Program Details
Location
Taormina & Florence,
Italy
Term
May Session
Housing
Apartment
Hotel
Languages Taught In
English
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Non UofM Students
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Graduate Students
GPA
2.5
About
Food is a powerful teacher. Everyone must eat to survive no matter where they are on the planet. However, many of today’s most serious environmental problems are linked to food production activities, and some conclude that many of the world’s most productive agricultural systems cannot be sustained indefinitely– as they are managed today. This program will introduce you to past and present Italian culture through the foods, their cultural importance, and the concepts of sustainability. Study aspects of sustainability and ethics in the context of cultural, social, economic, and environmental considerations in which food is produced, prepared, and eaten. We will discuss cultural myths and realities surrounding food, Italian culture, and rituals. You will also examine Italian attitudes toward food in relation to your own values, be challenged to think about your own assumptions about food, and analyze the American relationship with food and its production systems.
On-site support, orientation, information regarding cultural activities, and 24-hour emergency support is provided by ACCENT International Programs and BABILONIA—Center for Italian language and culture in Taormina, Sicily.
Program Model
Housing & Meals
You will live in shared housing with other program participants. Welcome and farewell meals, as well as some additional meals are included in the program fee. Additional meals can be prepared in the housing or taken at local eateries.
Excursions
While on the program, you will learn about and experience a variety of aspects in relation to food systems. Excursions/activities may include:
- Lecture(s) on Sicilian history and food systems
- A small biodynamic farm/vineyard tour
- An organic farm/vineyard tour
- A larger "conventional" farm/vineyard tour
- Visits to local/regional food producers
- Walking tour on the history of Florence
- Tour of local markets
- Tour of Benedictine Monastery
- Cooking Class(es)
- Tour of the Greek Theater
- Visit to Aeolian Island Vulcano
- Italian language lessons
- Bike tour of Tuscany
Flight
All program participants will take the coordinated group flight to and from the program site. The cost of the group flight is included in the program fee that will be posted to your student account. Do not book your own flight; you will receive information from the Learning Abroad Center about your seat on the group flight once your participation has been confirmed.
It might be possible to deviate your return flight. Inquire with your program contact if interested.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe and discuss concepts of sustainability and engage in ethical debate as it applies to food systems and their cultural role—both historically and contemporarily—in society
- Work in a group setting to develop reports and presentations describing the historical development, function, and sustainability of a selected number of Italian food systems
- Locate and critically evaluate information about an Italian food system, its sustainable production philosophies, and ecological and socioeconomic characteristics
- Identify and reflect on aspects of intercultural sensitivity and development
- Develop independence by challenging yourself in a new environment
- Explore a specific topic through experiential and interdisciplinary approaches
- Function as an effective team member by utilizing your personal strengths in a group setting
Faculty & Staff
This Global Seminar is led by Mike White, Morse Alumni Distinguished Professor in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences, as well as the Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Faculty Affairs. Professor White has led similar programs to Italy focusing on food sustainability since 2007 and is proficient in Italian.
Program Structure
Program Level
3000 level coursework
Courseload
One 3-credit course
Global Seminars are 3-week study abroad programs led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff that feature:
- Intensive learning in a location that illuminates the topic
- Small groups of 15–25 students
- No prerequisites or language requirements
- Included excursions and cultural activities
- Instruction in English
Coursework
This program will enable you to experience and understand globally important, sustainable systems, and will encourage local, regional, and world citizenship. An enhanced understanding of how individual choices can impact the environment, the economy, and society will broaden your liberal education and arm you with experiences and skills to address difficult local and global issues. The experiential learning approach to this program is designed to educate you about ecological, economic, cultural, and ethical concerns involving sustainable food production and link your personal life to local and global issues of importance. Observe the culture, taste the food, and speak to those who are deeply committed philosophically and morally to producing the world’s best foods in ways that respect the land, animals, the environment, and consumers. You will be assessed on pre-departure and in-country assignments. These will include papers, journals/reflections, and quizzes, as well as group assignments and presentations.
Sustainability
The Learning Abroad Center is committed to sustainability and incorporating this into our programs. This program can be tied to multiple Sustainable Development Goals through course content and program activities including:
- #12 Responsible Consumption & Production
- #13 Climate Action
- #14 Life Below Water
- #15 Life on Land
Throughout this program, each goal is addressed as you talk about sustainability, climate change, and sea/land food production and harvest. In addition, other SDG goals may be addressed in relation to intercultural understanding as well as diversity and equity and inclusion.
