Photograph by Ray Streeter
Italian Studies Program
House of Mantegna, Mantova
Fall 2015 / Spring 2016
Centro Studi Città di Orvieto, Orvieto
Kansas State University
College of Architecture, Planning and Design
INTRODUCTION
The Kansas State University College of Architecture, Planning and Design is pleased to offer the Italian Studies Program
– Orvieto for the tenth year. The program, scheduled for the 2016 spring semester, are directed toward fourth year
students in the College of Architecture, Planning and Design. The fall 2015 program is directed toward fourth year
students in the Department of Architecture.
Accompanied by Kansas State University faculty, (TBA) a group of students will spend the fall or spring semester in the
Italian hill town of Orvieto, located in Umbria, about one hour north of Rome. The students will study at the Centro
Studi Città di Orvieto and reside in apartments located in the historic city center.
This program provides K-State students with an extraordinary opportunity to study design and planning in a European
setting. Through the experience of studying as well as living in another country surrounded by masterpieces of art and
environmental design, the student’s cultural awareness is expanded, self-reliance is fostered and professional horizons
are broadened. Orvieto has a study center that operates independently of the residential experience which is based in
apartments. Students must shop and prepare their own meals. There is an emphasis on language instruction in Orvieto.
The program in Orvieto has received strong reviews and students should be confident that this experience will provide
opportunities to experience Italian culture, art and design.
We understand that some students may be hesitant to participate in the Italian Studies Programs because they do not
want to be “sheltered” by Kansas State nor do they want the experience to seem “like” they are at Kansas State. These
concerns are misconceptions. While you will interact with Kansas State professors, you will also interact with the
professors who are at Orvieto and you will have freedom to travel on your own and interact with a broad range of
people. Participating in the Italian Studies Program is not at all like being at Kansas State University!
This information is a preliminary introduction and program outline for the Italian Studies Program. The information
contained in this outline presents only broad, general information about the programs. Specific information may change
as the program is developed and defined for each academic year.
If you have any questions related to this program, please contact Lynn Ewanow, Associate Professor, Associate Dean and
Director of International Programs, College of Architecture, Planning and Design, 212 Seaton Hall, Kansas State
University, Manhattan, KS 66506-2902, tel 785/532-5047, FAX 785/532-6722, email: ewanow@ksu.edu.
FACULTY
The faculty for the fall and spring semesters will be announced. At Orvieto, the faculty will teach an interdisciplinary
design studio and seminar(s). One seminar at Orvieto is taught by an Italian professor. Sections of Italian language will
be taught at Orvieto by Italian professors.
TRAVEL TO AND FROM ITALY
Travel arrangements will be made for each group. Each group of students and the faculty meet at Kansas City
International Airport in Kansas City, Missouri to fly to Rome, Italy. Upon arrival in Italy, the group will be transported by
bus to Orvieto. Following the conclusion of the programs in mid-December or early May, students can travel on their
own or together with friends or family and then return home. Typically, everyone in the group must return from Rome.
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Students are expected to develop preliminary personal travel plans for places they would like to visit on their own
during breaks and/or following the conclusion of the program. Students are expected to prepare a travel plan so they
determine a date of departure for the return flight to the U.S., which is a requirement for securing the lowest group
round trip airfare. While it is important to consider these travel plans, experience suggests that such plans often change
after the students have been in Italy for some time. The program fee includes the round trip airfare from Kansas City to
Rome but not the cost of getting to Kansas City International Airport from the student’s home. Individual changes in
travel plans, dates of departure from Rome etc. are subject to airline regulations and practices. Students who will be
abroad during the summer or winter break are expected to discuss these plans, prior to leaving.
ACCOMMODATION
The study center in Orvieto occupies a newly renovated building located on the Piazza del Popolo. The facility is
managed and operated by the Fondazione per il Centro Studi Città di Orvieto. The foundation is supported by the city.
Students from the US occupy the center which is open four days a week (Monday through Thursday). K-State has a
studio space and a classroom for lectures/seminars. A basic computer lab is available to students.
