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SIGNATURE PROGRAM:

Saint Anselm in Tuscania, Italy

Be a Changemaker in Italy

Spring Semester 2025

Program Dates: January 22 – May 17, 2025

Location: Tuscania, Italy

Eligibility: Open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors

Faculty-in-Residence: Dr. Dina Frutos-Bencze

Info Session: Sept. 5, 2024 at 5:00pm in Dana 1D. 

Application Deadline: Sept 15th ($150 deposit)

Program Description

This exceptional Anselmian semester program allows you to experience authentic Italy at its best in Tuscania, located in the heart of Italy in the Lazio Region.

While studying in the academic facilities inside the medieval city walls, you will take Saint Anselm courses which count towards completing your degree. Take WRIT, AEST, HIST, THER, CATH GLOB, CITZ, as well as electives!

Students may engage in community involvement, as well as take advantage of independent travel opportunities, while gaining personal and career-oriented skills throughout their entire abroad experience.

Program Details

The program cost is the same as a semester on the college’s Manchester campus and includes tuition, housing, excursions, medical travel insurance, and emergency support.

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Application Information

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  • Minimum GPA: 2.0
  • Open to rising sophomores and above
  • No language requirement
  • Withdrawal date for possible refund: Nov. 1, 2024

Apply online today!

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Program Inclusions

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  • Student visa processing
  • Orientation upon arrival
  • Health Insurance
  • Housing and accommodations
  • Internet access
  • Select meals
  • Activities, day trips, and excursions
  • Community Engaged Learning
  • On-site API staff support

Not Included:

  • Airfare to/from USA
  • Passport fees
  • Majority of meals
  • Personal expenses (phone, luggage fees, souvenirs, etc.)
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Course Details & Academics

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Faculty In-Residence 2025:

  • Dr. Dina Frutos-Bencze

Coursework:

  • Courses are for Saint Anselm College credit through The Italian International Institute Lorenzo de’ Medici (LdM).
  • Courses taught by both Saint Anselm and LdM faculty.
  • Students will not need to transfer credits upon return.
  • Students will register full time, which will include the program mission course: Passaggi.
  • All courses fulfill a variety of core requirements and electives.
  • Students will have access to library and web resources at both Saint Anselm College and LdM.
  • Students may provide documented disability paperwork and will have academic support, as required.

Passaggi: Mission Course:

  • This course provides an overview of Italy’s culture and includes guided tours and field trips.
  • The faculty-in-residence will teach the mission course and a second course in their field of expertise.
  • The mission course will take participants to Rome, Montecassino, Subiaco, and other notable locations around Italy.
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Semester Highlights

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  • Weeklong Orientation
  • Cooking Classes 
  • Language Exchanges 
  • Cultural Exchanges with local students 
  • Community Involvement
  • Select homestays
  • Day trips to historic locations such as Tarquinia, Orvieto, Assisi, Tivoli, and Bomarzo/Orte
  • Overnight excursions to Rome, Florence, and Montecassino
  • Complimentary Rome airport shuttle on select weekends

Please note: Activities, Day Trips, and Excursions are subject to change depending on availability, weather, and other factors.

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Community Engagement

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Students will have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact through meaningful service projects, community engagement, and mission based activities.

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Housing and Meals

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Housing:

  • Group accommodation will be in either shared double apartments or with a local homestay.
  • Please note: homestay accommodations are limited.
  • Bedding, linens, towels, WiFi and utilities included in all housing options.

Included Meals:

  • Group welcome meal.
  • Group farewell meal.
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Travel, Transport, and Documents

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Documents:

  • All students must have a valid passport to travel to Italy.
  • Passport must be in-hand by Sept. 15, 2024.
  • All students will be required to obtain a student visa (processing fees included) using API’s batch service.

Travel & Transportation:

  • Group airport pick-up in Rome, with transportation to Tuscania.
  • Group airport return in Rome.
  • Ground transportation on all program activities, as necessary.

Not Included:

  • International airfare to and from the United States.
  • Passport application fees.
  • Luggage fees.
Experience Tuscania with API!

Wellness, Health, and Safety

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  • This program will have an API onsite Resident Director who lives full-time in Tuscania.
  • Every API Resident Director is thoroughly trained in emergency response and receives ongoing training and support.
  • API Resident Director will serve as an emergency contact available 24/7.
  • International health insurance included.
  • Onsite cultural, health, and safety orientations upon arrival.

