Study Abroad & Away JU 189: First Year Experience in Italy Tour of Italy

Incoming first year students are invited to apply to Jacksonville University’s First Year Experience Abroad. Join other first year students, JU peer mentors, and faculty for an engaged learning experience throughout Italy as you tour through Rome, Florence, and Venice in 12 days. The course will begin on August 14th and end on November 16th during the fall semester. At the end of the course, you will travel to Italy on November 26th, and then return in time for the Winter term on December 8th.

This program and course are designed to help make your first year at JU a smooth transition to success, as it mirrors the similarities with stepping into the college environment for the first time with that of traveling and living in a different culture. JU peer mentors will also be attending the trip and take part in your course. You’ll learn from these expert student leaders and faculty about how to make the most of your academic career at JU.

 

                                                

2019 Freshman Experience Abroad Group

Important Dates

Course Dates: August 14 - November 16, 2023

Travel Dates: November 26 - December 8, 2023*
*subject to change

Application & Deposit Deadline: August 1, 2023

Final Payment Deadline (Program Fees): September 1, 2023

How to Apply

• Application will be available after May 1, 2023.
• By clicking below and creating a Traveler Account will allow us to stay in touch with updates.
• Search for JU First Year Experience Abroad - Tour of Italy program for additional trip details.
• Submit $500 non-refundable deposit  
  • The $500 deposit is deducted from the total on-site program cost. 

APPLY NOW

On-Site Program Cost

*$3,725 - $4,200 + airfare (subject to change-based on number of travelers)

*This price range is determined based on enrollment. The final on-site program cost will be determined after the application and deposit deadline has passed.  The $500 deposit is deducted from the total on-site program cost. 

Once students are registered for the 3 credit JU 189 course, the on-site program cost will be added to each student's JU account.  

Included in On-Site Program Cost

• Airport Pick/Drop-Off
• In-country transportation (coach bus & public transportation)
• Welcome and Farewell Dinners
• Breakfast daily
• Shared Accommodations (3 - 6 students per room) in hotels
• Group Excursions and entrance fees per itinerary
• 24-hour emergency access to support services
• On-site Program Coordinator
• Medical & Accident insurance for each participant
• Gratuities to guides and bus drivers and/or similar

Excluded from On-Site Program Cost

• Roundtrip Airfare
  • Students will receive specific instructions on arrival/departure. 
    Please do not book a flight until you have received these details from Study Abroad & Away.
• Meals (unless otherwise specified on itinerary)
• Incidentals 

Courses

During the Fall Term, students will register for JU-189-153Z for 3 credit hours.
This course is scheduled to meet on Tuesday/Thursday from 2:00pm - 3:15pm. 

This program fulfills JU’s Experiential Learning undergraduate requirement for graduation. (JU 409)

Standard JU tuition and fees for Fall 2023 apply for the JU 189 course. 
(See JU Undergraduate Tuition & Costs) 

Enrollment

This program is open to 15 first year students. Additional applicants will be placed on a wait list.

Faculty Leaders

Tiffany Leach

Tiffany Leach is an Associate Professor of Art and Director of the MFA in Visual Arts program at Jacksonville University. Leach completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts in visual arts with a concentration in ceramics at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She holds a Masters in Fine Arts degree in visual arts from the University of Georgia. Her work has been exhibited and collected nationally and internationally. Leach has a passion for travel and adventure that has lead to time spent living in Italy prior to teaching at JU, as well as, a month long artist residency this year in Italy. She has spent time visiting in Europe, South Africa, Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas.

Travel Tip: As a seasoned traveler often with two small children in tow, the advice I like to give is pack light, have an open mind for adventure & be flexible!

 

 

Dr. Jeremy Stalker

Dr. Jeremy Stalker is an Assistant Professor of Marine Science.  He received his B.S. at Michigan State University; his M.S. at the University of Montana; and his Ph.D. at Florida International University. His research interest and areas of specialization include: Hydrology, Stable Isotope, Ionic and Nutrient Geochemistry, Coastal Oceanography, Geophysics, and Forensics. Dr. Stalker is also a passionate advocate of education abroad and the valuable experience it provides for students and faculty. He spent his youth traveling abroad with his parents and continues to honor the family legacy of international education by leading programs abroad with JU students. 

Tentative Program Itinerary

• Sunday, Nov 26 - Depart the US for Rome
• Monday, Nov 27 - Arrive in Rome 
  • Welcome & area tour etc
• Tues, Nov 28 - Rome
  • Tour Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Catacombs, etc. 
• Wed, Nov 29 - Rome
  • Tour Colosseum
• Thurs, Nov 30 - Rome
  • Day trip to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii
• Fri, Dec 1 - Rome
  • espresso, gelato, and tiramisu guided walking tour, St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican and Sistine Chapel
• Sat, Dec 2 - Rome
  • Day Trip to Tivoli, visit Hadrian's Villa, and Villa d'Este
• Sun, Dec 3 - Florence
  • Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
• Mon, Dec 4 - Florence
  • Day trip to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Cooking class at Florence University of the Arts (pending availability)
• Tues, Dec 5 - Venice
  • Tour Doge's Palace, David at Accademia Gallery, etc. 
• Wed, Dec 6 - Venice
  • Visit the island of Murano and attend a glass blowing demonstration (pending availability)
• Thurs, Dec 7 - Rome
  • Group Farewell Dinner
• Fri, Dec 8 - Return to US

*Itinerary and dates subject to change

Contact Us

JU Study Abroad & Away

• abroad@ju.edu

Tiffany Leach

• twhitfi@ju.edu 

Jeremy Stalker

• jstalke@ju.edu