Students live in apartments located in the historic part of the city. Apartments are arranged by an Italian agency and
accommodate two to six students. The apartments are fully furnished and include weekly housekeeping services.
Students will pay a deposit and sign a lease. There are clear expectations stated in the apartment lease regarding
conduct. Shopping for food and cooking meals are part of this living arrangement. As part of the program, students will
be introduced to the local market and take a cooking class with a local chef.
While students are offered the opportunity to indicate roommate preferences, there is no guarantee that the program
administrator in Italy can accommodate those preferences. Program participants must be prepared to be flexible! The
program follows Kansas State University Policy with regard to non-discrimination.
CURRICULUM
During the summer or fall semester preceding the program, students are required to enroll in a one credit hour
graded course entitled Study Abroad Orientation (ARCH 654). Students are also expected to gain familiarity with the
Italian language and may do so by taking the Kansas State Modern Language Department course Italian Language for
Travelers (ITAL 105) if they are not fluent in Italian. These courses are designed to prepare the students and faculty for
travel and study in Italy.
While in Italy, students will be enrolled and earn credit at Kansas State University. The curriculum in Italy consists of
courses which are integral to the student’s program of study. Fourteen (14) credit hours will be earned by ARCH, IAPD,
LAR, and RCP students for courses including design studio, and professional electives or free electives. Students must
enroll in all 14 credits. Design studio and electives will be taught by Kansas State faculty, Professor Marco Ceccarani,
who teaches at Orvieto and is an adjunct K-State faculty member, Professor Serena Croce, and Professor Marina Mari.
At Orvieto, ENVD 655 will include language instruction and participation in required field trips. ENVD 655 is offered for
credit/no credit. All other courses are graded.
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COURSES OFFERED IN ORVIETO ITALY – FALL SEMESTER
Architecture students
To be announced
COURSES OFFERED IN ORVIETO ITALY – SPRING SEMESTER
Architecture students
ARCH 606: Architectural Design 6
ENVD 655: International Field Study
ENVD 650: Italian Art History and Culture
Professional Support Elective
5 hours
3 hours
3 hours
3 hours
14 hours
Landscape Architecture students
LAR 703: Landscape Architecture Design 6
ENVD 655: International Field Study
ENVD 650: Italian Art History and Culture
Professional Support Elective
5 hours
3 hours
3 hours
3 hours
14 hours
Interior Architecture and Product Design students
IAR 606: Interior Arch. Des 6
5 hours
ENVD 655: International Field Study
3 hours
ENVD 650: Italian Art History and Culture
3 hours
Free Elective
3 hours
14 hours
PREREQUISITES
Before participating in the Italian Studies Program students must successfully have completed:
Architecture
Interior Architecture
Landscape Arch
ADS 5
IADS 4
LAR 647 LA Const 3
BCSA 1
LAR 433 Hist & Theory
LAR 646 Design 5
FIELD TRIPS
Several one-day field trips are planned to sites such as, Siena, Florence, Assisi, Villa Lante etc. These trips will be led by
the K-State faculty with support from Italian professors and/or professional guides as appropriate. The field trips
provide students with opportunities to experience many aspects of Italian culture, art, architecture, interior architecture
and landscape architecture. Students will also have time to explore the site(s), sketch, photograph, shop, etc. Most of
the costs associated with the transportation and admission to various sites and buildings are included in the program
fee. However, on the majority of the day trips, students are expected to purchase their own lunch. The number of the
field trips is dependent upon the exchange rate of the US dollar and the Euro. In the past, this rate has fluctuated.
Two extended (three to four day) field trips are also included in the program. Depending on the specific itinerary,
students may incur additional costs for such items as meals. The students go to Venezia, Vicenza and Verona to the
north and go to Pompeii, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast to the south. The number and length of extended field trips is
dependent upon the exchange rate of U.S. dollars for Euro at the time of travel.
