Great Minds of the RenaissanceON-SITE GUIDE 2012

S T U D Y A B R O A D

E U R O P E

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Important Names and AddressesTo assist you with your study abroad planning, the Learning Abroad Center provides a full range of services from preliminary program advising to assistance with re-entry. As you read through this handbook, do not hesitate to contact the Learning Abroad Center with any questions.

In the United StatesLearning Abroad Center University of Minnesota 230 Heller Hall 271 19th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55455-0430

Tel: 612.625.2311 Toll Free: 1.888.700.UOFM Fax: 612.626.8009 Email: ander590@umn.edu www.UMabroad.umn.edu

Christine Anderson, Program Director* *Christine is the primary student contact person, and participants who have questions should contact her. Her email and telephone number are listed above.

In case of emergency, you or your friends and family members should feel free to contact the Learning Abroad Center at 612.626.9000. After business hours, there will be a recording giving a pager number to call for emergencies. The Learning Abroad Center has someone on-call 24 hours per day to deal with emergencies. This person will contact the on-site staff as needed.

Laura Coffin Koch, Program Leader College of Education and Human Development Phone: 612.624.1085 Email: koch@umn.edu

We encourage you to make a copy of this page to give to your friends and family members.

Know Before You GoBefore you leave the country, make sure that you have read and understood the information in your Confirmation Checklist, the Health & Safety Online Orientation (available in your orientation checklist), and the Learning Abroad Center’s policies (www.UMabroad.umn.edu/students/policiesacademicstravel.php). These materials will guide you on a safe and successful learning abroad experience.

Friends and Family ResourcesValuable resources for your friends and family members can be found at www.UMabroad.umn.edu/parents. Topics such as health and safety, program prices, logistics, and travel are discussed.

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Cultural Adjustment ........................................10

Cultural Adjustment .........................................12The On-Site Experience .........................................................12

Appendix ..........................................................13Packing ..................................................................................13

Packing List ...........................................................................13

Resource List .........................................................................13

Guidebooks ............................................................................13

Table of Contents

Important Names and Addresses .......................2

Introduction ........................................................4About This Guide .....................................................................4

About Global Seminars .......................................5

Preparation and Planning ..................................5Documents ...............................................................................5

Money Matters .........................................................................5

Health and Safety ...............................................6Health Insurance .....................................................................6

Immunizations and Vaccinations .............................................6

Safety Precautions ...................................................................6

Arrival Logistics ..................................................6

Practical and Program Information ...................6Group Dynamics ......................................................................6

On-Site Support .......................................................................7

Housing and Meals ..................................................................7

Communications ......................................................................7

Academics ..........................................................7Program Leader ......................................................................7

Program Structure ..................................................................7

Course .....................................................................................8

Books and Materials ................................................................8

Life in Italy ..........................................................8Geography and Climate ...........................................................8

Government and History ..........................................................8

Life in Florence ...................................................9The People ...............................................................................9

Language .................................................................................9

Solutions for Common Communication Difficulties ................9

Entertainment ........................................................................10

Food and Meals .....................................................................10

Electricity ...............................................................................10

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IntroductionBy Laura Coffin Koch

“As we trudged up the spiral marble staircase, it became more and more difficult to keep our balance. We appeared to be leaning to the left, and then to the right. It became more noticeable the higher we climbed. We couldn’t hold on because in each hand we carried heavy, metal cannonballs of all different sizes. There were 15 of us and none of us knew what our old professor was going to do this time. This was the most brilliant professor in the world. But no matter what, we had to be there. We knew history was in the making. What would it mean? Would we be able to understand? We left the comforts of our warm beds to get up early so as to miss the crowds, but the further we climbed, the more doubt entered our minds. When we signed up for this, no one told us we would have to do manual labor. All we wanted was to see this great tower! Professor Galileo has other ideas.”

Welcome to “Great Minds of the Renaissance” and Florence, Italy. I am delighted you are participating in this Global Seminar. Although there won’t be much manual labor during our time together, it will be stimulating and intense, in what we do, see, and experience. And, don’t worry, you won’t have to carry cannon balls up the marble stairs of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or La Torre di Pisa, as it is called in Italy, although you should be prepared to climb it.

