About the Program
- Jump to:
- Background of the program
- Objective of the program
- Program Instruction
- Program Interaction
- Residential Life
- Features of the program
Background
Ever since its inauguration, fourteen years ago, the Arezzo Program continues to provide a unique opportunity to students who want to make the most out of study abroad. The uniqueness of the Arezzo Program lies in the:
- Commitment to a serious academic curriculum
- Original structure and content
- Direct involvement of University of Rochester faculty
- Small size
- Custom-made character
- Individualized attention to students
- Ideal urban and living environment
- Highly qualified and involved staff
- Professional, caring, and imaginative leadership
- Privileged liaison with University of Siena/Arezzo
Objective
The objective of the Arezzo Program is to provide students with an authentic and intensive experience of Italian language and culture achieved through academic courses, full immersion in community life, cultural activities, and study related travel. A four-course curriculum including Italian language, history, art history, history of science and applied science, engineering, literature, and cultural studies fosters learning across departmental and disciplinary boundaries and privileges a contextual and interactive approach.
Instruction
Along with traditional classroom instruction, a good portion of the teaching in the Arezzo Program takes place on location: before a painting in a museum or a monument inside a church, in a Roman archeological site, in an observatory, in a medieval castle, in a Renaissance palace, or in an urban or natural setting, as the subject matter requires. The Art History course in particular capitalizes on the enormous artistic patrimony of Arezzo.
Interaction
Interaction of University of Rochester students with local students as well as international students studying in Arezzo is formally worked into the curriculum through the Cultural Studies course, the Speaking Partners’ Program, The Children’s Literacy Program, and the collaboration with the Cittadella della Pace at Rondine. A program involving a wide variety of hands-on cultural activities and experiences flanks the language program.
Residential Life
Students will live in a boarding school in close proximity with Italian students. Each student is also assigned to a host family to help with integration into the social fabric of the city. Meals are in small local restaurants and cafés. Weekly laundry privileges are available.
Features
The Arezzo Program is totally integrated within the academic system of the University of Rochester. It is designed, maintained, administered, and directed by the University of Rochester and its appointed faculty and staff. The University establishes and guarantees the educational standards of the Program itself.
The Program is co-directed by Donatella Stocchi-Perucchio—Associate Professor of Italian in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures at the University of Rochester, and native of Arezzo—and Donna Logan, Lecturer of English in the Arezzo Branch of the University of Siena, native of the United States, and resident of Arezzo.
- Other Features:
- The program carries 18 credits.
- No prior study of Italian is required—classes are taught in English.
- Language instruction is customized to the individual needs of the participants.
- Special opportunities are available at the University of Arezzo for students with advanced knowledge of Italian.
- Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible to apply.
- Cost of the Program is virtually equivalent to the cost of one semester spent on campus (tuition plus living expenses). Students who receive UR financial aid may apply it towards the program.
- For University of Rochester students only:
- Constitutes a full humanities cluster
- Fulfills most of the requirements for an Italian minor
- Strongly recommended to students who aspire to achieve an individualized Major in Italian Studies