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PROGRAM BUDGET AND COST
The budgetary information which is included in this handbook is an ESTIMATE prepared by the College of Architecture,
Planning and Design during the early part of the spring 2014 semester. Adjustments may have to be made depending on
the rate of inflation, the exchange rate, the number of students who will ultimately participate in the program and other
factors such as the rising cost of fuel which impacts both air and ground transportation. These figures are also subject to
change due to variation in hotel and travel service charges. These variable factors are beyond our control and thus cost
fluctuations may occur at any time. This happened several times during the fall for the past 10 years. The exchange
rate was considerably more favorable in 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014 but not as good in 2011. We do not know what is
in store for 2015 or 2016!
APPROXIMATE ESTIMATED EXPENSES INCLUDED IN ORVIETO PROGRAM FEE:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Transportation/Field Trip Costs:
 Round trip group airfare, trip insurance (Kansas City to Rome, Rome to
Kansas City)
 Bus Transfer from Rome to Orvieto
 Field Trip Transportation (train, metro, bus, boat)
 Hotels
 Admission fees.
Facility Use:
 Studio, classrooms, computer labs, language instruction.
Housing:
 Shared furnished apartment with weekly housekeeping service, washer, and
utilities.
Program Support:
 Faculty and operational support.
Office of International Programs Administrative Support Fee.
Less Non-refundable Acceptance Deposit—Note: this cost will be applied to the
program fee. (Separate check payable to APDesign/ Italian Studies Program must be
$4,560.00
$2,230.00
$2,610.00
$1,100.00
$150.00
$10,650.00
(-) $250.00
submitted with Acceptance Form).
TOTAL
$10,400.00
Note: All students are responsible for paying any “penalty” charges resulting from “bounced” checks. This policy applies to all
checks written to the program payable to Kansas State University beginning with the non-refundable application fee.
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Estimated expenses Not Covered by the Program Fee:
1)
K-State Spring semester tuition and fees: (14 credits)
(All students enroll through the K-State Division of Continuing Education, Off-campus
Programs. Tuition is the same for resident and non-resident students). Student will be
billed for tuition and fees by Kansas State University. Fees include APDesign Equipment
fee and DCE Administration fee. Tuition and fees payment must be received prior to
departure. At the time this material was published the tuition and fees for 2015 were
not available.
2)
Passport:
$5,552.10+
(S15 cost)
(NEW) $140.00
(RE-NEW) $140.00
(Note: All applicants, including international students, are required to have a valid
passport by August 2014. There can be NO DELAYS). Expedited review will cost at
least $60.00 and maybe more.
3)
Official Passport photos:
1 for passport
1 for Study Visa Application
1 for International student ID Application (optional)
Photos for Italian authorities and these must be taken in Italy. Orveito will require 4.
(Cost approx. 8.00€ for 2 photos)
$10.00 for 2
at Union ID Center
4)
Study visa application
5)
International Student I.D. Card (optional)
6)
Travel connections to Kansas City International Airport
$ Varies
8)
Deposit on Apartment in Orvieto
100.00€
9)
Italian Language Books (Orvieto)
35€
$ No Cost
$22.00
10) Permit of stay (price may increase)
170.00€
11) Medical/Health coverage: estimated to be $1.00/day
$ varies
required by K-State and billed by K-State to iSIS account
12) Personal expenses:
$ varies
Varies with each student and includes such things as independent travel,
entertainment, gifts, telephone, snacks and beverages, eating out, and postage, etc.
Students at Orvieto must buy groceries
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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Students may seek financial assistance through the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) at Kansas State
University. As soon as students are informed of their acceptance into the program, students should begin the financial
aid application process. Students may include in their projected costs for the entire academic year, the Italian Studies
Program fee and K-State semester tuition. This involves picking up a Financial Aid Application Packet from OSFA, 104
Fairchild Hall, Tel (785) 532-6420, working with Dyan Marie and your parents or legal guardian to complete the
application forms. The Director of the Italian Studies Program will provide you with a letter of support which
acknowledges your intended participation in the program and the total cost of the program, including the approximate
K-State spring semester tuition.
