Surrounded by Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture on a hilltop between the Chienti and Potenza rivers, Macerata sits on the eastern edge of Italy, a short drive from the Adriatic coast. Courses are held in a 17th century palazzo in the center of the medieval walled city, perched atop the university hill town of Macerata. Classrooms are adorned with frescoes and unique architectural details accompanied by the modern comforts of wi-fi. As the only U.S. program in Macerata, students have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the culture as they have no option but to speak Italian with their neighborhood shopkeepers and grocers. The first few weeks of the program will be focused on intensive Italian language acquisition so that even absolute beginners will feel comfortable navigating the winding, cobblestone streets of Macerata.

The AHA Center is located in the 17th century Palazzo Floriani Ricci in the university hill town of Macerata, the birthplace of mathematician and humanist Matteo Ricci. The center offers wireless access, a modest computer lab for students, and frescoed classrooms as well as a small lending and reference library across. The center is located near the Piazzo Vittorio Vineto, where part of the weekly open air market is held. Students enrolled in the painting course will attend biweekly courses at the Accademia di Belle Arti, located just around the corner from the AHA Center. The soaring medieval towers and Renaissance architecture of Macerata and the Marche region serve as a living classroom, including excursions to the Arena Sferisterio, the Teatro “Lauro Rossi”, tours through the Roman ruins in Urbs Salvia, a visit to the 12th Century Abbazia di Chiaravalle di Fiastra, the Basilica di San Nicola in Tolentino, and the markets and beaches of Civitanova.

Courses are taught by Italian faculty who are used to teaching U.S. students. Each term, a visiting U.S. faculty member also teaches one or two courses. Other students on the program come from throughout the U.S. The Tandem Partner program provides opportunities for students to meet up with local Italians for language exchanges. Students also have the opportunity of working side by side with Italian art students by enrolling in the specially designed painting course offered at the Accademia di Belle Arti. The first three weeks of the program will be focused on language acquisition, with Italian courses held daily, and an opportunity to attend initial lectures for each of the content courses to finalize your course enrollment decisions. After the language intensive session, Italian courses are held three days a week, and students utilize the weekly market as a language lab – learning the art of negotiating in Italian! Content courses are held Monday through Thursday, with Fridays reserved for required excursions. Students should expect to be present most Fridays during the term for required program activities, and the program offers a 10-day midterm break for personal travel. Courses make use of a variety of materials and texts, all of which are provided as part of the program fee.

ELIGIBILITY: minimum of 2.5 GPA

The FAQ document attached contains helpful program related information specific to Alma College Students.