What better place to study about the Renaissance and the rebirth of thought, culture, art, architecture, and science than in the fascinating city of Florence, or Firenze, as it is called in Italy. It is the home of the Italian renaissance. Renaissance means “rebirth.” It describes the period of time from about the 14th Century to the 16th Century, when science, art, mathematics, and thinking began to flourish after years of famine, illness, and complacency. It was during this time that an Italian, sailing under a Spanish flag, was reported to “discover” America, breaking with the commonly held notion that the earth was flat. To many, the Renaissance is believed to be the forerunner of what we now know as the modern world.

We will spend most of our time in and around the city of Florence. The sites of Florence will serve as our extended classroom. In addition, we will travel to some of the nearby towns and villages to help us fully understand what happened during the Renaissance and development of mathematical and scientific thought. Pisa, the home of Leonardo of Pisa and Professor Galileo, is a short trip from Florence. We’ll climb the Leaning Tower (without toting cannonballs) and learn about the remarkable man who dared to challenge the teachings of the church about the centricity of the earth and the sun.

Within the city of Florence, we’ll tour the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, or the Duomo (cathedral) as it is often called. The Duomo dominates the skyline of Florence. At the time of its construction, it was considered to be one of the largest

churches in all of the Christian world. There are some who believe the feud between the goldsmiths Lorenzo Ghiberti and Filippo Brunelleschi started the Renaissance. In 1403 Ghiberti won a contest to design and construct the doors of the Baptistery. Brunelleschi was the other competitor. After Ghiberti was awarded the project of designing the doors, Brunelleschi left Florence for almost two decades. Upon his return, there was a second contest. This one was much more important, and far more difficult. It was to construct a dome to cover the gaping hole over the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. This was considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the time and its successful completion catapulted Brunelleschi into history.

Most people know Leonardo da Vinci as a great artist, but we are only now becoming aware of his greater talents. He was a scientist, an engineer, an inventor, and a mathematician. His ideas and designs were far ahead of his time. We’ll spend some time learning about this creative man and his contributions to the world of art, science, and engineering. We’ll spend a day in Vinci, looking at his marvelous machines and taking a walk through the hills of Tuscany to the house of his birth.

Every trip to Italy should include a visit to Rome, the Eternal City. Although our visit will be short, it will allow us to explore and climb another dome, St. Peter’s, which was designed by Michelangelo. Although he lived a long life, he never saw the completion of this beautiful structure. We’ll take a tour of the Vatican and admire Michelangelo’s amazing ceiling in the Sistine Chapel.

As we study these great minds of the Renaissance, we will also pay attention to art, architecture, history, science, culture, religion, politics, and the people who made it all happen. It will be an exciting adventure and I look forward to sharing it with you.

About This GuideThis handbook provides information about the academics and housing of your Global Seminar. It also begins to familiarize you with some cultural specifics of your host country. The information is intended to begin preparing you for your upcoming experience. It offers an overview on certain topics, but not comprehensive information. You are encouraged to read other sources of information about your destination city and country in preparation for your stay. You will find a resource list at the end of this handbook. You may also want to check your local library for additional resources. The better prepared you are prior to your departure, the more quickly you will adjust and be able to function effectively in your host country.

As you read through this handbook, do not hesitate to contact the Learning Abroad Center at the University of Minnesota with any questions.

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About Global SeminarsGlobal Seminars are an amazing way to learn about a subject in another country. You not only learn in the classroom and from the program leader, but also from the culture and people around you. All of your senses will be stimulated and this experience can feel overwhelming at times.

Your classmates, program leader, and on-site partner can all be a source of support as you adjust to your new environment. However, the ultimate success of this unique opportunity depends on your ability and commitment to make the most of the experience and to adjust effectively to the changes you will encounter.

Global Seminars are an academic experience. As is expected when you are on campus, on the Global Seminar you are expected to attend classes and fulfill all of the course requirements. Remember, since this is a three-week condensed course, missing one day of class can mean missing a lot of material. You are also encouraged to take advantage of being in such a unique location by experiencing the culture you are visiting. Be prepared to manage your time so you can achieve both academic success and cultural exploration. It is best to plan most independent travel after the program.