Note: Students planning to seek aid for the school year following participation in the Italian Studies Program must
complete the application process prior to departing for Italy. If you are receiving federal financial assistance, you will
automatically be sent the Federal Aid Application packet sometime late in the fall semester. This also means filling
out and signing your income tax forms.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE FOR ORVIETO PROGRAM FEES (BASED ON ESTIMATED COSTS) – FALL SEMESTER
1) Non-refundable application fee due February 2015 (not applied to the program fee)
2) Non-refundable Acceptance Deposit (Due two weeks after letter of Acceptance is
received, March 27, 2015)
Note: This deposit is applied to program fee and is non-refundable.
3) 1/3 program fee due May, 2015
4) 1/3 program fee due June 1, 2015
5) 1/3 program fee due July 1, 2015
6) K-State Fall Semester Tuition and fees billed to your iSIS account and due approx. midAugust 2015 (14 credits)
Amount cited is the estimated tuition and fees for S2015
$30.00
$250.00
$3,467.00
$3,467.00
$3,466.00
$10,650.00
$5,552.10+
Note: Make all checks payable to “AP Design/Italian Studies Program” and note your Wildcat ID number.
Students are responsible for paying any penalty charges resulting from “bounced or insufficient” checks.
Payment Refund Schedule:
Withdrawal dates:
Prior to May 15th
Prior to June 15th
After July 1st
(Without a valid medical excuse)
Amt. refunded for Orvieto Program:
all but $1,733.00
all but $3,467.00
$0
*Note: A student withdrawing from the program after final airline and/or apartment reservations have been made
and tickets purchased will be charged for the price of the airfare and/or apartment rent and any penalty charges
incurred by the College of Architecture, Planning and Design Italian Studies Program. There is an additional amount
that is not refundable as indicated above. The date when reservations are finalized varies from year to year.
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PAYMENT SCHEDULE FOR ORVIETO PROGRAM FEES (BASED ON ESTIMATED COSTS) – SPRING SEMESTER
1) Non-refundable application fee due February 2015 (not applied to the program fee)
2) Non-refundable Acceptance Deposit (Due two weeks after letter of Acceptance is
received, March 27, 2015)
Note: This deposit is applied to program fee and is non-refundable.
3) 1/3 program fee due September 9, 2015
4) 1/3 program fee due October 9, 2015
5) 1/3 program fee due November 9, 2015
6) K-State Spring Semester Tuition and fees billed to your iSIS account and due approx. midJanuary 2015 (14 credits)
Amount cited is the estimated tuition and fees for S2015
$30.00
$250.00
$3,467.00
$3,467.00
$3,466.00
$10,650.00
$5,552.10+
Note: Make all checks payable to “AP Design/Italian Studies Program” and note your Wildcat ID number.
Students are responsible for paying any penalty charges resulting from “bounced or insufficient” checks.
Payment Refund Schedule:
Withdrawal dates:
Prior to September 16th
Prior to October 14th
After November 4th
(Without a valid medical excuse)
Amt. refunded for Orvieto Program:
all but $1,733.00
all but $3,467.00
$0
*Note: A student withdrawing from the program after final airline and/or apartment reservations have been made
and tickets purchased will be charged for the price of the airfare and/or apartment rent and any penalty charges
incurred by the College of Architecture, Planning and Design Italian Studies Program. There is an additional amount
that is not refundable as indicated above. The date when reservations are finalized varies from year to year.
PASSPORT and STUDY VISA
Each student must have a passport by August 2014 that will remain valid for three months beyond the student’s stay in
Europe. If you are applying for a passport for the first time, you will need to go in person to an authorized passport
acceptance facility (the passport center in the union, any passport agency or post office). The passport center on the
Kansas State campus is located in the Union Director’s Office on the first floor. Please fill out the passport application
and bring it to the Union passport center. You may apply in person at a U.S. Post Office. In Manhattan, the U.S. Post
Office is located at 500 Leavenworth. You will need an appointment to obtain the application. The phone number is
785.776.8851.
