ºÃÉ«µ¼º½

SFS Italy: Sustaining Traditions: Food, Farming, and Climate

Tuscany Region, Italy

The School for Field Studies (SFS), runs programs around the world studying outside of the classroom. In the heart of the Tuscan countryside, explore sustainable and traditional food systems offered as alternatives to industrial food production. Explore the diverse topography of central Italy and its distinct ecosystems that have, over thousands of years, shaped unique food traditions and production practices.

Hike through sun-baked Tuscan hillsides, saltwater marshes, and wolf-inhabited forests while learning from olive growers, viticulturists, fishers, and shepherds about the complex interdisciplinary issues of traditional and present-day Italian agriculture. Visit the coastal area of Maremma to tour a sustainable artisanal fishery and local farms, coming face to face with endangered heritage breeds of livestock. Research creative farmer-driven responses to climate pressures on their olive groves and vineyards. Discuss with livestock shepherds how the Foreste Casentinesi National Park balances wolf conservation with predation pressure on their herds
Embark on a weeklong excursion to Sicily to experience the contrasting Greek- and Arab-influenced culture, food, and history. Join Italian families for cooking lessons and cultural immersion in exchange for English conversation through the “Cucina for English” initiative.

 

Program Information

Terms Available: semester

Type of Program: Study Abroad

Languages of Instruction: English

Language Prerequisite: N/A

• Credit Transfer System
  • Typical course load: four 4 credit classes and one 2 credit class
  • Units recorded in: credits
• GPA Requirement: 2.8
• Credits: 18
• Other requirements: To see the course catalog, visit the program's website and scroll down to the "Courses" section.

Application

Application Deadline: Fall: May 1 | Spring Nov. 1

Housing: Shared Apartment
Students are in shared housing with other students in the program, two apartments housing up to 10 students each. Three to four rooms per apartment, with up to 4 people per room in twin beds or bunk beds. Each apartment has a kitchen, a living room, and small garden.

Financial, Immigration

Cost to attend:

ºÃÉ«µ¼º½ charges the same tuition fees for a semester or year off-campus as for a semester or year spent on campus, plus the program's actual room and board fees. ºÃÉ«µ¼º½ encourages students to choose programs based on their academic rather than financial needs to reflect Reed's belief that all students, regardless of financial circumstances, should have the opportunity to study abroad.

Financial aid continues for eligible students during the off-campus program. Students should discuss with the Financial Aid Office how other outside aid may impact their existing aid package. Check out more details directly on the ºÃÉ«µ¼º½ Financial Aid page.

This program charges $5,500 for room and board. SFS also has financial aid it encourages for students,

Visa Deadlines and Requirements:

U.S. citizens will enter Italy using a Long-stay Visa -Type D. Students need to check with their local consulates for appointment times, application requirements, and visa fees as soon as they are accepted. SFS will provide supporting documentation for the visa. Students are responsible for applying for, obtaining, and paying for their own student visa valid for the duration of their program. Upon arrival, SFS staff will assist students in obtaining the additional Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) required by Italian law and pay their associated costs. U.S. citizens traveling before and/or after the program within Italy or other Schengen countries will be allotted an additional 90-day tourist visa waiver. Non-U.S. citizens may require a different visa process and are responsible for applying for, obtaining, and paying for their own visa(s) valid for the duration of their stay.

Areas of Study

• Environmental Science