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Ciao!  Siete interessati a viaggiare in italia? Bravi!

Let me tell you about the study abroad program, the courses I teach in Italy, a little about myself, and answer some FAQ's.  At the end of this web page is a list of my favorite Italian movies, and a comprehensive list of links about this study abroad program, study abroad in general, Italy, pictures, etc.

About Study Abroad:
The study abroad program can be a rich and powerful learning experience for participants, and both students and professors walk away with learning experiences that will last a lifetime.  The benefits for participants in study abroad are multifaceted.   Learning is intensified in a “foreign” environment as both students and professor are removed from their own cultural “norms.”  Cultural differences become magnified, so not only are students learning and professor teaching a particular topic but both are developing intercultural awareness.  Every moment becomes a teaching moment as the classroom encompasses the entire environment and the interactions that occur within the environment. 

Study abroad, while centered on learning, is also about fun!  Our classroom is not only in the actual classroom itself, but encompasses everywhere we go and everything we do.  We will go on numerous field trips to actually see and touch the places that we are learning about.  We will eat wonderful food and drink great espresso all over Italy.  We will see beautiful places, art, and learn about both an ancient and a thriving modern culture. 

Montepulciano, Italy: 
Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy... bellissimo... Montepulciano is located in the Tuscana region of Italia.  It is the quintessential medieval Tuscan hilltop town. It is beautiful, serene, elegant...and importantly, it is not overrun by tourists. It is also the home of il Sasso, our school in Italy.  From Montepulciano, we will travel on fieldtrips during the week and on optional trips over the weekend.  View some pictures of places that we might visit.

Courses in Montepulciano, Italy: 
You will take two courses as part of the five week study abroad program.  There are two summer sessions in which you can enroll.  Session I runs from May 16 - June 23.  Session II runs from June 27 - August 4.  Although, I would love to have you join my class, you do not have to enroll in either of the courses that I will teach.  My course descriptions are listed below, but  go here to read other course descriptions.  

Plants and Society:
Students enrolled in Plants and Society will develop an understanding and appreciation of the significant role of plants throughout ancient and modern history and in their own lives.  Plants and Society is a course that is the perfect vehicle for integrating course with culture as it concerns the intimate connections between plants and society.  Within Italian culture, which has been in existence for thousands of years, people (not so much the industrial North) have an awareness of the connection between plants and their own lives.  Students will gain, through experience and reflection, an awareness of their own deep connections to the plants in their lives.  For example, through the use of a field note book, students will tackle assignments such as comparing and contrasting the role of plants in cooking and the dinner experience in American and Italian culture.  We will listen to a local cook from the Trattoria di Cagnano describe the types of plants used in Tuscan cooking (as Italian cooking varies regionally) and then later eat our meal together.  That night, students will address the assignment and ponder the whole experience of eating food together.  Here's the syllabus 

Environmental Science:
Students enrolled in Environmental Science will learn about the relationship between humans and the environment and the science behind environmental issues using the biological, physical, and social sciences.  How we use our resources and the problems facing society affect all of us.  By learning about the history of our relationship to the environment and how we use our resources in another culture, students will learn that environmental problems are both local and global issues.  Students will actually see the effects of acid rain on ancient structures, the efforts to filter and store clean water for municipal uses, and the struggle to use environmentally sound methods in agriculture.  By learning environmental science in Italy, students will develop a global perspective on science.  Here's the syllabus 

Where do these courses fit in my curriculum?:
These courses are core classes and can fit into different areas of your curriculum.  For teacher ed students, the courses fit into areas D2 and F.  Plants and Society covers topics in ethnobotany and economic botany.  Environmental Science is a common course that covers the science behind environmental issues.  Contact your advisor to see where these courses can fit into your curriculum.  Of course, if you have any questions, please contact me.

Who is Dr. Boudell?:
Di origine di Roma e ho vissuto a Roma per quattro anni. I was born in Rome and lived in Rome for four years.  Being born a Roman, who became an American, I’ve been fortunate to have the threads of Italian culture infused throughout many aspects of my life.  I cook good Italian food (from scratch, even some of the herbs come from my garden), enjoy Italian culture, and as a heritage speaker I am rapidly re-learning Italian.  Besides my Italian background, I'm an active plant ecologist with ongoing research projects.

FAQ's:

1) Do I need to speak Italian to participate in the Study Abroad program in Montepulciano, Italy?

No, you do not need to speak Italian.  All classes will be in English.  I speak Italian and when you need help, I will assist you with translations.  

2) Will financial aid cover study abroad expenses?

Yes, study abroad is a commonly offered educational experience and financial aid can be used to cover study abroad expenses.  Additionally, scholarships may be available to help defray expenses.  Look under the links section of this web page for study abroad financial aid information (scholarships etc.).

3) What is included in the cost of the study abroad program?

round-trip airfare, a shared apartment for 5 weeks, nightly dinner Sunday-Thursday, museum/admission fees of required field trips, and emergency health insurance      Tuition is not included.

4) Is the study abroad program too expensive?

hmmm... good question... Let me tell you that the cheapest extended trip to Italy can only be had via the study abroad program.  When I travel to Italy, my expense for only 9 days is almost as much as the entire cost of your 5 week stay (that's 35 days)!!  Also, you do not have to pay for all of your expenses up front, you can make two payments.  So start saving now!

5) Do I think you should participate in the Study Abroad program?

Absolutely,  I think your participation in the study abroad program will be an experience that you will remember for the rest of your days.

If you have questions that I haven't answered here... please send me an email at jboudell@clayton.edu or call me at 678-466-4772.

i miei favoriti films italiani

Classic

Modern

di Michelangelo Antonioni: L'avventura

di Pietro Germi: Divorzio all'italiana

di Gianni Amelio: Le chiavi di casa

di Paolo Virzi: Catarina va in citta

di Gabriele Muccino: Ricordati di me

di Silvio Soldini: Pane e tulipani

di Roberto Benigni: La vita è bella

di Giuseppe Tornatore: Cinema Paradiso

Links: Study Abroad & Travel Abroad

Links: Italia