Orvieto Italy Study Abroad Program
Duomo di Orvieto
Photo by Stefano Nardi on Unsplash
Program Overview
The Gordon-in-Orvieto program offers a semester’s study abroad in the heart of one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval hill towns in the region of Umbria, providing a rich experience in the arts and culture of pre-modern Europe.
Hosted by Gordon College in a newly renovated 13th century monastery in the center of the city, this program is steeped in history and designed to foster in students an attitude of responsive looking and listening for signs of new life in the traditions inhabited by artists, poets, saints and mystics of the past.
Located on the main train route only an hour from Rome in one direction and Florence in the other, Orvieto itself is a perfectly preserved gem, its residents living in the midst of Etruscan, Roman, Medieval and Renaissance masterpieces of art and architecture – an ideal setting for students to immerse themselves in Western humanities.
Course Content
Coursework in studio art, literature and language is taught by Christian scholars, while students practice intentional Christian community in their living arrangements. All courses offered in the program are directly transferable, and nearly all directly applicable to art and design majors.
You will take an introductory course that uses drawing to introduce the themes of the entire program. You then select three among a set of courses offered in the visual arts and humanities. We take every opportunity to create connections among these courses, perhaps working toward a common collaborative project.
In addition, students with no background in the Italian language will be expected to take a two-credit tutorial-based course in Italian Language Studies. There are 18 credits total for the semester.
Courses occur in a month-long intensive format, typically following the pattern of three-hour class sessions from Monday through Thursday mornings.
Excursions
The three-day weekends are generally available for personal travel, unless course-related excursions are planned. Program costs typically include excursions to Florence, Rome, Siena, Arezzo and Assisi. Other excursions are arranged in relation to the needs of particular courses.
Housing
Students live together in a convent.
Program Fees & Eligibility
You pay your regular George Fox tuition and room and board and continue to receive all of your financial aid. Due to the high cost of some programs, an additional fee may be charged. You are responsible for round-trip airfare. There also may be an additional charge for a visa. The fee does include emergency travel insurance.
To apply, you must be a full-time undergraduate student with junior or senior status, holding a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.
Application Process
Applying to the program is a two-step process, requiring that you complete both a George Fox and external site application. Visit the Application Page to get specific details. Once you’ve completed the George Fox application, we will provide you with information to apply to the Orvieto, Italy, program.