Italy/Belgium - SIS Intercultural Study Abroad Semester with Internship in Brussels 674

Fall, Spring

Siena, Italy (Map)
Brussels, Belgium (Map)

Beginning at the International Center for the Study of Italian Language and Culture in the heart of Siena, this program offers some of the most innovative opportunities in Italy that work to fully integrate the education of language, culture, and service both in and out of the classroom.

The programs offered by Siena Italian Studies are a 'gentle full immersion' to Italian life. You will attend classes and immerse yourselves in Siena's fascinating, ancient culture, surrounded by a medieval landscape. While in Siena, you will also be exposed to Siena Italian Studies' unique, intercultural approach to education so that you will be prepared for what comes next in Brussels, Belgium and Europe's capital city. In Brussels, you will spend at least 8 weeks participating at a service-learning placement such as an internship or community service experience. Service will take place at different European associations or NGOs and in the meantime, you will be experiencing the multicultural diversity that distinguishes and identifies the European capital.

Eligibility

Program Dates

Academics

The first 6 weeks of the program will be dedicated to the academic courses in Siena, Italy. While in Siena, students will be required to take the following courses:
• Survival Italian (1 credit)

• Intensive French- Elementary level and higher (3 credits)

• Intercultural Communication (3 credits)

• EU Development (3 credits) - PLSC 3TR

• Service Learning & Reflection (2 credits) Taught in Siena & Brussels

In Brussels, students will also participate in a service-learning placement such as an internship, job shadow, or community service experience. Siena Italian Studies has established partnerships with two European NGO that work as lobbyists - ENAR (European Network Against Racism) and EHMA (European Health Management Association). This possibility would be open for highly qualified undergraduate students. Students must complete 240 internship hours at their placement, which will equate to six credits as INTD 395 and/or Departmental XXXX 395.

For International Relations majors, INTD 395 (3 credits) can apply to all tracks. Students can earn an additional 3 credits as PLSC 395 which will apply to the European Systems, Developing World, and Global Political Economy tracks.

Program Code

Program URL

Accommodation

Students will enjoy home stays with families who have been selected by the program to participate in both Siena and Brussels. Home stays work very well to support language acquisition and facilitate cultural immersion. Students often make long-term friendships with their families after the program is over. SIS provides assistance to students in cultural mediation that helps ensure that housing placements will be successful.

SIS believes that there is no better way to experience local culture than living with locals. Students will experience Europe's diversity in many ways, including exposure to daily life in both Italian and Belgian families. Host families also represent an important element in ensuring the personal safety of all of our students. SIS carefully selects host families so that students will have local experts to help them navigate the cities and the culture.

Program Cost Sheet

For a detailed description of the costs associated with this program, download the Program Cost Sheet by clicking on the link below.

Resources

Application Instructions

Type:
Semester Study Abroad

Duration:
Semester

Language of Instruction:
English, French, Italian

Field(s) of Study:
Communication, International Relations, Political Science

Special Features:
Internships

Program Provider

Name

Website

Host Institution

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