Study Abroad in Italy

Program Highlights:

• City stops include, Rome, Reggio-Emila, and Bologna, Italy
• See the Loris Malaguzzi International Center
• Take a Guided Tour of the University of Bologna
• Visit Montessori Schools, Reggio Schools, Forest Schools and Local Public Schools
• Explore San Lorenzo Market
• Participate in an Italian Cooking Class
• See the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
• Take Historical and Cultural Walking Tours

During this 14 day program, students will learn about the educational system in Italy, as well as some child-centred teaching methods. The group will have the opportunity to visit local public schools, find out more about inclusive education techniques and visit one of the most prestigious universities in Italy: University of Bologna. We will travel to Florence where we will visit the local market and learn how to make homemade pasta. In Rome, the group will be guided through historic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Vatican Museum.

Reggio Emilia Approach: 
The Reggio Emilia approach is an educational philosophy and pedagogy focused on preschool and primary education. This approach is a student-centered and constructivist self-guided curriculum that uses self-directed, experiential learning in relationship-driven environments.

It was created after WWII by a teacher in Reggio Emilia, Italy, which is where the approach gets its name. After the war, educators and families believed that children needed new ways of learning, to cultivate young minds as an investment in the future. The Reggio Emilia approach was developed to
help children learn in this new framework.

Montessori Method: 
The Montessori system of education is both a philosophy of child development and a rationale for guiding such growth. It is based on the child’s developmental needs for freedom within limits, as well as, a carefully prepared environment which guarantees exposure to materials and experiences.

Through this, the child develops intelligence as well as physical and psychological abilities. It is designed to take full advantage of the child’s desire to learn and their unique ability to develop their own capabilities. The child needs adults to expose him to the possibilities of his life, but the child must determine his response to those possibilities.

$4,300 - $4,500 is the estimated program cost, and includes:

• round-trip airfare
• lodging
• international health coverage
• transportation from NWTC to O’Hare airport and back
• in-country transportation, such as train, subway, or bus
• entrance fees
• Daily continental breakfast, and some additional meals

Costs do not include: tuition, some meals, personal spending money, and passport fees.

• $300 due within 2 weeks once the application is accepted if received by the end of January. Otherwise, $1,200 will be due by February 9th. 
• $1,200 February 9th
• $1,000 March 8th
• $1,000 April 5th
• $800-$1,000 April 26th

Payments are made through a Square invoice if paying by credit/debit card or in Student Involvement, SC118 if paying by check or cash. 

Payments do not include: tuition (optional), some meals, personal spending money, and passport fees.

The refund policy is explained on the study abroad application.

Apply to the International Programs Study Abroad Grant

• Awards are typically between $300-$800.            
• Underrepresented students can be awarded up to $1,000
• Grant applications are due the same date as the study abroad application deadline. The application is attached to the study abroad application.
• If you are not FAFSA eligible you can still apply

Apply for FAFSA

• Pell grant recipients can use any remaining funds to help pay for study abroad
• Talk to a Financial Aid Advisor by visiting the Welcome Center, SC240 or calling 920-498-5444

Apply to the Foundation Scholarships

• Awards are anywhere from $500 to $2000!
• Apply by logging into your my.NWTC, click Finances, and next click “Apply for a Scholarship”
• Deadlines are April 15th and November 1st

Apply to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

• Students can be awarded up to $3,000!
• Applicants must be a Pell Grant recipient and be taking the study abroad program for credit
• Application deadlines in March and October
• For more information visit gilmanscholarship.org

Get creative

• Students can organize a fundraising event
• Use electronic resources like Kickstarter and GoFundMe
• Waive holiday and birthday gifts for financial gifts

10-307-400 International Education Practicum