Italy

International Study Tour to Reggio Emilia, Italy
Departure Date: Friday, March 17, 2023
Return Date: Saturday, March 25, 2023
Faculty and Trip Leader: Dr. Jill Jacobi-Vessels

Eligible Participants: College of Education and Human Development students specializing in early childhood education or related fields are eligible for the International Study Tour to Reggio Emilia, Italy. Community partners may participate by enrolling in the university as a non-degree student and registering for the related course.

Program Highlights:

• Introductory meeting and welcome lunch on Sunday March 19
• Understanding the history, identity and principles of the educational project including essential elements of daily life in the schools.
• Visiting the exhibitions and spaces of the Loris Malaguzzi International Center and the Documentation and Educational Research Center.
• Presentation of research projects and documentation made by teachers, atelieristas and pedagogistas working in the Preschools and Infant-toddler Centers.
• Participating in Ateliers for first-hand exploration of the 100 Languages
• Opportunities for discussion and reflection among students and professors to share information about their own context and Reggio-related coursework taking place at their respective colleges and universities.
• Visit to a Preschool or Infant-toddler Center. (Visiting an Infant-toddler Center or Preschool will be possible only and exclusively if the health conditions in force in Italy at the time of the visit together with the authorization decided and issued by the Preschools and Infant-toddler Centers Institution of the Municipality of Reggio Emilia will allow it.)
• Encountering the city and community of Reggio Emilia and the social, cultural and educational context.

Participants should be familiar with the history and fundamental principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach® so that they have some contextual framework before being immersed in the actual experience. Opportunities for dialogue and exchange among the group and with educators in Reggio Emilia will offer students many possibilities for gaining a deeper understanding of the history, challenges, strategies and accomplishments of the Municipal Infant Toddler Centers and Preschools.

Experience: Students will receive 22 hours of professional development with teachers, pedagogistas and atelieristas of the Infant-toddler Centers and Preschools of Reggio /Emilia and 2 hours of Atelier at the Loris Malaguzzi International Center. At the end of the program in Reggio Emilia, the group will participate in a local cultural excursion such as visiting Florence, Pisa, or Venice.

Course Registration: Students must enroll in a 3-credit spring semester course. Most course hours will be completed in Italy, however, there will be four mandatory class sessions prior to travel. The four sessions will be 2 1/2 hours each in the Spring 2023 semester. Class sessions will meet at the Early Learning Campus from 6:00 – 8:30 PM on January 17, February 7, February 28, and March 7. Readings and assignments will be part of the 3-credit hour course.

Estimated Total Cost of International Study Tour: $3,500 (double room accommodations)

Includes:Airfare, Ground Transportation to the site, Reggio Program Fee, Hotels and Cultural Excursion. Buffet style breakfast is offered for most mornings. Three lunches are also included.

• Travel and accommodation prices are fluctuating in all locations. Estimation is based on current prices and is subject to change.
• Personal purchases and some meals are not included in the estimated cost.

Passport Required (not included in cost above): A passport that is valid a minimum of 6 months after the return date to the US. is required. Routine U.S. passport processing times are estimated to be 8-12 weeks. If you are applying for or renewing a passport, plan accordingly and apply well in advance. Non-U.S. citizens should check entry and visa requirements.

Application to Program: September 1 – September 30, 2022

Selection Notification Date: October 14, 2022

Please note that spaces are limited. Selections will be made by a selected university committee.

Application Form