Location

Rome, Florence, Italy

Program Description

This program will explore Italy’s rich cultural heritage along with its complex social relations in two cities: Rome and Florence. Our journey will start in Rome, the Eternal City and cradle of Western civilization. In Rome, we will dive into the ancient roots of the Western world and the modern-day effects of this legacy. Participants will enjoy guided visits to Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum.

Our journey will continue in Florence, where our program will be centered. Florence became the center for global trade, commerce, and art under the Medici family’s support. We will trace the origins of modern commerce and will analyze the many innovations that led to society’s transformation in the arts and sciences at this time.

In Florence, we will visit the Accademia Museum which houses Michelangelo’s masterpiece ‘David.’ We will also visit the Duomo Complex, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery which houses Botticelli’s masterpiece, ‘The Birth of Venus,’ among other great works of art.

Day trip to Pisa, with a guided visit to its Cathedral and Leaning Tower (UNESCO World Heritage site).

Overall, this program will provide the necessary perspective for understanding contemporary Italy’s complex social dynamics as well as its enduring legacy in the arts, culture, law, and the economy.

Students will engage in experiential learning, guided tours, and field experiences. In addition to immersing with locals, participants will visit archaeological, historical, and cultural sites reflecting Italy’s rich diversity.

Location Description

Come with us to Italy to explore Rome and Florence’s cultural heritage!

Director

Yamilette Chacon | chaconyd@jmu.edu | Sociology & Anthropology

Richard John Chacon | chaconrj@jmu.edu | Sociology, Criminology, & Anthropology

Accommodations

In Rome (4 nights), students will stay in a hotel (double or triple occupancy) and in Florence, students will stay in furnished apartments with AC (2 – 4 students per apartment). Apartments have washing machines and drying racks in their units. Accommodations are centrally located with easy access to public transportation.

Meals included: A total of 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 4 dinners are included in the cost of the program fee.

Additional Items to Consider

The program will be conducted in English, therefore, no previous Italian language experience is necessary.

Some pre-departure work and at least 3 mandatory meetings are required. Additionally, two final assignments are due 12 days after the end of the overseas program.

Participants must have a valid passport in their possession by April 1, 2026. If you have a passport, verify that it will be valid for at least six months after your travel to Italy concludes. If you do not have a passport, apply for one immediately!

It can take up to 4-6 weeks to receive your passport. Expedited service requires about 2-3 weeks. The U.S. State Department’s website provides details on passports and current processing times: http://travel.state.gov or you may also inquire via telephone at (877) 487-2778.

If you travel to Italy for less than three months, you do not require a visa.

Non U.S. citizens should contact the appropriate government agency in their home country for relevant passport and visa information. The best place to start is the Italian consulate in your home city.

IMPORTANT DATES

February 27, 2026: Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation Meetings at 2 pm & at 4 pm

April 1, 2026: Valid passport required.

June 2, 2026: Depart from US to arrive in Rome on June 3, 2026

June 3, 2026: Program begins.

June 18, 2026: Overseas program ends. Participants vacate apartments in Florence by 10 am and return to the USA on this day.

July 1, 2026: Course final projects must be submitted via Canvas.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0

Open to all class levels and majors, including graduate students.

Open to non-JMU students.

Application Process

This list serves as an application preview. To apply, students will need to complete the following:

• Study Abroad Online Application ($40 fee)
• Short essay 
• Official transcript required for non-JMU students

Further details and instructions about these application requirements will be available upon log-in.