Close
Close
Search this website

SIPA Semester in Italy

Description and Theme

Designed for social science and humanities students, this program offers the opportunity to study critically important contemporary issues -- citizenship, identity and immigration-- with a focus on Italy in the European contact, while residing in the historic center of a city that has practically defined globalization for more than 800 years.

Since the 1980s Italy has experienced several waves of immigration from Balkan, Middle Eastern and African countries. Over the last 20 years anti-immigration has grown and become more closely linked to national politics, a development that echoed the situation in other Western European countries. Recently new crises in the Middle East and Africa have generated massive immigration and refugee flows, with Italy as one of the principal gateways for European destinations. Managing this crisis has become a major challenge, both for Italy and the European Union, with important consequences for social identity, human rights, and democratic governance.

Courses and Classes

This program is comprised of four 3-credit courses (12 credits total). It is divided into a Spring A term and Spring B term, with two courses to be taken in each term. The courses and instructors are:

  • ITA 1135 – Accelerated Italian I (Magda Pearson, Italian Teaching Professor, FIU)
  • INR 3214 – International Relations of Europe (Markus Thiel, Professor of Politics and International Relations, FIU)

Classes will be held at FIU’s Genoa Center, which is housed in the Convent of Santa Maria di Castello, a 1,000-year-old structure in the oldest part of the city, on a hill overlooking the port of Genoa.

Trips and Activities

The program will include several day trips or overnight trips to these historic and beautiful locations:

  • Venice
  • Rome
  • Milan
  • Lucca and Pisa
  • Torino
  • Cinque Terre

 Costs of these trips and activities (except for food) will be covered by the program.

Housing

Students will reside in shared apartments in the historic center of the city and within walking distance of the Genoa Center, the port, shopping, and the major spots for university student night life. All apartments are fully furnished with kitchens, cookware and dishes, and bed linens and towels.

Cost

The program fee is $3,113.00 and covers housing, all program activities (including transportation for sponsored activities and lodging for overnight trips), and some meals.

The program fee does not include airfare, most meals, FIU tuition ($205.57/credit, 12 credits total), the $195 OEA fee, and personal expenses.

Certificate in European and Eurasian Studies

Students completing this program will have satisfied four of the five course requirements (including the language and breadth requirements) for the Certificate in European and Eurasian Studies. Only one additional course will be needed to complete the requirements.