Preparation and PlanningDocumentsFor information on obtaining a passport, contact the Learning Abroad Center. You may also want to purchase an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which can get you additional discounts if you plan to travel independently after the program. Applications are available online. You can find more information on both documents at www.UMabroad.umn.edu/students/travel/documents.php.

If you are not a US citizen, it is your responsibility to check with your own consulate and the host country’s consulate or embassy for special travel document requirements (re-entry permits, etc.). This process may also take time to complete, so it is very important to take care of this immediately.

Your passport and other vital travel documents should be kept in a travel pouch around your neck or waist if they cannot be placed in a safe. If your passport is lost or stolen, you should contact the local police and the American Consulate or Embassy immediately.

Keep copies of all of the following documents and phone numbers to report them if they are lost or stolen. Store these in a safe place, such as in your carry-on luggage.

• Passport• Airline ticket• Insurance policy• ATM card and credit card with emergency number• Phone numbers at home in case of an emergency• Driver’s license

Money MattersPersonal spending habits vary too greatly to state exactly how much it will cost to live abroad. The amount depends on your personal spending habits, the amount of traveling you plan to do, and the value of the dollar. Please take these into consideration when planning. You may want to refer to the budget estimate for this program, which can be found at:

www.UMabroad.umn.edu/assets/files/Fees%20Pages/GlobalSeminars/italyGreatMinds/’12.pdf

CurrencyItaly uses the Euro. You can check the current exchange rate at http://www.xe.com/ucc/. Be certain to do so before you travel since the value fluctuates daily.

Debit CardOne of the easiest and least expensive means of obtaining money is at an ATM. If you have debit card, it takes money directly out of your account and does not incur interest or a cash advance fee. A debit card works exactly like a credit card but you must have the money available in your account. This is very convenient because you do not have to worry about bank hours or pay the commission for converting your money. The drawback is that if you have a problem with your magnetic strip, as frequently happens, or your card is lost, you will have to wait for another card to be sent to you. This problem can be avoided by having a back-up method. If you chose to get a debit card it should be on the Cirrus or Plus networks and you will need a 4-digit personal identification number (PIN). Contact your bank for information on obtaining a card and to find out if your card can be used internationally.

Credit CardMoney can be transferred to you easily from the U.S. with a credit card (ask your bank if you will be able to use your card abroad). A credit card is also a good resource for emergency situations.

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Lost or Stolen Debit/Credit Cards Carry phone numbers of the debit/credit card company with you on your Global Seminar (make sure you have numbers that can be accessed from abroad), and keep them separate from your cards. This way you can report the missing cards without delay.

Safeguarding Your Money and DocumentsBe careful with your money. Pickpockets do exist and generally strike when you are in a crowd. Another common place to lose money to thieves is on trains when traveling at night. A money belt is a good idea to have when traveling. If your money is lost or stolen, your international insurance can assist you in obtaining emergency cash.

Health and SafetyRefer to these sites for health and travel information:

•ConsularInformationSheethttp://www.travel.state.gov/

•HealthInformationforTravelerstoItalyhttp://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/italy.aspx

•AIDS/HIVPreventionhttp://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2010/chap-ter-5/hiv-aids.aspx

•Food&WaterPrecautionshttp://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/safe-food-water.aspx

Health InsuranceEvery student will be provided with CISI international health insurance while participating on a Global Seminar. Be sure to pay attention to the Online Health & Safety orientation to get more information about your insurance coverage and health and safety issues.

You will receive an email from enrollments@culturalinsurance.com prior to your departure. This email will provide information about your insurance plan as well as a card that you can print out and carry with you.

Immunizations and VaccinationsWe recommend that you consult with a travel physician or travel nurse prior to departure to discuss your travel plans and what immunizations or vaccinations may be required.

Safety PrecautionsIt is important to consider safety issues and use common sense while traveling. No students should travel alone at night, and you should always keep your personal belongings hidden. Use caution when giving out your address or phone number.

You should consult the US State Department Travel advisories for up-to-date information on travel precautions for the country where you will be studying. Travel advisories are available for reference in the Learning Abroad Center or at www.travel.state.gov.

Arrival LogisticsAll students will arrive in Italy on the group flights arranged by the Learning Abroad Center.

When you arrive, you will be met by the on-site ACCENT staff at the Rome airport and transferred from the airport to your housing by coach bus.