As part of the application, students will need to submit a certified birth certificate (certification is usually indicated by a
raised or embossed seal). Students without a certified birth certificate should contact the appropriate records office of
the county or city in which they were born. If any student is uncertain of the exact jurisdiction under which they were
born, the post office has a “Passport Services” form which describes the process for obtaining the birth certificate. You
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will also need official passport photos which can be obtained at Kinkos, Walgreens, etc. It can take more than eight
weeks to obtain a passport, and there is a fee for the application.
 http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports.html Printable passport application with an instructions
sheet listing the items needed when applying for a passport.
 https://www.usps.com/shop/apply-for-a-passport.htm - Postal Service passport link
Before traveling to Italy each student must also hold a Study Visa available from the Italian General Consulate in
Chicago. At this time, there is no processing fee. The visa application process will be conducted as a group effort in the
summer or fall 2015 semester. The Director of the Italian Studies Program will guide the students through this process
as part of the class ARCH 654 Study Abroad Orientation. We will send your application and passport via express mail to
the Italian General Consulate in Chicago for the issuance of your Study Visa. Your passport with the Italian visa will be
returned to you in mid-December.
LOST PASSPORT
Students are fully responsible for any additional charges stemming from the loss of your passport.
Passport: You must reapply for a new passport at the going rate, requesting a special Expedited Review which costs at
least an additional $60.00. You must also attach a letter explaining what happened, why you need a new passport and
your departure date. Include a copy of the Official Acceptance Letter to the Italian Studies Program.
MONEY
It is difficult to wire money quickly to Italy and it is expensive to do so. Unless, you have signed up for on-line banking
with your parents. If you have this service, transferring funds is easier. For students who have a bank account at a U.S.
bank, it is best to take a VISA, MasterCard or American Express debit card (which is your best option) or travelers checks
(rarely used anymore). Bank Debit cards can now be used in most ATM machines in Orvieto as well as in most cities to
receive Euro. However, card holders must have the “PIN” number and should verify before departing that they can use
their card abroad. Banks typically charge a service fee per check cashed. Additionally, having a credit card on hand may
be useful for major purchases, to pay for overnight stays at hotels and in emergency situations. Since credit card
companies tend to charge unreasonably high interest rates, a credit card is not recommended as the primary means of
payment or for obtaining cash. You must inform your bank and credit card company that you will be out of the country
to avoid losing access. The Automobile Club of America has a “visa travel money” card that functions as a debit card
which can be very useful.
HEALTH/MEDICAL INSURANCE
All participants are required to be covered by medical insurance throughout the duration of the program. Proof of
medical insurance is required as part of the visa application submission.
Participants in the Italian Studies Program are required to enroll in the plan offered by the Office of International
Programs (OIP) at Kansas State University and billed through the student’s iSIS account. The insurance is offered by by
ACE American Insurance Company. Questions pertaining to this program should be directed to OIP, 532-5990.
Immunizations are generally not required for travel to most European countries. Other countries, such as those in the
Middle East, North Africa, etc. may require immunizations. Students contemplating travel to those areas should consult
a family physician or a local health department official for the most recent requirements. Some shots are given as a
series and require several weeks or months to complete. Therefore, if needed, start this process early. Lafene Health
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Center at K-State offers complete travel counseling with regard to immunization services. Students who need to locate
a local physician in Italy to administer shots for special needs can do so with assistance from the Orvieto study center
staff.
Students who have not recently visited a family physician or dentist and students with a persistent or chronic health
condition are encouraged to schedule a visit with a doctor and/or dentist before departure. Students with a persistent
medical condition may wish to consider a Medic Alert Identification tag which is recognized universally, and/or may wish
to notify a trusted traveling companion or the instructor of their health concerns. Students who wear eyeglasses or
contact lenses are advised to carry a spare pair or an optical prescription should they need to replace eyewear because
of loss or damage.
