This program is only open to Alma College students
Our to Macerata, Italy program is through AHA International. Come to the Off-Campus Studies office (OCS) under the library for information, and also check out the AHA website info at http://www.aha-intl.org/macerata.html.
Students should VISIT the OCS for a brochure, or go online to the AHA International website for all program information.
Why Macerata
Nestled on a hilltop between the Chienti and Potenza rivers, the medieval walled city of Macerata sits on the eastern edge of Italy, twenty-five minutes from the Adriatic Sea. Originally a Roman settlement, Macerata is the perfect location to experience Romanesque, and Baroque architecture, and the Italian culture.
Macerata, a provincial capital with a population of 50,000, is four hours from Florence by bus, and three and a half hours from Rome. It has excellent bus and train service to several other destinations such as Ravenna, Venezia, Assisi, Spoleto, Ancona, Urbino, San Marino, and Rimini, which are all within a few hours travel time. Considering the hilltop location, the climate is surprisingly mild year-round.
The many surrounding small regional towns and villages offer students ample opportunity for exploration and exposure to all periods of art and architecture from Roman to Baroque. There is a noted outdoor theater of the nineteenth century called Sferisterio where operas are performed in the summer. Close by are good skiing resorts, natural thermal baths, newly discovered underground caverns, beaches, and mountain areas for hiking.
Macerata is an excellent destination for students wishing to learn or improve their Italian language skills, as there are very few English-speaking visitors in the area.
The program in Macerata offers students the opportunity to
experience Italy to the fullest-from its people to its culture. Field
trips and academic excursions allow students to experience Italy beyond
the pages of their textbooks. Course are tailored to American students
and are designed to take advantage of the Macerata locale. Students
learn about language and customs through the experience of attending
language classes on the campus of an Italian university and art at the
Accademia di Belle Arti.
Program Dates, Fees, and Services
Academic Program
A faculty member from a MCSA or NCSA institution teaches one or two courses. Additional courses are taught by European faculty who have extensive experience in teaching for study abroad programs. Subject areas may include literature, history, politics, culture, economics, and art history. Although courses are taught specifically for AHA International students, there is a high degree of interaction with local Italian students. All the courses, with the exception of Italian language, are taught in English.
Academic standards in Macerata are consistent with those at the sponsoring universities. Grades are based upon examinations, written papers, study projects, class participation, and attendance.
Admission Requirements
The Italy program is open to undergraduate students of sophomore status and above or graduates who enroll for undergraduate credit. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a four-point scale or the equivalent at their respective colleges and universities in order for their applications to be considered for review. Final admission is upon acceptance to the University of Wollongong as a visiting student.
Multiple Term Options
Students may choose to participate in the Macerata program during fall or winter terms, the full academic year (with the approval of the student's enrolling institution and the on-site director), or any combination of terms and program locations they wish.
Academic Credit
Language classes provide 80 contact hours per term. Other courses provide 45 contact hours. Students attending any MCSA or NCSA institution receive home-campus credit. Students attending non-member institutions receive transfer credit from a designated member school. AHA International facilitates these arrangements after an application form has been submitted. The enrolling institution determines the number of credits earned per course.
Italian Language Classes
The curriculum focuses on practical language skills and conversation in order to facilitate a quick transition to life in Macerata and to gain better access into the Italian culture. Each term, courses are offered at multiple levels. Students who have previously studied some Italian language may be eligible to enroll in the intermediate or advanced language level and, if qualified, pursue academic courses taught to Italian students at the University of Macerata.
Program Site
Language classes are held at the Universita degli Studi di Macerata, located in the center of the city. Students are entitled access to the university facilities, such as the libraries, student cafeteria, and sports facilities. Studio art classes are located at the Accademia di Belle Arti. Other classes are taught in AHA International classrooms located near the university.
Accommodations
Students in Macerata share an apartment with other students (Italian and/or American). The furnished apartments are modest and equipped with a bathroom and a small kitchen. Most are within walking distance of downtown. A second housing option is to room with an Italian host family - this option is available on a very limited basis. Students are responsible for their own meals. The university cafeteria offers an inexpensive full-course menu.
Excursions
Excursions to exciting cultural and historical sites in and around Macerata are an integral part of the course work. They are carefully planned to take advantage of the unique experiences found near the city. Excursions help to facilitate practice of Italian by initiating more contact with native speakers. Field trips may include visits to surrounding areas such as Loreto, Urbino, and Assisi. During the program academic excursions lasting a few days may be planned to locations such as Rome and Florence. The exact destinations vary from term to term and are determined at the beginning of each program.
Health
Medical information is required of all students who have been accepted into the program. This information is considered confidential. Medical insurance coverage is included in the program.
On-site Administration
Dr. Filiberto Bracalente is the on-site director for the Macerata program. A native of Italy, Dr. Bracelente has more than a decade of experience as a site director and professor of art history. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the site, including coordinating excursions, housing, local transportation, and class scheduling.
