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USAC Torino Program

Fast Facts

Sessions Offered:

Fall, Spring, Summer, Academic Year

Location:

Torino, Italy

Credit:

Resident

Eligibility:

• Minimum 2.5 GPA

• Good academic and disciplinary standing

• Sophomore, junior, or senior standing at the time the program begins

• Approval by UI and USAC

• 18 years of age

• Check the 'Eligibility' section under the Application tab for more details.

Application Due:

• September 24 for Spring

• February 24 for Fall and Academic Year

• March 4 for Summer

Program Cost:

Check the 'Costs' section under the Application tab.

City View of Torino

City View of Torino

The program is administered by the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC), of which the University of Iowa is a member. The USAC Resident Director and staff are present on-site full-time to welcome and support you during your term abroad.

Torino is Italy's fourth largest city, the first capital, and is situated away from tourist-crowded cities. Torino is recognized as Italy’s most sustainable city. It is home to two major parks: the Valentino along the Po River and Pellerina which is Italy’s most extended green space. Torino is home to many prominent international companies. The Torino program is ideal for students interested in international business/politics, architecture, or Italian studies.

Academic Program

The program offers a high-quality educational experience in a variety of academic areas including international business/politics, architecture, or Italian studies. These programs are not exclusive of one another; you may choose courses from any area.

The list of current courses can be found here: USAC Course Offerings

Students receive University of Iowa resident credit for the courses taken on this program.

Fall, Spring, and Academic Year

Students will enroll in 12 to 18 s.h. per semester comprised of an Italian language course (required) plus electives in business, international management, politics, and cultural studies. No prior language study is required to participate.

Summer

USAC’s Summer I, Summer II, and Summer I & II sessions take place during the University of Iowa’s summer session. UI students can enroll in either session or both sessions.

Students will enroll in 3 s.h.- 6 s.h. per session. At least one 3 s.h. is required each summer session. Note: UI students need to take a minimum of 6 s.h. during the summer to be considered full-time students and to gain financial aid eligibility.

Applying credit toward a UI degree

Unless UI Study Abroad has an approval on file for the courses you take abroad to be applied toward a specific major, minor, certificate, or general education requirement, you will receive general elective credit for your course. The course approval process will be discussed when you meet with your study abroad advisor.

Cultural Activities

Museum in Torino

You are encouraged to participate in the included program excursions and activities, in addition to the field trips built into some of your courses. Dates and exact locations are at the discretion of the Resident Director and they vary from session and session and semester to semester.

More information about excursions and activities can be found on the USAC program website.

Program Dates

Park in Torino

Program dates vary from year to year, but typically follow the University of Iowa’s academic calendar.

This program is offered for a semester, academic year, or during the summer session.

Two month-long sessions are offered each summer. Students can choose to study during either one or both of the summer sessions.

You can find the specific dates for the upcoming sessions on the USAC website

For More Information

Steps to Studying Abroad

  1. Before initiating an application with USAC, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa. 
  2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
  3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.
  


Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242

Phone: 319-335-0353
Email:study-abroad@uiowa.edu

School of Management of the University of Torino

USAC classes are held at the highly respected Scuola di Amministrazione Aziendale (SAA), or School of Management of the University of Torino. The SAA school was recently honored as one of the top business schools in Italy and is an active, international context in which to study.

The University of Torino was founded in 1407. Classes are held in a modern, twentieth century building with free wireless internet. Program participants will have access to the campus café where they can meet local students and enjoy inexpensive meals.

Torino

Student in Torino by fountain

  • Population: approx. 900,000
  • Distance from Rome: 325 miles
  • Distance from Paris: 346 miles

As a bustling urban center and Italy’s fourth largest city, Torino is a natural destination for language, culture, and international business education. The city blends historic charm with big-city vitality. It has one foot in its regal Roman and Baroque past, and the other in its new role in global business and innovative design. Imagine the wide, tree-lined avenues and commercial pace of Chicago or Paris coupled with the classic Italian "dolce vita"—complete with prize-winning cappuccino and locally produced chocolate and wine. Torino’s historic cafés were recently named the best in Italy!

In Torino, you will never be at a loss for things to do: the city offers a wide assortment of historical sites of interest and cultural activities. In addition to the miles-long Valentino Park along the River Po and the many beautiful piazzas throughout the city, you can explore the Roman ruins, the Royal Palace and gardens of the first kings of Italy, the first national parliament, the Chapel of the Holy Shroud (believed to be the burial cloth of Christ), the Royal Opera House, Modern Art Gallery, Egyptian Museum (ranked second in the world after Cairo’s museum), National Cinema Museum (honoring Torino as the birthplace of Italian film), the original home of RAI national TV, and Superga Cathedral, among many other spectacular sites.

Many well-known companies are centered in and around Torino, including FIAT, Ferrero (maker of Nutella and TicTacs), Cinzano, Campari, Martini and Rossi, Lavazza Coffee, and Caffarel Chocolate. Torino also has an active aerospace industry, including sites where sections of the International Space Station were constructed. Milan, one of the world’s fashion capitals, is a short train ride away, and the rest of Europe and north Africa are easily connected with Torino by low-cost airlines.

Torino has an excellent public transportation system, which is easily accessible to students. Torino’s buses, trams, and metro are an efficient, inexpensive way to get around the city, or you're free to enjoy the many cobblestone pedestrian walking areas.

