Study abroad in Tuscania, Italy

In partnership with Heartland Community College, Parkland is proud to offer a summer semester in Tuscania, Italy. 

As a place that has inspired famous artists for centuries, Tuscania has developed a reputation as a center for new artistic forms of expression. This hilltop town is located on the border of the Tuscany and Lazio regions of central Italy, south of Florence and close to Rome. 

You will study at the Tuscania campus of the Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici (LdM), which is a historic hilltop town located in the breathtaking countryside of the southern Maremma in central Italy, just one hour from Rome. 

The school has recently been remodeled to provide a range of student facilities, including light-filled studios and classrooms as well as reading rooms, an exhibition space, a library, and a computer room. The elegantly modern building structure is an architectural delight, contrasting beautifully with the medieval stone walls into which it is integrated.

Integration into the community is fundamental to the program and, in particular, to the Italian language courses, which encourages students to create real relationships in a cultural context and language that is different from their own. Accordingly, the Tuscania program actively uses the sites and monuments of the town, such as the Etruscan Museum and churches of Santa Maria Maggiore and San Pietro, as an extension of the campus. Such community inclusion makes the perfect setting for friendly and frequent interaction with local Italians.

At Tuscania, the curriculum has been designed to promote the historical, artistic and cultural qualities that make this part of Italy unique. Thus, courses in local History and the Culinary Arts, which reflect Tuscania’s connection to the agricultural cycles and traditions of the area are essential components of the program experience.

What You'll Study

You will enroll in two courses. A 4-credit hour course in Italian language is highly encouraged. No prior language experience is necessary. In addition to your language course you there are several other courses to choose from: Digital Photography, Introduction to Painting, Religion Special Topics, Organic Agriculture and Italian Food and Culture.

Activities:

Outside of class time, you have time to relax, while also exploring and experiencing a new country, a new culture and traditions. Tuscania is the perfect site to enjoy the Italian countryside and nature. There are various horse riding and walking tours in the surrounding areas, as well as an ancient archaeological park, an Etruscan necropolis containing many tombs dating from the 6th to the 1st century BC, and many medieval churches.

Tuscania offers a balanced combination of FREE activities throughout the week such as:

  • Yoga (Hatha) and other holistic practices
  • Nature friendly activities
  • Herb laboratories
  • Ayurvedic cuisine workshop
  • Sensorial paths
  • Delectable food trails (to take advantage of local and traditional dishes)
  • Swimming in a natural hot spring
  • Jogging or hiking in the gorgeous woods of the Tuscia region

On Fridays, Tuscania also organizes FREE historical and cultural tours (day trips) to interesting Mediterranean towns such as:

  • The charming medieval walled town of Viterbo
  • The fascinating Bolsena Lake (the biggest volcanic lake in Europe)
  • The enchanted borough of Civita di Bagnoregio, known as “dying village”, where time seems to have stopped
  • The untouched historical town of Orvieto, where you can explore the underground caves and see a magnificent cathedral
  • The peaceful Villa Lante, with one of the most beautiful Italian Renaissance gardens
  • A seaside or beach day in Tarquinia and Montalto (Tyrrhenian sea)

The location of Tuscania is also convenient for visits to Rome, Florence, Siena, Pisa, Assisi, and Perugia which are all accessible by train.

Housing:

You will live in an apartment with one other student or alone. Apartments are all within walking distance of the campus.

Included in Cost of Program: 

* Study Abroad costs may be covered by your financial aid check with a financial aid advisor.  

Go to our Scholarship page for more information on how to get additional funds for your trip. 

Included in the cost:

  • Tuition for two courses 
  • Apartment 
    • Utilities (heating, water, electricity)
    • Laundry 
    • Internet service
  • Welcome and farewell receptions
  • Italian SIM card activation fee
  • 24-hour emergency line to advisors (health/safety issues)
  • Internet access (on-campus and in LdM apartments)
  • Student services including some cultural/social events
  • Special interest clubs (some require additional fees)
  • On-campus library facilities
  • Group transfers from Rome-Fiumicino airport to Tuscania on arrival day and departure day

Estimated Additional Costs:

  • Round-trip airfare from Chicago to Rome estimated at $1000
  • Passport: $110
  • Most meals

Financial Aid:

Check with a financial aid advisor. If you currently have financial aid you may be able to apply to study abroad.

Participant Eligibility:

Student must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours, including ENG 101 with a B or higher, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5.   


For more information or an application:

Contact Jody Littleton: Room: D175, Phone: 217/351-2532 or email  jlittleton@parkland.edu for more information.