The Lorenzo de’Medici (LdM) Three Cities program offers students the opportunity to retrace the steps of Greek, Etruscan, Roman, medieval and Renaissance cultures in Italy by living and studying in three cities which embody these civilizations. Fall students will study in Tuscania, Rome, and Florence or Venice. Spring students will study in Tuscania, Rome, and Venice. Students spend a month in each of the three cities and follow a structured program of five 3-credit courses focused on Italian language and culture, and English-language humanities electives throughout the term.
Each city provides a unique backdrop in which to explore the Italian culture and history. Tuscania is a picturesque town on the border of the Tuscany and Lazio regions of central Italy, and there students take Italian language and a course that provides an introduction to the ancient civilizations of the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans. The beautiful countryside surrounding the town forms part of a nationally protected nature reserve, and has one of the richest collections of archaeological remains in the world.
In Rome students take a second Italian language course and a course on the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Rome is considered one of the founding cities of western civilization and its history as a city spans over two and a half thousand years. Today, it is among the most visited cities in Europe and its historic center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The final part of the semester is spent in either Venice or Florence. The program in Venice offers students the opportunity to explore the history of the city and impact it had in Europe civilization. Venice was a major center of the arts from the 13th century until the 17th century and the printing capital of the world in the 15th and 16th centuries. The influences of these periods can still be seen today in the art, architecture, and culture of Venice. Students who complete the program in Florence take an art history course that examines Leonardo de Vinci’s life and works in their historical contexts.
Academic Information: Maximum of 15 U.S. credits per semester. All students participating in the TU in Italy-Three Cities program are required to enroll in the full-program curriculum including 6 credits of Italian language. Students will take a placement test upon arrive to determine the appropriate language level. This program does not offer a full-academic year option. TU students may receive Honors College credit for their study abroad experience.
Language of Instruction: English (except for Italian language courses).
Excursions: LdM offers a range of academic and cultural optional excursions in Tuscania and Rome which students may participate in for an additional fee.
Housing: Students live in shared apartments organized through LdM. Apartments are furnished and usually consist of 2-4 double-occupancy bedrooms, a living area, kitchen and bathroom. Bed linens, access to a washing machine, and internet service are provided in apartments. Utilities are included in the program cost. Please note that excessive use of utilities (over $75 per month) will result in additional fees.
Dates: Fall: August - -December Spring: January - May
Costs:* Spring 2013: $11,350 Fall 2013: $11,450 Spring 2014: $11,450
Cost includes academic credit (maximum 15 credits), housing, arrival pick up at Rome-Fuimicino airport and transfer to Tuscania on day of arrival, group program transfers between cities, health insurance, and orientation. Additional costs include airfare, local transportation, meals, visa and passport fees, personal expenses, a $300 housing deposit, any additional class fees, and a $300 study abroad fee.
*The Towson University Study Abroad Office reserves the right to make any necessary changes including adjustments in cost in the event that unforeseen circumstances arise.
Eligibility: Must be a full-time undergraduate degree-seeking student with an overall GPA of 2.8. Sophomore/Junior/Senior status. No previous knowledge of the Italian language required.
Application Process: Fill out the application and submit it to the TU Study Abroad Office. $50 application fee. Non-TU students must also submit a completed Non-Degree Enrollment Application.
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