U. S. CUSTOMS
Upon reentering the U.S., students must declare certain articles acquired abroad to customs officials. These customs
regulations are too detailed to be covered here so if students have specific concerns about customs, it is generally
recommended that a travel agent or a U.S. customs office be contacted. Most U.S. citizens have no problem with
customs upon reentering the U.S. Airlines will provide travelers with customs information while in flight; and often the
U.S. Passport Service will send a copy of its official brochure, Know Before You Go, along with the passport. That
information may be found at http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go.html
A vital part of the role of the U.S. Customs Service is the screening out of items deemed “injurious to the well-being of
our nation.” Among these items are non-prescription drugs, liquids, gels, narcotics, meat, and most plants and fruit. To
avoid problems or delays when carrying these types of items and/or prescription medication, make sure that you
conform to the stated guidelines for carrying such products, bottles (original if possible) are clearly marked, and have
the prescription ready to show the customs officer if asked. Note: Any student anticipating the need to take
prescription drugs with them to Italy should obtain a letter from their physician on letterhead to present to customs
agents.
TRAIN TRAVEL
Train travel in Europe is often the most convenient and economical way to get from one city or country to another. If
planning to travel extensively during and after the program, a student may find it advantageous to purchase some sort
of railpass. Preparation of a detailed travel plan will help in making the decision to purchase a railpass.
Information about the Italian State Railway is accessible at http://www.fsitaliane.it/homepage_en.html
Eurail passes allow unlimited travel, in the designated class for the designated time period (14 days, 21 days, etc.),
throughout most of Western Europe. The Eurail pass also gives access to some other modes of transportation such as
steam boats, ferries, and buses. Most Eurail passes MUST be purchased in the U.S. and are subsequently activated in
Europe. However, there are some Eurail passes that can be purchased at major train stations in Europe. Students
under the age of 26 can buy the more economical Eurail Youth Pass. England, Wales, and Scotland do not participate in
Eurail but have their own pass known as BritRail. You cannot use Eurail to visit the Czech Republic.
Railpasses may be purchased in different combinations and can be activated at different times in order to accommodate
virtually any length of train travel in Europe. Contact a travel agent for more information on Eurail passes. One of the
best sources of information on the various railpass programs as well as current prices and train schedules is:
http://www.raileurope.com/index.html or http://www.der.com or you can call Rail Europe direct (in US): 1- 800-6228600. EuRail website is: http://www.eurail.com Frosch Student Travel is our current travel agent and they can assist
you with planning. The website is www.frosch.com
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TRAVEL AID AND SUPPLIES
Items such as backpacks, money belts, electrical current converters which reduce foreign 220/240 voltage to American
110/120 voltage and other travel supplies are available from catalogs such as Travelsmith, LL Bean, REI, Magellan’s, etc..
Note: Use of American hair dryers without built-in converter switches are not permitted as the electrical system cannot
take it.
It is highly recommended that students take a good travel guidebook with them such as Let’s Go… an excellent reference
written by students who have traveled extensively throughout Europe or an Eyewitness Travel Guide which is extensively
illustrated. The various travel guides are often available by country (Italy) or region (Tuscany).
Note: The specific mention of commercial establishments within this document in no way constitutes an endorsement or
guarantee of their services or products. The College of Architecture, Planning and Design at Kansas State University is not in any
way affiliated with any of these establishments and does not derive any benefit from the mention of their names.
CONCLUSION
This program information represents the best effort of the College of Architecture, Planning and Design at Kansas State
University to provide students who are applying to study in Italy with budget estimates, travel advice and guidelines that
have proven to be helpful to other students who have participated in the program.
This material is not intended to be comprehensive or totally complete in every detail. We have tried to provide the
student with information which we believe to be the most recent and the most accurate based upon information
supplied to us by a variety of agencies and companies. Each student is responsible for verifying the degree to which the
information, regulations, and policies quoted herein may have been modified since the publication and distribution of
this document. Ultimately, each student is responsible for making sure that she/he is in compliance with all
governmental, academic, organization, and company regulations and policies.
The K-State College of Architecture, Planning and Design’s Italian Studies Program present a unique opportunity for
students to study for an extended period of time in the birthplace of Western art and design while earning regular KState credit. These programs rely on the cooperation and good will of all persons involved. We ask that the students
adhere to the special conditions of the program and collaborate with the faculty in the College of Architecture, Planning
and Design to continue to make these programs successful.
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