Practical and Program InformationGroup DynamicsGlobal Seminars are unique within study abroad programs because of the strong emphasis on the group. Studying abroad in a group can be a very rewarding experience. It is common to form strong bonds with people and make life long friends. Working together and relying on each other has led to positive and successful study abroad experiences. Many Global Seminar groups organize reunions long after the program has ended.

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In order to make the most of the group experience it is important to maintain some basic principles of living and studying together. Respect for each other’s differences is intrinsic to living and studying in a group successfully. Some differences can be obvious such as gender, religion, disabilities, or national origin, while others are less obvious, such as learning disabilities or social class. As you are preparing to be open-minded and respectful to the differences of another culture, also prepare to be open-minded and respectful to your fellow classmates.

Another characteristic of a successful group can be seen in the interaction of its members. Finding the strength in each person and letting them do what they are good at is useful to the group. Likewise, supporting each other in moments that are difficult is also important. In this way the group can use the different skills of each member to surpass any challenge.

On-Site SupportACCENT will provide the on-site support for this course. ACCENT is an international education organization that has provided high quality study abroad programs for over 50 years. You can learn more about ACCENT by visiting their website: http://www.accentintl.com/.

Housing and MealsYou will live with other program participants in apartments. Welcome and farewell meals will be included in the program fee. Because you will be housed in apartments, you will be able to go grocery shopping and prepare meals on your own.

Communications

Telephone Florence is seven hours ahead of Minneapolis (CST). Phone rates in Italy are among the highest in all of Europe. You may want to take along your long distance telephone company’s calling card (Spring, MCI, AT&T) to make a short call, and then have the person back home return your call. To make a call outside Italy, dial 00 to get a line outside the country, then the country code (1 for the US), city (area) code, and finally, the number. To make a collect call, dial 170 and you will get an English speaking operator, or call AT&T at 172 1011. The least expensive time to place an international call from Italy is after 10 p.m. A pre-paid phone card, carta telefonica, is cheaper than the methods described above. Phone cards are available in various denominations at tobacco shops (tabacchi). ACCENT provides a phone card for each student to make a brief phone call upon arrival.

MailItaly’s postal service is notoriously slow and unreliable. Despite this, Italy charges more than most countries for postage. Letters to the US can take 10 to 14 days while postcards, classified as low-priority, take even longer, up to several weeks. When sending a postcard, place it in an envelope as it will be processed more quickly, and this will ensure faster delivery to the US. An aerogram purchased at the post office is the least expensive way to communicate with folks back home. Since you will not be in Italy for very long, do not arrange to have any mail sent to Florence.

The main post office (Ufficio Postale) in the city is located in Piazza della Repubblica on via Pellicceria. Look for the yellow sign with POST printed on it. It is open daily from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Tabacchi sell postage stamps and are easily recognized by the large “T,” generally a white and blue sign.

EmailYou will have limited access to a computer lab with internet access. You may be able to access your email in internet cafes, but we recommend that you spend your free time exploring the city since you are there for a short time.

AcademicsProgram LeaderLaura Coffin Koch of the College of Education and Human Development will be your program leader. As the program leader, she will be in regular communication with ACCENT administrative staff and should be your first contact for academic matters. For emergencies and logistical concerns while in Italy, please contact the ACCENT staff.

Program StructureClasses will be held at ACCENT’s center. Instruction will consist of a combination of classroom discussion and group projects as well as field trips to significant sites. Excursions will typically take place on Fridays, though you will receive a more specific schedule from your program leader. Weekends are generally free for studying and exploring your surroundings.

The program is designed to be academically rigorous, but it is up to each individual student to maintain good study habits and complete assignments on time. It is also mandatory to be on time for group excursions.

If you have a personal emergency that requires you to return from the program early, you must speak with the program leader in advance to discuss the possibility of an incomplete.

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CourseStudents who successfully complete the program will receive 3 credits for FOST 3060. The course has been approved for the following Liberal Education requirements: Historical Perspectives core and Global Perspectives theme.

Grades will be posted in the summer, three to four weeks after returning from the program. You will register yourself for placeholder credits. The Learning Abroad Center will provide registration instructions via email.

See the course syllabus for further details about program’s structure and coursework.

