Cultural Differences
One of the most valuable and exciting aspects of the summer program in Italy is that students are able to gain firsthand experience of living in another culture. There are plenty of differences between American and Italian culture, and much benefit is gained from discovering and appreciating these differences. A returned student commented, studying abroad is about taking risks, meeting new people, and visiting unfamiliar places. It's about stepping out of your comfort zone. Students shouldn't go if they are closed-minded or only see the world from their Lock Haven glasses. Therefore, we encourage you to gather as much information as possible about Italian culture prior to departure. Take some time out of your busy spring semester to read about world affairs and current issues around Europe. Not only will your preparation greatly enhance the quality of your experience, but it will also demonstrate your goodwill as an American ambassador to another country.

While in Italy, keep your eyes and ears open to learn about the local lifestyle. Read a local newspaper to learn what is going on in the city (festivals, exhibits, concerts). Your study abroad adventure will be one of the most meaningful and treasured experiences of your life; however, you may not realize it until you return. Of course everything will be different. If you had wanted familiar surroundings, you would have remained at home, right? Don't get upset by minor inconveniences (even though they may seem major at the time). Your time abroad is only one month, so try to make the most of it. Finally, be flexible! There will be many new experiences, and the more open-minded you are, the more exciting and wonderful your summer will be!

Health & Safety
Walking Travel in Italy, like in most of Europe is done primarily with public transportation. Europeans walk much more than most Americans. While in Italy we will walk on our tours, in museums, and to and from public transportation. Students must be in good health and capable of extended periods of walking.

Immunizations Students traveling to Italy do not need to have immunizations prior to departure, but hepatitis A and tetanus are a good idea. However, if you plan to travel to other countries during the summer, you should check the requirements and precautions for those countries to determine if additional immunizations are needed.

Prescription Medications Students should plan ahead and pack enough of their prescription medications to cover the time they will be abroad. While there is a chance that a prescription can be filled in Italy, it is generally much more convenient and less expensive to take care of this at a pharmacy in the U.S.

Insurance All Italy study abroad students must purchase an ISIC card.

Protecting Valuables Most crime in Italy, as in Europe, is directed against property. Students should keep all valuables, especially wallets, passports, credit cards and the like, in buttoned or zippered inside pockets or in money belts or fastened bags while walking about major cities. (The hotel rooms have safe deposit boxes). Pickpockets are present in Italy and other European cities. Never leave bags, backpacks, and cases unattended, or even in locked cars. Room doors should be kept locked and valuable items in locked suitcases, drawers or closets. Always lock your room door, even if you're just going to the lobby for a minute. Use the same precautions you would in any other metropolitan area: don't carry valuables, don't wear expensive clothing or jewelry, and avoid questionable parts of the city, especially at night and when alone. Try to minimize your foreignness through your actions and appearance.


San Marco and the Doge's Palace. Photo by student M. Porcenaluk

Student Conduct
Although abroad, you are a LHUP student and therefore subject to LHUP's rules and regulations. Generally, misconduct abroad may be defined as any situation in which participants have jeopardized their own welfare, that of their fellow participants or of the program, or have willfully violated regulations governing the hotel in Italy. You are a guest in someone else's country; it is both polite and practical to observe your host's laws and customs. It is your responsibility, and in fact one of the objectives of a study abroad experience, to understand these different laws and customs as well as to observe them. In criminal matters (which may be defined differently than in the U.S.) neither the program nor the U.S. Consulate can intercede efficiently. In some countries the burden of proof rests with the defense and not with the prosecution.

Illegal Drugs It is imperative that students stay away from illegal drugs, no matter how innocent they may seem to you. Drug laws abroad are much stricter than in the U.S. and are vigorously enforced (sometimes more so against foreigners). Possession of even small amounts can mean imprisonment, with no possibility for appeal. If you get caught, neither LHUP nor the U.S. government can intervene. Be smart don't take chances.