Receive credit for: CFAN 3516
Liberal Education Fulfillments: The Environment and Global Perspectives themes
Fulfills: Major electives for ASNC and FSN majors
Sustainable Food Systems of Sicily & Florence syllabus (PDF)
Academic Registration
If confirmed, you will be registered for your course by the Learning Abroad Center once registration opens for your term abroad. Make sure you have no holds that would prevent registration.
If you haven't already, communicate with your academic adviser(s) as applicable to review the course for your major, minor, or college requirements. University of Minnesota students should use the Academic Planning Form (PDF), located on your confirmation checklist.
Dates Details
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
| Term | Program Dates | Priority Application Deadline | Final Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| May Session 2024 | May 10–June 2, 2024 | February 1, 2024 | March 1, 2024 |
| May Session 2025 | May 16–June 8, 2025 (tentative) | February 1, 2025 | March 1, 2025 |
Program dates are subject to change.
If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.
Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 25 students. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. Some programs may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.
Information Sessions
Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our events page.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| TBD | TBD | TBD |
Orientation Dates & Locations
Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation—which is mandatory—and in-person or online program-specific session with program leader(s). All meetings are required and failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad. The online orientation module is found on your application checklist and is due by your first orientation session.
You will be notified of the official date and time of required orientation sessions or will be contacted to send availability in order to schedule sessions. Reach out to your program leader directly for any concerns about orientation session date and times. You will receive applicable orientation materials from your program leader either in advance or after the orientation session(s).
| Orientation Meeting | Date/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Orientation meeting | Friday, March 29, 2024 3–5 p.m. | 365 Haecker Hall, St. Paul Campus 1420 Eckles Ave St. Paul MN, 55108 |
| 2nd Orientation meeting | Friday, April 26, 2024 3–5 p.m. | 365 Haecker Hall, St. Paul Campus 1420 Eckles Ave St. Paul MN, 55108 |
Priority Deadline
If you apply by the priority deadline and confirm within the allotted time you will receive the published program fee. Applying after the priority deadline and/or not confirming within the allotted time means you may be subject to an airfare increase.
Fees
May Session 2024 Cost of Participation
May Session 2025 Cost of Participation forthcoming.
Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. Generally, program fees to these locations range between $7,500–$9,000. The program fee generally includes tuition, group flight airfare, airport transfers, in-country program related transportation, housing, some meals, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, program administration, and international health insurance. You must also budget for passport and passport photos, some meals, textbooks, independent travel, and miscellaneous living expenses.
Recent increases in international airfare and accommodation costs have impacted all instructor-led program fees. The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.
If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.
Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
This program is considered part of summer enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.
Cancellation Policy
Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.
May Session 2024
Global Seminar: Sustainable Food Systems of Sicily & FlorenceMay Session 2024 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costs | $5,670 |
| International health insurance | $54 |
| Housing and/or mealsSicily: breakfast daily & 5 meals included, 6 meals included in Florence | $1,201 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee)group flight | $2,290 |
| Total Program Fee | $9,615 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $-500 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $9,115 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
| Transportation to and from program site | $0 |
| Passport/photos | $150 |
| Visa/required documentsETIAS visa for US citizens | $10 |
| Travel clinic/immunizations*Visit your travel clinic and consult for any costs | $50 |
| Housing deposit | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $210 |
| Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
| Texts/materials | $50 |
| Housing and/or meals not included in program feeAccess to a kitchen/grocery store available | $900 |
| Essential daily living expensesphone credit/charges, etc. | $200 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $1,150 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $10,475 |
| Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $400 |
| Additional Notes & Information | |
| * Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. | |
Prepare
Be aware: Learning Abroad Center programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.
Apply
The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.
You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
Complete
After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:
- Application Essay
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.
If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit an additional essay. It will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when it has been added.
Next Steps
- After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
- Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
- If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
- Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
- Passport Information
- Emergency Contacts
- Health Information Form
- Online Health & Safety Orientation
- Release & Waiver
- You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.
After You Apply
Before your program begins, review these resources.
Health & Safety
Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.
Power of Attorney
Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.
Student Identity
Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.
Travel Resources
Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.
Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, email
Jemma Lund at [email protected],
or call at
612.625.8827