Books and MaterialsYou will be required to purchase textbooks before your departure. You will need a notebook and pens/pencils during class. These can be brought from home or purchased abroad, although they are often more expensive than U.S. products.

Life in ItalyFrom the Lonely Planet Guidebook

Geography and ClimateSituated in the temperate zone and jutting deep into the Mediterranean, Italy is regarded by many tourists as a land of sunny, mild weather. However, due to the north–south orientation of the peninsula and the fact that it is largely mountainous, the country’s climate is variable.

In Florence, encircled by hills, the weather can be quite extreme but, as you travel towards the tip of the boot, temperatures and weather conditions become milder. Rome, for instance, has an average July and August temperature in the mid-20s (Celsius), although the impact of the sirocco (a hot, humid wind blowing from Africa) can produce stiflingly hot weather in August, with temperatures in the high 30s for days on end. Winters are moderate and snow is rare in Rome, although winter clothing (or at least a heavy overcoat) is still a requirement.

Government and HistoryFew countries have been on such a bumpy roller-coaster ride. The Italian peninsula lays at the core of one of the greatest world powers ever known, the Roman Empire.

The Roman Republic was founded in 509 BCE and grew to become the most powerful empire in the Western world at the time. Roman armies conquered the Italian peninsula. Defeated city-states were not taken over directly; rather they

were obliged to become allies. They retained their government and land but had to provide troops on demand to serve in the Roman army. Increasingly, the protection offered by Roman hegemony induced many cities to become allies voluntarily. Wars with rivals led Rome to take control of Sardinia, Sicily, Corsica, mainland Greece, Spain, most of North Africa and part of Asia Minor by 133 BCE. A number of incredibly powerful and famous emperors led the Roman Empire throughout its height of power, including Caesar Augustus, Octavian, Hadrian, and Constantine.

By the time of the Empire’s demise, Christianity was widespread and in Rome, the western church had asserted itself as a spiritual and secular force. Much of the 8th to the 11th centuries are characterized by struggles for power between various popes, bishops, and emperors. Christian zealots arrived in southern Italy in the early 11th century. In the following decades they ably exploited local conflicts between Muslim, Byzantine and other independent rules to gain control.

Between the 12th and 14th centuries, city-states developed new formed for government. Often the city-states created a comune (town council), a form of republican government dominated at first by aristocrats but then increasingly by the wealthy middle classes. War between city-states was a constant, and eventually a few, such as Florence, emerged as small regional powers and absorbed their neighbors.

As the 15th century progressed, universities and private schools were founded to educate a growing army of scholars, diplomats and public servants. The Vatican became one of the greatest Italian patrons of a new wave of artists, sculptors and architects. Rome, which had a population of 100,000 and was a major centre of political and cultural life, was a generous patron of the arts and universities, but the impulses for artistic creation and development in Renaissance Italy were multiple. Indeed the real stimulus came from the city-states. Wealth, humanistic thought, and artistic revolution went hand in hand.

By the third decade of the 16th century, the broad-minded curiosity of the Renaissance had begun to give way to the intolerance of the Counter-Reformation. Art was one thing, but curious free-thinking quite another. The rise of Protestantism, led by Martin Luther, took place during this time. Italy ceased to be at the cutting edge of European culture. However, the French Revolution at the end of the 18th century and the rise of Napoleon awakened hopes in Italy of an independent nation.

The bloody Franco-Austrian War (1859-1861) eventually resulted in a united, albeit turbulent, Italian kingdom. The new state saw violent swings between socialists and the right. In 1919 Benito Mussolini founded the Fascist Party, with its hallmarks of the black shirt and Roman salute. These were to become symbols of violent oppression and aggressive nationalism. Mussolini and Pope Pius XI signed the Lateran Pact in 1929, declaring Catholicism as the sole religion of

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the Italian nation and the Vatican was full recognized as an independent state. WWII and the decades that followed saw a series of coalition governments, the abolishment of constitutional monarchy, and the slow recovery of Italy’s economy.

Italy is currently governed by Prime Minister Mario Monti. Known as ‘The Professor’, Monti was elected in 2011. Monti is also an economist and academic who previously served as a European Commissioner from 1995 to 2004, with responsibility for the Internal Market, Services, Customs and Taxation from 1995 to 1999 and then for Competition from 1999 to 2004. Monti has also been Rector and President of Bocconi University in Milan.

