Undergraduate
Frequently Asked Questions
Study Abroad in Italy
Is there an ideal time to go abroad?
While there is no ideal time, the Italian Program recommends that students study at
least two semesters, if not more, of college-level Italian before going abroad.
Students should also make sure that they can go at a time that allows them to maximize
their experience, and try to choose a program that can respond to individual
planning needs in the areas of major, minor, and GER requirements.
When should I begin planning for my studies abroad?
Since foreign languages often demand highly sequenced programs of study, students are asked to
contact the Study Abroad Advisor, Prof. Lina Insana as soon
as they begin to consider studying abroad, ideally one year before the semester or year in question. At
that time, Prof. Insana can provide students with the appropriate resources and suggestions they
need to begin the selection process, and ensure that students’ planning takes all relevant
factors into account. In this way, students can guarantee themselves the kind of careful
planning necessary to a successful and satisfying study abroad experience.
How much language should I study in Italy?
In order to take fullest advantage of their time abroad, Italian majors should plan on taking
3-6 credits of language instruction in Italy, in addition to any content-based instruction in Italian
(Italian Culture, Literature, Cinema, History, etc.) as their level of Italian proficiency will
allow. Students should plan on choosing specific courses in consultation with Prof. Insana.
What are the main steps in planning my time abroad?
Make an appointment with the Italian Program Study Abroad Advisor, Prof. Lina Insana.
She will provide you with research materials and tools and go over your remaining requirements
in order to help you decide which program is best for you.
- Start asking your current or most recent Italian language instructor for a letter of recommendation (required by all programs). You may also be asked to provide other academic letters of recommendation.
- Attend a Study Abroad Office Essentials Session (click here to consult the Study Abroad Office’s Process and Timeline pages, including schedules and registration for the Essentials Session) to get you started with the rest of the process.
- Meet with a Financial Aid Officer to discuss what funds will apply to your semester abroad.
- After selecting the program(s) that you would like to consider, submit your application. NB: as a general rule, most Fall programs have an April 1-15 deadline, most Spring programs have an October 1-15 deadline, and most year-long programs have a March 1-15 deadline.
- When you have been accepted into a program, bring a copy of your notification (letter, email) to the Study Abroad Office (802 WPU), where you will then make an appointment for a contract meeting.
- Follow the guidelines on the Study Abroad Contract: select possible courses, meet with and get signatures from your academic advisor(s), the Financial Aid office, and the Dean’s office.
- Start packing and fai buon viaggio!
Can I spend my last semester or year abroad?
Yes, but it requires special permission from the Dean’s office. If this is your situation,
you should make an appointment with a Dean’s office representative (first floor, Thackeray
Hall) as early as possible in the process.
Isn’t study abroad expensive?
The costs relating to your time abroad will vary greatly according to a number of factors: the
program you pick, outside scholarships/financial aid, lifestyle decisions (extent of personal travel
during your semester; personal purchases; living with a family v. in an apartment; eating in v.
doing a great deal of eating out, etc.). If financial considerations are a big factor in
your decisions, you should meet with a financial aid officer and begin investigating scholarship
information as early as possible in the process.
Does Pitt’s Department of French and Italian have a semester-long program in
Italy?
No, but we do offer a six-week summer program in Florence (housed at CAPA), whereby students may
gain 7 Pitt-equivalent credits and, in many cases, accelerate their progress toward completing
the major. Students wishing to spend a semester or a year in Italy have an extensive selection
of programs from which to choose, covering a large range of language levels, disciplinary focuses,
geographic areas, and financial costs.
Will my credits transfer?
The best way to make sure your credits transfer is to choose (in consultation with the Italian
Program) an accredited program, and to have your courses pre-approved by all relevant university
units—CAS Dean’s Office, major program(s), minor/certificate program(s)—before
your plans are finalized. In addition, the Italian Study Abroad advisor will prepare an informal
contract before you leave, outlining exactly what you will need to do in order for your credits
to count toward the major in Italian. You should be meticulous in documenting your studies abroad;
this includes keeping all syllabi, exams, papers (including drafts and corrections), notebooks,
and books involved in your cousework.
Will my grades be averaged into my Pitt GPA?
No. Unless you are participating in a Pitt-developed program (such as Pitt-in-Italy), Study
Abroad credits are considered to be like transfer credits, which are entered into the system as
a credit block (usually 12-15 cr.), are not itemized, and are not assigned any grade value. Your
grades will be considered, however, in evaluating the acceptability of individual courses for satisfaction
on major, minor, certificate, and GER requirements.