ITALY IMMERSION First Generation Students

Join us this summer for an Arrupe Immersion to Castello Sonnino in Italy, June 9-16!

Experience Tuscany’s art, history, and culture: sample the cuisine of the region, participate in cooking classes, walk the streets of the historic cities of Florence and Siena, visit the Uffizi, and engage with local communities—all while reflecting on social justice issues and our roles as global citizens.

Apply before Nov 15th to get a chance to win a full scholarship (program fee and flight included), a value of $4,000, to participate in this immersion. Applications will close Dec 1st.

 

Program Description

Tuscany—filled with rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves—is an amazing place to discover a wealth of art, architecture and delicious cuisine while learning about the region’s culture and fascinating history. Strolling through the local villages and cities often feels like walking through a magical storybook filled with ancient architectural wonders alongside modern structures and world famous works of art. 

Designed for students who often face barriers to global learning, this program will bring participants from marginalized backgrounds to the heart of Italy’s cultural wealth. By experiencing the art, history, and social dynamics of Italy firsthand, students gain both personal growth and a deeper understanding of global justice, guided by Jesuit principles.

We believe that the world should be open to everyone—regardless of background—and that traveling abroad is not a privilege, but a right for those seeking to build a better future for themselves and their communities.

 

 

Program Highlights

 

  • Join a walking tour of the Castello Sonnino to learn about the working farm, its history and significance to the region
  • Participate in an Italian cooking class led by a food expert and journalist, using organic grains and ingredients purchased at a local farmers market
  • Visit San Miniato monastery meet with a Padre, who is connected with interfaith communities – learn about monastery life and visit the Abbey 
  • Take a guided tour of one of the world’s top art museums - the Uffizi - which holds some of the most important works of the Renaissance 
  • Participate in a bread or pasta making class and enjoy a wine tasting with a wine master and co-manager of Castello Sonnino
  • Travel to Siena and meet with a local guide who will share about the discovery of the medieval town of Siena and its famous Duomo, synagogue, and cantones
  • Walk ancient pilgrimage trails and learn about the movement of people in the region over time

 

Included

  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure days
  • Three meals a day
  • Lodging at the castle or in the village of Montespertoli
  • Health insurance coverage while in Italy during the program
  • Pre-departure preparation materials with health and safety information,
  • packing suggestions, readings/resources, etc.
  • Pre-departure and post-trip letters to participants with program-specific information
  • Emergency on-call service while your group is abroad

 

Not Included

  • Round-trip airfare and baggage fees between the United States and Italy
  • Passport fees
  • Items of a personal nature