Early Childhood Education at Reggio Emilia

This course has been cancelled for the 2013 term. Check back soon for information about the 2014 program. 

Course: ECSE 421 - Student - Professor Study Tour of Reggio Emilia, Italy (one credit).  This course is an optional enhancement for students taking ECSE 420 during the spring 2012 semester.  Students who have completed ECSE 420 are also eligible.
Instructor: Dr. Sallee Beneke, Assistant Professor of Education
Dates: March 19 -28, 2013 
Location:  Pistoia and Reggio Emilia, Italy 
Price: $4,841 (tentative)

Program description

The schools of Reggio Emilia are widely recognized as providing a seamless model of excellence in early childhood education in curriculum, special education, environment, parent invovlement, and staff development.  Study of the Reggio Approach is an important topic in the 3-credit ECSE 420 course.  First-hand experience in Reggio will provide an added level of insight into the approach.  This program will be preceded by a special session in Pistoia, Italy, where they have an extensive network of infant toddler centers and preschools.  Through school visits and meetings with teachers and members of the pedagogical team, participants will learn about the city's strong commitment to families, culture, and history.

What is included

• Course fees
• Round-trip airfare from Moline to Milan
• Ground transportation in Italy
• Housing in a hotel 
• Continental breakfast
• Plenary sessions 
• Presentations
• Visits to the schools
• Discussion groups
• Opportunities to interact with the teachers, artists in residence, and parents of children enrolled in the schools.
• International medical insurance with trip delay coverage

What is not included

• Passport fees
• Personal baggage fees
• Most lunches and dinners
• Souvenirs and spending money

How to apply

Complete the online application and submit a $500 application deposit to the Center for International Education by November 16. Deposit checks should be made payable to INTERNATIONAL STUDY TOURS, LLC.

• The application deposit is deducted from the total program cost.
• If you are not accepted, or if the program is cancelled, the application deposit is refundable.
• If you are accepted, this deposit is non-refundable after November 16.

Payment deadlines

December 14, 2012: $700 commitment fee due
January 18, 2013: remaining balance due

Payment details

• Submit $700 commitment fee to the Center for International Education.
• Make checks payable to St. Ambrose University.
• The commitment fee is deducted from the total program cost.
• Failure to meet payment deadlines may jeopardize your place in the program.
• The commitment fee is non-refundable after December 14.
• Please submit your final payment to Student Account Services by January 18.
• The final payment is non-refundable after January 18.