students are required to complete one semester of Italian prior to departure. The program includes on-site language classes at the University of Verona, as well as a field-based course that allows students to explore the city, engage with local communities, and understand why the Italian lifestyle is so celebrated. We’ll embark on excursions to various destinations, explore the ancient craft of glassmaking, visit wineries, and have the opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of Northern Italy.

Students will enroll in two 3-credit courses:

• Italian Language Course offered by the Language Center at the University of Verona
• Cultural Course titled “Made in Italy - Community, Customs, and Creative Heritage”. This course is an exploration of the cultural context that shapes Italy’s creative contributions, touching on both its rich cultural customs and the structure of local communities.

Location Description

Verona, nestled between the cities of Venice and Milan in northern Italy, lies at the foothills of the Alps near Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. Its picturesque location within the bends of the Adige River and the surrounding hills contributes to its scenic beauty. Verona’s rich history spans over two millennia, dating back to ancient Roman times. During both Roman and Medieval eras, it thrived as a political and commercial hub, leaving behind remnants like the fortified medieval bridge known as “Castel Vecchio” and the magnificent amphitheater called the “Arena.” Constructed by the Romans in the 1st century, the Arena stands as one of Europe’s best-preserved Roman amphitheaters and continues to host concerts and operas today. Verona’s ancient walls, monumental gates, and well-preserved fortifications bear witness to its historical significance. In 2000, Verona was designated a United Nations World Heritage Site for its remarkable urban structure and architecture.

Director

Laura Cangiano | cangialx@jmu.edu | World Languages and Cultures

Consuelo Valentina Riso | risocv@jmu.edu | World Languages and Cultures

Accommodations

Accommodations will be provided for students through furnished apartments and houses with internet access and full kitchen and laundry facilities. Housing accommodations are centrally located and within walking distance of on-site classes, shopping, and attractions.  

Students will be allocated a weekly meal stipend that will cover two meals per day. Group meals are included in the program fee.

Additional Items to Consider

All lodging, in-country transportation, admissions, and group meals are included in the program fee.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0.

Open to all undergraduate majors and class levels.

Students must successfully complete ITAL 101 or ITAL 103 prior to the start of the program.