Faculty-in-Residence

Spring Semester 2025

Saint Anslem: Dina Frutos Bencze

Dr. Dina Frutos-Bencze, Professor

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 603-656-6177

Department: Economics & Business

Background

I have over 9 years of international corporate experience in Europe, Latin America and the US. My diverse academic background (chemistry and business) combined with the international business experience have allowed me not only to develop and deliver high quality academic instruction, but also such experience has shaped my research interests.

Since joining Saint Anselm College in 2013, I mainly teach the following courses: International Business Management, Business in Developing and Emerging Markets, International Human Resource Management, and Introduction to Social Innovation.

Education

2012 – Ph.D., Southern New Hampshire University, International Business

2002 – MBA, Oxford Brookes, UK-Hungary

1995 – M.S., University of New Mexico, Analytical Chemistry

1993 – B.S., Louisiana State University, Chemistry

PHR -Professional in Human Resources

Certificate – SHRM, since 2002

Fulbright Scholar Award-Fall 2021 at the University of Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, https://www.uhk.cz/en  

Be Anselmian in Italy

Students will have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact through meaningful community engagement and mission based activities.

Mission Based Activities & Excursions

Students will participate in community engaged learning to serve and become immersed within their adopted community. Students will be able to bring their Anselmian values and skills beyond the classroom and into their study abroad experience.

Meaningful Service Opportunities

Below is a sample list of opportunities that may be offered. These opportunities are subject to change:

  • Cultural exchange in local schools: Students will present and share during middle and high school classes.
  • Ecological Conservation: Working alongside a local nature and wildlife association, students will take care of public green areas. Once the area that needs to be fixed has been identified, they proceed with cleanings, gardening, planting flowers and seedlings.
  • Cat Colonies: Working with the local community organization to feed and care for town cats.
  • Local Parish Activities: Serving within the local parish to set up and prepare for events and festivals
  • Youth Sports: Enjoy playing alongside local students in community-based sports activities
  • Community theater activities and performances
Local Catholic Churches

The following churches are located near the student residences for anyone who wishes to worship abroad:

  • Our Lady of Lourdes, Via 6 February 1971
  • Church of Santa Maria della Rosa, Via XII Settembre
  • Cathedral of S. Giacomo, Piazza Bastianini
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About Tuscania

  • Located in the province of Viterbo in the Lazio Region of Italy (adjacent to the region of Tuscany)
  • Conveniently situated between Rome and Florence
  • Population approximately 8,500
  • Home to ancient Etruscan ruins and some of Italy’s most beautiful churches, including the famous Church of Saint Peter (San Pietro)
  • Exceptional opportunities for archaeological learning, photography and the arts, cultural immersion, and outdoor activities
  • Only 20 minutes from the Mediterranean Sea
  • Exceptional views of the iconic Italian countryside

Let’s Get You Abroad!

To begin your journey to Tuscania, please complete this online form to be connected with an advisor and to learn about your next steps!

Apply Online

Once you are ready to apply, visit our Global Programs Portal to submit an online application.

Connect with Your School

For more information on studying abroad in general, contact Jane Bjerklie-Barry, Director and PDSO, Office of International Programs at [email protected]

Why API

API offers best-in-class programming, with student well-being a high priority.

Our mission is to create better global citizens through international experiential learning. API programs are developed to be transformative, career-boosting experiences that include:

  • Community involvement through optional volunteer programs with API Gives Back
  • Cultural awareness through relevant coursework and time spent in multicultural student groups
  • High-touch student support throughout the program

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About API

Academic Programs International (API) was founded in 1997 and is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable experiential learning programs. Their extensive pre-departure preparation, coupled with strong support services on-site, facilitates academic, cultural and linguistic learning. Within the supportive environment of the API programs, API participants are encouraged to explore their host communities and become increasingly independent and confident in their own abilities. They strive to make international educational experiences accessible to as many participants as possible, and, as such, works to provide multiple program components at a low program cost.

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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

API is committed to providing enriching international experiences to its participants. We believe in the importance of promoting acceptance, dignity, and respect among people of all backgrounds. No matter who you are or where you come from, API will support you during your journey abroad.

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