Mediterranean Lifestyle and Botanical Science in Verona, 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 Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle

3 credits

  • New General Education: DP diverse perspectives, PW, IHIP (Study Abroad), and AIA

BIO Botanical Science in Verona

3 credits

  • New General Education: SI, IHIP (Study Abroad), and AIA

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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: $1,300
Second Payment in March:  $1,300
Third Payment in April: $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 (Eat, Speak, Italian and Life in the Roman City)

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.

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.

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

View the students Center for Italian Culture presentation

Plates and different foods on a table in Italy
2015 Summer program Verona

Exercise Health and Science Program in Verona, 2016

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!