Pitzer Exchange Programs
Open to Pitzer and non-Pitzer students

Parma, Italy

Program Title: Pitzer Exchange Program with the Università degli Studi di Parma
Location Parma, Italy
The Emilia-Romagna region has played a vital role in Italy’s economic, cultural and political life. Since Roman times the corridor of prosperity that runs from Parma and Bologna to Rome has produced an entrepreneurial spirit responsible for one of the world’s most sophisticated and ecologically well-balanced economies. Pitzer has selected the city of Parma to provide you with a high degree of integration into Italian and family life and community.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parma
http://turismo.comune.parma.it/
Host Website http://www.unipr.it
Eligibility Any level of Italian language is accepted. At least one semester of language is highly recommended. Students must be in good standing at Pitzer College.
Preparation At least one European area studies course is recommended before departure. Other general preparation options include: Comparative Politics, Intercultural Communications, Introduction to International/ Intercultural Studies, Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology, History of Art.
Application Pitzer College general application and the forms required by the university.
Program Dates Fall Semester: September to December
Spring Semester: January to May
Required Courses Participants are expected to take the equivalent of four courses while abroad:

Studies in Italian Culture
Using the city of Parma as a case study, you will explore topics in Italian history, politics, economy, religion, art, literature, and culture through a series of lectures by area scholars and specialists.  The course also incorporates the home stay, local visits in Parma, and other more experiential components of the program to put a human face on the material presented in the lectures and readings.



Intensive Italian Language
Intensive Italian is offered at the University of Parma. Becoming fluent in Italian, however, is not just a classroom exercise. It is part of your everyday life through interactions with your host family and local Italians. The competence you develop in Italian will be one of the treasures of your Pitzer Exchange in Italy experience. Working with your Language Tandem Partner (an Italian student learning English), auditing Università di Parma classes, participating in a Community- Based Service Learning (CBSL) project will advance your fluency.

Community-Based Service Learning (Independent Study)
According to their interests, students are assigned to a volunteer organization in Parma (health, education, immigrant assistance, environmental, etc.) for a full immersion experience that combines Italian language, socio-anthropological training and field work. Through hands-on volunteer work at a local social service agency, students learn about contemporary Italian society.
Course Options During orientation at the beginning of study, students’ Italian skills are assessed and classes are chosen based on the students’ levels. Students with an advanced (Italian 44 or higher) level of Italian may be eligible to take regular university courses in Italian if test results in orientation show they have sufficient skills.
Credit Possible See Required Courses.
Housing Options Students are housed with host families and share all meals with their families.