Life in FlorenceSo many lookers in such a good-looking city! Naked like Michelangelo’s David or rugged up in the latest winter fashion by their own world-class designers, Florentines and their city never fail to impress. Already in need of oxygen after admiring their art, visitors are mesmerized by the vision of locals at aperitivo time, effortlessly strutting, flirting and evidently enjoying life. Florence means one thing: style, both past and present.

The jewel of Renaissance Italy remains essentially what it was—a busy business centre. The memory of the Medici, who for centuries commanded the city’s fortunes and were, as generous patrons, instrumental in unleashing the Renaissance, lives on. To this day the family crest of six balls adorns many public buildings. The city’s artists and sculptors, supported by the Medici and other powerful families, regaled the city with their finest creations. Michelangelo, Leonardo, Donatello, Giotto, the Lippis, Masaccio, Botticelli, Pontormo and a host of others left their mark, and formidable galleries such as the Uffizi, Pitti and Accademia today house many of their works.

When the shops close, it’s time to eat. Sit down to a simple Tuscan meal of tomato stew followed by prime steak in a family-run trattoria or splash out on one of the city’s classic gourmet restaurants or stylish designer eateries. Florence is known for its top-grade Chiantis, but you should make the acquaintance of other exquisite tipples too: Montalcino’s Brunello, the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and the more daring Super Tuscans.

The PeopleVoluble, quick-witted, tenacious, stylish, vain, bons vivants, sassy, expressive...clichés about the Italian character abound. As with all clichés, there is something to them. Blessed with a land of extraordinary variety, jammed with the testimony of thousands of years of history and some of the world’s greatest food and wine, the Italians certainly know how to live.

From the breezy nonchalance of the self-assured Roman and the Iaconic Neapolitan to the hard-working Milanese and the German-speaking South Tirolean in the Alto Adige, at times it seems that little really unites these people. They even have a name for their strong regional identity: campanilismo (an attachment to the local bell tower). Only when confronted by foreigners does the national pride of the average Italian begin to prevail over strictly local sentiment.

LanguageItalian is a Romance language and related to French, Spanish, Portuguese and Romanian. As English and Italian share common roots in Latin, you will recognize many Italian words. Various dialects of Italian exist, but standard Italian is the national language of schools, media and literature. English is widely spoken in tourist areas as well, and in both Florence and Rome you will see signage in English.

Solutions for Common Communication DifficultiesYou can hear and decipher language better in context. If you know the subject matter, you will better anticipate what you will hear: For example, if you ask how much something costs, you will hear numbers. If you ask where the supermarket is, you will hear directions and distances.

Carry a small Italian-English dictionary or phrase book, such as the “Berlitz Italian Phrase Book and Dictionary.”

Practice Italian pronunciation. When you learn a new phrase or expression, use it as frequently as possible, to reinforce it in your memory.

Carry a small notepad and pen with you. If you are having trouble hearing names, prices, addresses, etc., ask the person to write them down for you.

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Entertainment

Nightlife Clubs cover most tastes ranging from dressy glam hang-outs to converted warehouses with big-name DJs. Most places open around 10:30 p.m. and continue through to the early hours. Expect to pay an admission charge; these range from 5–25 euros, which may or may not include a drink. For a more low-key evening experience, try one of the numerous coffee shops in the city.

ShoppingThere’s really no better way of mingling with the locals than (window) shopping on a Saturday afternoon. Both Rome and Florence offer a variety of shops, from high-end designer clobber to open-air markets. Check local maps or ask a local where the best places to shop are.

ResourcesFor movie listings, theater or opera performances, sporting events, and other entertainment options, check local listings.

In Florence, check the Turismonotizie or Informacita, publishing available at tourist offices. You can also check online for events at www.informacittafirenze.it or www.florence-concierge.it (in English).

Roma C’e is Rome’s most comprehensive listings guide, and comes with a small English-language section. Other useful guides are Metro and Trovaroma, available at tourist offices. Check out www.romace.it for further listings.

