*TU The Pursuit of Happiness: A Cultural Comparison of the US and Italy (Faculty-Led)

*Towson University
Summer
Rome, Italy (Map)
Florence, Italy (Map)


Earn 6 credits while learning about human happiness in the U.S. and Italy in summer 2023. Humans have been in pursuit of the "good life" for centuries, though what constitutes a life well-lived is dependent upon the cultural context. Participants will compare and contrast the ways American and Italian cultures have sought happiness throughout history, gain awareness of health and well-being in the U.S. and Italy, and explore how emotions, cognition, relationships, and cultural norms play a role in psychological function and well-being. Students will have the opportunity to interact with local residents, scholars, and students in Rome and Florence to gain a full understanding of positive psychology across both cultures.

Program highlights include visits to the Galleria Borghese and Uffizi Gallery, the Vatican Museum and St. Peter's Basilica, a walking tour of Rome by night, and a Florence foodie tour.
Summer 2023
Yes

June 17 - July 3, 2023. Class assignments and lectures may also take place online and/or on the Towson University campus prior to and after the experience in Italy.

MARCH 15, 2023. Admission is on a rolling basis. Early application is advised as space is limited.

Prof. Christa Schmidt and Prof. Kerri Goodwin - Department of Psychology

Students will take the following courses for a total of 6 credits:

  • PSYC 494/594 Travel and Study Abroad in Psychology (3 credits)
  • PSYC 470/570 Special Topics in Psychology (3 credits)
TU students may also receive Honors College credit for their study abroad experience.

Shared rooms in hotels with daily breakfast.

Program fee includes academic credit (6 credits), housing, excursions, daily breakfast, welcome and farewell dinner, public transportation pass, round trip train tickets from Rome to Florence, and health insurance. Additional costs include international airfare, all other meals, personal expenses, and the Study Abroad/Away Fee.

The Towson University Study Abroad & Away Office reserves the right to make any necessary changes including adjustments in cost in the event that unforeseen circumstances arise.

Program Cost Chart

Note: International airfare is NOT included in the program fee.Students will be responsible for making their own travel arrangements to the program location to arrive by the designated date and time. The Study Abroad & Away Office will identify an optional flight which participants are encouraged to purchase independently.

Withdrawals/Refunds: After admission into the program, the student is responsible for the full program fee. Should the student wish to withdraw from the program for any reason after admission, only recoverable expenses may be refunded. Non-recoverable expenses may include but are not limited to costs paid to a study abroad provider, travel agency, or other third party by TU on the students behalf; housing; transportation; non-refundable deposits; activity fees; honorariums; guest lecture fees. Standard Towson University withdrawal/drop/add deadlines do not apply. The student must submit their intention to withdraw in writing to the TU Study Abroad & Away Office.

Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5, a high school diploma or equivalent experience, and be at least 18 years old. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or consent of instructor.

Don't meet these requirements? Contact the Study Abroad & Away Office to discuss your eligibility for the program. 

For more information contact Prof. Christa Schmidt or Prof. Kerri Goodwin, 410-704-3634 - Towson University Department of Psychology, or the TU Study Abroad & Away Office, 410-704-2451

To learn more, attend a Group Advising Session offered Monday through Friday at 2pm.

NOTE: Please check the Centers for Disease Control website for information regarding any recommended and/or required vaccinations and medications for your destination.

IMPORTANT: We strongly encourage all study abroad/away participants to get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 prior to their experience. Participants will be subject to the entry requirements and COVID related regulations of the host destination and program provider/host institution. We recommend students consider purchasing travel insurance with cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage. Students will be responsible for any COVID related expenses incurred during their experience abroad/away.

  • Italy PSYC YouTube video
Type:
TU Faculty-Led

 

http://www.towson.edu/studyabroad/