Mediterranean Lifestyle and Botanical Diversity of Italy with Professors Maldari and Rehrig

Join Professors Monica Maldari and Erin Rehrig on this summer 2025 study abroad program to Verona, Italy.
Group photo of students and faculty on study abroad in Verona, Italy 2023

May 20 - June 17, 2025

EXSS 2200 CRN 64440 Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle

3 credits

  • New General Education: AIA*, GDC, HAF, PW*, SMT, DP diverse perspectives, IHIP (Study Abroad)
    The aim of this summer course is to examine the relationships between exercise, nutrition, and heart disease with emphasis on how the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle influence these factors. As the Mediterranean diet has been associated with lower rates of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and overall mortality, Italy is the ideal setting in which to teach this course. Through study of epidemiology, Italian food culture, nutrition, and physical activity guidelines, students will develop an understanding of the way in which nutrition and lifestyle influence disease risk and overall health. This program will study the slow food movement and it's role in Italian society.

BIOL 2007 CRN 64441 Botanical Diversity of Italy

3 credits

  • New General Education: SI, IHIP (Study Abroad), and AIA
    This course explores the fascinating intersection of plants, culture, and society, focusing on agriculture, economic botany, and the role of plants in Italian cuisine and daily life. Students will investigate the uses of recreational, medicinal, and ornamental plants through activities like plant dissections, presentations, and data analysis. As part of a study abroad experience, the class includes field trips to iconic locations such as farms, forests, olive groves, vineyards, gardens, and museums. These immersive experiences offer a deeper understanding of the botanical and cultural heritage of Italy.

Estimated Price: $3,900*

* Price is subject to change

PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

Pending financial aid does not cover study abroad payments. Please call Student Accounts for more details at 978.665.4126.

Students should apply to the Center for Italian Culture (CIC) Scholarship in Academic Works in January. Students will find out if they received the scholarship and the amount by the end of January before the first payment in February.

First Payment in February 10: $1,300
Second Payment in March 10:  $1,300
Third Payment in April 10: $1,300

Includes airfare, accommodations, insurance, orientations, on the ground transportation, excursions, some meals, and more.
Does not include personal expenses or SGOC undergraduate summer course expenses: 

  • 3 credits= $981 - One Course
  • 6 credits= $1,962 - Both Courses (Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle and Botanical Diversity of Italy)

Students planning to use financial aid for the summer will need to take both courses for 6 credits. Students should speak to their financial aid and academic advisors to see what works best for them.

See Tuition and Fees for more information on the costs of taking a summer class here at Fitchburg State.

Payment due at time of summer registration.

For more information please email inthelp@fitchburgstate.edu or Professor Maldari at mmaldar1@fitchburgstate.edu.

Learn more from the info session slideshow

May - June 2025: Itinerary (subject to change)

Day  Event
Tues. May 20 Arrive at Logan International Airport no later than 5 p.m. Depart from Boston at 8:05 p.m. on Lufthansa flight LH425. 
Wed. May 21 Arrive in Munich at 9:30 a.m. Depart Munich at 11:55 a.m. on Air Dolomiti flight EN8210. Arrive in Verona at 12:55 p.m. Move into apartment-style accommodations.
Thurs. May 22 Orientation
Fri. May 23 Classes from 10-11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Sat.- Sun. May 24 -35 Free weekend
Mon. May 26 Classes from 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Tues. May 27 Riva del Garda, Varone Waterfalls and Torbole Beach
Wed. May 28 Classes from 10 -11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Thurs. May 29 Classes from 10 -11:15 a.m. and then cooking class in afternoon
Fri. May 30 La Casara and Bonamini
Sat. May 31- Mon. June 2 Free long weekend
Tues. June 3 Day in Florence with Accademia Tour at 3 p.m.
Wed. June 4 Classes from 10 -11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thurs. June 5 Classes from 10 -11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Fri. June 6 Day in Padua
Sat. June 7-Sun. June 8 Free weekend
Mon. June 9 Classes from 10 -11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Tues. June 10 Buttapietra with the Spring Waters and Isola della Scala with the Rice Museum
Wed. June 11 Classes from 10 -11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thurs. June 12 Day in Bolzano
Fri. June 13  Classes from 10 -11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sat. June 14-Sun. June 15 Free weekend
Mon. June 16 Classes from 10 -11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Tues. June 17 Depart Verona at 2:20 p.m. on flight EN8827. Arrive in Frankfurt at 3:45 p.m. Depart Frankfurt at 5:40 p.m. on flight LH420. Arrive in Boston at 8:10 p.m.
Plates and different foods on a table in Italy
2015 Summer program Verona

View the students Center for Italian Culture presentation

Hear from our students

Kris holding a pizza he made in a kitchen in Italy
Mediterranean Lifestyle and Diet Verona Program 2023

Kris L'Heureux

"Dr. Maldari is a phenomenal professor, and did a wonderful job with helping us comfortably experience the shocks of being abroad. She really took the time and effort to make sure we were always comfortable and having fun, while still fitting it into a great learning experience! Being able to stay in Italy for one month, really opened my eyes on what peace really feels like. We learned firsthand about the Mediterranean Diet and lifestyle. I loved visiting all the different places to eat, numerous churches, and of course the gorgeous scenery. No matter where I walked, there was always something beautiful to look at. Outside of our class time, we luckily got to visit Padua, Milan, and Venice, which were all amazing and fun to experience - especially with my friends/classmates!"

Questions? Get in touch!