Food and Meals

Where to EatA tavola calda (literally ‘hot table’) normally offers cheap, pre-prepared food which showcases local specialties and can include self-service pasta, roast meats, pizza by the slice, and vegetable dishes. A trattoria is basically a cheaper version of a ristorante (restaurant) with less-aloof service and simpler dishes. A ristorante generally has a wider selection of dishes, printed menus, a higher standard of service and higher prices. The problem is that many establishments that are in fact ristorante call themselves trattorie, and vice versa, usually to capture the spirit of the other establishment- sophisticated elegance or rustic charm, respectively. It is best to check the menu, usually posted by the door, for prices.

What to eatTo eat and drink in Italy is to be thrust into the very heart of Italian life. Although this is a country that has exported its food culture around the world, Italian cuisine as such doesn’t exist. The geography makes for many microclimates and the history for plenty of microcultures. The result is a range of food that is diverse and unique to each region.

Lazio (Rome)The food in this region can sit heavily on the stomach. Traditional pasta dishes include carbonara (egg yolk, cheese and pancetta) and alfredo (butter, cream, and parmesan). Offal is never far from the Roman table, and neither are carciofi (artichokes), which are rounder and better-tasting than virtually anywhere else in the country. Finish your meal with a glass of Frascati.

Tuscany (Florence)Tuscan specialties are noted for their simplicity and flavor. Bread is the essential staple, appearing in bruchetta, used to thicken soups, or in panzanella salad. Among the other stapes of Tuscan cuisine are the popular small white cannelloni beans, bistecca alla florentina (large t-bone steak), and a variety of soups flavored with pork and chicken giblets. Tuscan wines are also famous worldwide.

WaterDespite the fact that tap water is safe and reliable throughout most of the country, many Italians prefer to drink bottled mineral water. This is available either frizzante (sparkling or with gas) or naturale (still or no gas) and you will be asked in restaurants and bars which type you would prefer. You will pay for the water.

TippingYou are not expected to tip on top of restaurant service charges but you can leave a little extra if you feel service warrants it. If there is no service charge, the customer should consider leaving a 10% tip, but this is not obligatory. Tipping taxi drivers is not common practice.

ElectricityYou should avoid taking electric appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons, shavers, etc., with you, as these types of appliances will not operate without adapters. Voltage in Italy is 220V, 50Hz, but older buildings may still use 15V.

Cultural Adjustment Global Seminars are group oriented in nature. The group aspect and the length of the program together provide some interesting challenges to cultural integration. While you will be forming bonds with people in the Global Seminar group it is important to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the program and by being in another country to interact with the host people and culture.

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Here is a list of some ways that you could take advantage of these opportunities:

• Frequent places like markets, local restaurants, or a bak-ery.

• Do what the locals do. Don’t spend a lot of time in tour-isty hangouts.

• Ask your hotel concierge about his/her favorite restau-rant/shop/activity

• Participate in activities your program may offer that includes host country nationals.

• Spark up conversations when possible with host-country nationals (such as with your restaurant server, shop owner)

• Venture out in smaller groups to make it easier to meet people.

• Make an effort to speak the language.You can minimize the stress involved in adjusting to life in your host community and get maximum benefit from your experience abroad by preparing adequately. The cultural differences you encounter can enrich your life by presenting you with a different worldview and new approaches to solving problems.

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Cultural Adjustment CurveHome Culture Host Culture Home Culture

Departure Return

AnticipatingDeparture

InitialFascination

InitialCulture Shock

SurfaceAdjustment

Feelings ofIsolation

Integration/Acceptance

ReturnAnxiety

Re-entryAdjustment

Low

Com

fort

and

Sat

isfa

ctio

n H

igh

Adjusted from Oberg (1960) and Gallahorn (1963)

Cultural AdjustmentThe On-Site ExperienceWhat happens when you suddenly lose clues and symbols that orient you to situations in everyday life? What happens when facial expressions, gestures, and words are unfamiliar? The psychological discomfort and adjustment period in a foreign country is commonly known as culture shock or cultural adjustment.

You will almost certainly experience some form of culture shock. It might hit you after two days, two weeks or two months—timing varies widely for different people. Six common phases of cultural adjustment are listed below. These may be out of order for you, one phase may last longer than another or you may skip a step entirely.

Initial Fascination: On arrival your surroundings seem glamorous and exotic, you feel like the focus of attention and activity.

