The Italy Program for Undergrads — Answers to FAQs

Who is in the program and when can I go?
Students from the Consortium schools are in the program. These students are business students, international studies majors, majors in Communications and journalism and anybody else with international interests who find the courses offered in Italy valuable to their program. Students may go for a 4 week summer program from about mid-May to mid-June. Or they may attend the full semester program for the Fall semester or the Spring semester.
What classes are offered?
In the summer program students choose two 3-credit hour courses from about 10 to 12 offered. Most classes are business and economics classes. The summer usually has a Communications course, an International Journalism course and one or two other nonbusiness classes. Besides business, the semester program offers some Journalism courses, some culture courses, Italian language classes and others. The full semester program offers a large set of courses and students typically take 12 to 18 credit hours. The semester program is available to sophomores, juniors and seniors.
Do the credit hours and courses count towards my major and graduation?
Absolutely. Just be sure to discuss with your academic advisor what you plan to take in Italy so that you don’t take something in Italy that you have already had.
Are the classes taught in English and do I take classes with other WVU students?
All instruction is in English. The Consortium is an organization of over 30 accredited U.S. business schools. You’ll take classes with other students from these American universities. Most often the classes are taught by faculty from these Consortium schools.
Where in Italy is the program?
The Consortium campus is in a small town called Paderno del Grappa in northern Italy about an hour and a half northwest of Venice. It is in the Veneto not far from the towns of Bassano, Asolo and Castelfranco.
Where do students live while taking classes?
In dormitories on or near the campus.
Do students have time to travel and see Europe while in Italy?
Yes, travel is an integral part of the study abroad experience and a student’s international education. In the summer program, classes are 4 days a week with 3 day weekends for travel. In addition, students often travel before and/or after the program. In the semester program, two weeks are designated as travel weeks and there are no classes during these weeks. In additional there are also two long travel weekends.
How much does the program cost?
The summer program in 2008 costs $4,935 for tuition for 6 credit hours, housing and a meal plan, and for all the extras of bus trips, textbooks, program activities and excursions. In 2008 the full semester program costs about $13,000 for full tuition, housing, meals, text, excursions etc. In addition the student makes his own travel arrangements to and from Europe.
How can I find out more?
Explore the navigation and links on this web site and the Consortium website (you can also apply on line at this website) to download an application, see courses offered, and find out much more about studying abroad.

Also see either Ms. Catharine Thieme, Mr. Joseph Seiaman or Mr. Brian Chang in the B&E Undergraduate Advising Office (3rd floor, B&E) and/or Dr. Cliff Hawley, Professor of Economics and Coordinator for B&E International Programs, Room 407 B&E.