January Travel Study Italy 2025: Science-based Health & Wellness

Program Overview:

Travel for two weeks this winter to Rome, Florence, & Bologna, Italy with Dr. Devan Romero to gain cultural, historical, and global insight into the dimensions of science-based health and wellness: Physical, Emotional, Social, Disease Prevention, & Community. Students will use experiential, application-based learning to practically explore the positive and negative contributors and influences on health.  Through cultural and historical site visits, students will gain an appreciation for the long standing Italian influence on science, medicine, and public health.

Rome has been famous for its therapeutic thermal baths, hydrotherapy and crenotherapy, in addition to its sophisticated ancient systems of aqueduct and hygienic infrastructures to support Public Health and disease prevention. Tuscany is known as a global leader in farming and agricultural production with a focus on social and environmental sustainability.  A closer look at these regions in Italy through the lens of ancient medicine, healing through lifestyle behaviors, community, culture, and food practices and systems of the Mediterranean basin will be explored.

Program Excursions:  

Rome:

• Visit the Vatican and the Sistene Chapel
• Coloseum Guided Tour

Florence: 

• Hiking & Olive Oil Tasting
• Visit the Uffizi Gallery
• Coooking Class

Bologna:  

• Visit Thermal Baths
• Visit to Barilla Pasta
• Visit to FICO (Eataly)
• Visit to Balsamic Vinegar Production Plant
• Visit to Prosciutto, Salami or Other Food-Related Factory TBD
• Day Trip to Venice

Academic Calendar: 

December 30, 2024 - January 12, 2025 (fly out December 29 to arrive by afternoon of December 30)

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)...these would be graduation units unless a course substitution is possible with primarty department (would necessitate credit approval form)

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 hotels in Rome (3 nights), Florence (3 nights), & Bologna (7 nights) offering daily breakfast.

Estimated Cost:

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

All fees include welcome/farewell dinners + 2 additional group meals (Florence Cooking Class & Bologna Group Dinner),  excursions in Rome (2), Florence (2), Bologna (5), and Venice day trip;  on ground transportation on site visits and excursions; 14  nights shared accommodation in Rome (3 nights), Florence (3 nights), & Bologna (7 nights) at a 3-star hotel inclusive of daily breakfast; and medical insurance.  Airfare, meals not listed, and personal expenditures NOT included in the program cost, estimated at $1,800.

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, September 29 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. Final payment is due on Friday, October 25, 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 Winter Intercession.
4. Submit your flight details to Global Education:  Flight Information Form
5. 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 November.

January Travel Study Italy:  Science-based Health & Wellness Application

**Program is at capacity as of 9/26/24.  You may still apply, but will be waitlisted and informed if space becomes available.  Please make no program deposits as a waitlisted students until you are offered a space.**

January Travel Study Italy Health Application