Initial Culture Shock: The initial fascination and euphoria fade as you settle in and you enter an emotional decline.

Surface Adjustment: After the initial “down” (a few days to a few weeks for most), you begin to truly adjust and settle into your surroundings. Language skills begin to improve, and you’ll feel less fatigued. Often you’ll be forming a small group of friends at this stage as well.

Feelings of Isolation: Difficulties in your new culture seem to stubbornly remain and you grow frustrated with the process.

A sense of isolation sets in. Boredom and a lack of motivation often follow. Unresolved personal issues often surface during this stage.

Integration/Acceptance: After continued effort you find yourself more at ease with language, friends, professional, and academic interests. The culture you are living in is more easily examined. Differences between yourself and the society you live in become understandable and you come to accept both the situation and yourself in it, allowing you to relax and feel at home.

Return Anxiety: Just when you feel at home in the new country it’s time to go. Thoughts of leaving new friends raise anxiety similar to those felt before departure. You sense that you’ve changed as a person and apprehension grows when you think about people at home that may not understand your new feelings and insights, yet you may feel guilty for wanting to stay.

When in any of the above phases you may experience: changes in sleeping habits, feelings of helplessness or hopelessness, loneliness, depression, unexplainable crying, placing blame for difficulties on the program or host culture, homesickness, getting angry easily, increase in physical ailments or pain, compulsive eating or lack of appetite.

Other symptoms may manifest themselves as well. It is important to understand these are part of a normal process of adjustment, however, if uncomfortable feelings persist for extended periods or seem unbearable, seek assistance from your programs onsite support staff.

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Appendix

PackingIt is extremely important that you pack light, as you will be carrying your luggage yourself during the program, often for long stretches in airports, bus, and train stations. Take only as much as you can carry easily by yourself. One way to measure what is “easily carried” is to pack everything you would like to take, pick it all up, and walk around the block. If you are not comfortable doing so, you may want to re-evaluate what you have packed.

Important: Take clothing that needs a minimal amount of care. This is especially important if you plan to do any inde-pendent traveling. Rolling your garments reduces wrinkling and saves space. You might also want to pack your clothing in plastic bags inside your suitcase to prevent rainwater from leaking into your clothing.

The following is a suggested, basic packing list. Remember to bring only what you think you will really need.

Packing ListYou should adjust according to your own personal tastes and style!

Ask for program leader input on specific items to bring or not to bring on their program>

❐ 1 sweater or jacket for chilly days

❐ 2 pair jeans or pants

❐ 1 skirt

❐ 1 nice outfit (for evening wear)

❐ 3-4 shirts

❐ 2 t-shirts

❐ 2 pair shorts or capris

❐ 1 pair nice shoes

❐ comfortable walking shoes/sandals

❐ 1 pair pajamas

❐ 1 swimsuit

❐ raincoat or umbrella

❐ 7 or more sets underwear

❐ 7 or more pair socks

❐ course materials, textbooks, this student handbook

❐ photocopies of your passport

Other necessary items may include: toothpaste, toothbrush, shaving kit, deodorant, comb, washcloth and towel, a tem-porary supply of soap, shampoo (in unbreakable container), small packet of detergent, aspirin, supply of necessary pre-scription medicine, extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses, safety pins, and small flashlight. Most of the above personal items can be found abroad; however you may want to bring enough of your favorite brands to last you during your stay.

Resource List

Centers for Disease Control travel informationwww.cdc.gov/travel US State Department Travel Advisories and Consular Informationhttp://travel.state.gov/

Travel/study abroad information for GLBT studentswww.indiana.edu/~overseas/lesbigay/

Italy Travelwww.lonelyplanet.com/italy

http://wikitravel.org/en/Italy

http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/italy/florence/

http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/italy/rome/

Italy News Sources http://www.theflorentine.net/

http://www.romepost.it/

GuidebooksIt is recommended that you purchase a travel guidebook before you leave. Guidebooks explore regions, countries, and cities and offer invaluable information such as maps, recom-mendations, background information, and travel tips. Some of the more popular guidebooks that are geared towards stu-dents include Lonely Planet, Let’s Go, Footprints, and Rough Guides. You can browse through guides in the travel library at the Learning Abroad Center in 230 Heller Hall. Lonely Planet Guides can be purchased there as well.