Summer in Italy: Science-based Health & Wellness

Program Overview:

Travel this summer to Ischia, Italy to gain cultural, historical, and global insight into the sub-disciplines of Kinesiology through the dimensions of science-based health and wellness: Physical, Emotional, Social, Disease Prevention, & Community. Using secondary data analysis and practical application based learning, explore how each can positively and negatively contribute and influence health from an evidence-based approach.

In just over two weeks, Dr. Devan Romero will lead this course and visits to significant cultural and historical sites to explore science-based health and wellness.  With a base in Ischia, best known for its ancient thermal baths, students will explore the healing properties of water in the human body and gain a cultural introduction to Italy’s Southern region. From there, students will embark on excrusions to explore the region's ancient medicine, healing discoveries and practice. 

Program Excursions:  

• • Day Trip to Positano
  • Visit to Mozzarella Company
  • Paestum Greek Temple Guided Tour
  • Pompei Guided Visit
  • Welcome Dinner in Ischia
  • Half Day in Procida with Visit to Lemon Farm
  • Bus Tour of Ischia with dinner in local restaurant
  • Cooking course at Ischia Hospitality School
  • Yoga, Meditation & Natural Springs
  • Sorrento Day Trip
  • Capri Day Trip
  • Poseidon Thermal Park
  • Boat Tour of Ischia & Farewell Dinner
  • Guided Tour of Pompei
  • Visit to Castle of Aragon
  • Overnight in Naples

Academic Calendar: 

June 3 - 17, 2025 (fly out June 2 to arrive by June 3, depart from accommodation by noon June 17)

Academic Focus:  

KINE 497:  Study Abroad (3 units) for Kinesiology & Non-Kinesiology majors (non-majors would need to discuss if course substitution might be possible within their majors/minors)

Non-CSUSM students can earn Kinesiology credits--KINE 497 (3 units)

Language of Instruction:

English

Requirements:

• Open to all majors
• GPA:  2.75 and above; good academic standing to departure
• Current COVID-19 vaccination (at least the initial vaccination(s) plus at least one booster if eligible) is strongly encouraged for participation in any of CSUSM’s international travel programs due to the increased risk of contracting COVID while travelling.

Units:

3 units, KINE 497:  Study Abroad

Housing:

Double or triple occupancy 3 star hotel in Ischia, offering daily breakfast and within a short walk of the city center.  

Estimated Cost:

$3,200 + Extended Learning Fees, estimated at $609 for 3 units

All fees include welcome/farewell dinners + 4 additional group meals (Boat Tour Lunch, Pasta Tasting, Cooking Class,  and dinner after bus tour of Ischia), 5 excursions (Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Procida, Pompeii, Capri), on ground transportation on site visits and excursions, including ferry to Ischia; 14 nights shared accommodation at 3-star hotels inclusive of daily breakfast; and medical insurance.  Airfare, meals not listed, and personal expenditures NOT included in the program cost, estimated at $2,000-$2,250.

Faculty Led Cancellation Policy

A Note on Financial Aid & Veteran's Benefits:

Please note that January and Summer programs are not financial aid eligible since they are optional terms at CSUSM, and therefore, all program fees would be considered out-of-pocket.  All program fees maintain strict deadlines and are due to the Office of Global Education the term prior to when studies will take place, following the dates set forward in the How to Apply section below. Tuition will be billed onto your student account according to the timelines of Extended Learning and must be paid through the structure set forth by University Cashiers.  You may begin researching alternative loans, Parent PLUS loan options etc. through the Office of Financial Aid:  finaid@csusm.edu

If you are using VA benefits (CH33 or CH35), you must verify with Study Abroad that the program meets all of the following criteria:

• Taught by CSUSM faculty
• Course is needed as part of your degree plan
• Tuition charges will appear on you student account

If all of the above criteria are met – you must reach out to Veterans Services for additional eligibility information – prior to signing up for the program. 

Note: Only the tuition piece of the program – if approved – can be submitted to the VA for payment.  All other costs will be the student’s responsibility.

If you are using CALVET – you will need to contact calvet@csusm.edu for further information.

Some Useful Airfare Search Engines:

• Kayak
• Student Universe
• Sky Scanner

Please be sure to read the fine print concerning change fees, taxes, luggage restrictions, etc. before booking.  Whenever possible, book directly with an airline.  Do NOT book flights until Global Education has given you the authorization to do so.  We WILL suggest best flight options for this program.

Passports:

An adult passport book with at least 6 months validity until expiration is necessary for overseas travel.  First-time passport book applicants can expect processing times up to 4 months.  Plan to submit your passport applications early if you enroll in this program as withdrawals due to passport delays will not be refunded.  Non-US travelers are responsible for researching entry requirements and possible visas through their country's consular pages.

To Apply: 

1. Attend a required information session led by the Program Leader running your course: Dr. Devan Romero:  dromero@csusm.edu.  
2. Fill out the online application materials via the link below. All application materials must be completed by Friday, December 13 along with your non-refundable $500 deposit.  Online payment preferred through TransAct.  Please be advised to choose E-check and enter your checking account details to avoid the 2.65% convenience fees applicable to all non-checking account payments. Cash, checks, and money orders made payable to CSUSM will also be accepted via the Cashier's Office in Cougar Central, but must include this deposit form to track the payment.
3. Second payment of $500 is due on Friday, February 7, following the payment guidelines outlined above.  Payment of tuition related expenses (estimated at $597 + $12 transcript fee) will be billed by Extended Learning and appear on your Student Center, following the payment guidelines set out for Summer Session.
4. Final payment of program fees will be due by Friday, March 21 via the payments outlined above. 
5. Submit your flight details to Global Education:  Flight Information Form
6. Attend mandatory pre-departure orientation with your Program Leader & Global Education to discuss arrival instructions and the upcoming course(s).  Some course requirements/sessions may take place prior to leaving, beginning in early May.

Summer in Italy:  Science-based Health & Wellness Application

Summer in Italy Application