Italy

Aside from the unending, tangible history in Italy, the nation has beyond remarkable landscapes which bring any visit to an entirely new level. You can go skiing in the Alps, visit Roman ruins and Greek temples, or explore the Grand Canal in Venice.

As one of the world's most-loved destinations, Italy is also the land of la dolce vita meaning "the sweet life." After an adventure, tourists can unwind, relax, and be pampered by staying at one Italy’s high-end spas or simply enjoying Italy's sophisticated dining pleasures, such as family-owned restaurants where you can experience real Italian cooking.

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements

Torino night scene

Students will select from the housing options below. Accommodations are arranged by USAC in consultation with the student. More information about housing can be found on the USAC website.

  • Apartments: Students share private apartments with 2-4 USAC students. The apartments are modestly furnished, including kitchen facilities, and washing machines. Most bedrooms are double occupancy. Single rooms may be available for a surcharge.
  • Residence Halls: The Residence Hall is co-ed. Apartments are fully furnished, and include Wi-Fi, weekly laundry and cleaning, and amenities are included.
  • Homestay: Occasionally there may be the opportunity to live with local Italian families or singles. However, this is limited, and availability cannot be guaranteed.

Housing Fees

During the semester and academic year sessions, the housing fee is not included in the course fee. Students pay rent for their accommodations each month. You will need to have a plan and budget in place to withdraw the amount needed for monthly rent.

For summer programs, housing is included in the course fee.

Passport

If you do not have a passport, it is important that you apply for one as soon as possible to ensure you receive it before the program begins. US citizens can find more information about how to apply for a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Important notice for students without a valid passport or whose passport will expire within the next 12 months:

US citizens can find more information about how to renew a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. If your passport is not valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated date of return to the US, you must renew your passport before applying for the visa you will need to enter your host country.

Expedited processing service is available for US passports (although this still takes several weeks and is at an additional cost). UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-US Citizens

Students who are not US citizens should contact their consulate for more information if they need to get a new passport or renew their passport.

Travel Arrangements

Students will work with their program provider to make travel arrangements to their program site. The cost of travel is not included in the course fee. UI Study Abroad will not arrange a group flight to your study abroad destination.

Do not purchase plane tickets until you have received instructions on how to do so from your program provider.

Local Transportation

Within your host city and around Italy, students will utilize public transportation such as buses and trains. Italians are also very used to walking, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes!

Eligibility

This program is open to University of Iowa students who fulfill the following requirements:

  • Clear interest and commitment- Students must demonstrate a clear academic or personal interest in the program’s subject matter, and a commitment to engage responsibly in coursework abroad.
  • Demonstrated preparedness and maturity- Students must demonstrate preparedness to take on the heightened responsibilities associated with international study and travel. Students must demonstrate a commitment to behave responsibly abroad while respecting cultural differences. Students are expected to obey both local laws and program directives conveyed to participants before and during the program. The University of Iowa Code of Student Life applies to all program participants while abroad.
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA- Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA to participate in this program. Applications from students who have a GPA below 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing- Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa. Students placed on either academic or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad on a University of Iowa program. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who are not in good standing at any point overlapping with the program dates will have their acceptance revoked and will be responsible for the associated late withdrawal fees.
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing- Applicants must have sophomore, junior, or senior standing by the time the program begins to participate in this program.
  • Approval by USAC and UI Study Abroad- Applications will be reviewed by UI Study Abroad and by USAC. Students will be accepted based on their review of their application materials.
  • Attendance at mandatory orientation programming- Students must attend all in-person and online pre-departure orientation programming presented by UI Study Abroad and USAC.

Costs

Costs charged to the U-Bill

  • Application fee (charged at the time of application, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
  • Course Fee- Includes program course fee, tuition, all or some housing fees, pre-departure advising, airport pickup for those on the group flight, on-site orientation, 24-hour local emergency staff support, and program-organized field trip and excursions. (charged shortly before departure)
  • University of Iowa Study Abroad Administrative Fee (charged shortly before departure)
  • The mandatory Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance (charged shortly before departure)

Out-of-pocket costs (not charged to U-Bill)

  • Round trip airfare (paid by student directly to travel agent or airline- approx. 6-8 weeks prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
  • Passport (paid by student prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
  • Consular and visa fees (paid by student prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
  • Textbooks, copyright permission fees, course packets, and other course-related materials (paid upoon arrival to your host country)
  • Medical exam/immunizations (paid by student as needed prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
  • Personal expenses and personal travel (paid by student as needed while abroad)
  • Rental or purchase of required cell phone- does not include usage fees (paid as needed while abroad)

Cost Sheets

Semester

PDFUSAC Torino Program Cost Sheet for Spring 2024
PDFUSAC Torino Program Cost Sheet for Fall 2022

Summer

PDFUSAC Torino Summer Session II - 2024
PDFUSAC Torino Summer Sessions I & II - 2023

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Most financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans) is applicable to study abroad programs. Please check the Study Abroad website for information on financial aid and how it may be applied to studying abroad. You are also encouraged to speak with someone at the Office of Student Financial Aid to explore financial aid options. Scholarship opportunities exist for study abroad participants. Please explore Study Abroad’s websites for UI Study Abroad Scholarship Opportunities.

USAC has several scholarships and grants as well. You can find these on USAC Scholarships & Discounts website.

How to Apply

  1. Before initiating an application with USAC, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa.
  2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
  3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.


Students will need to complete a University of Iowa Study Abroad application and a USAC online application. Information on these applications will come from the study abroad advisor. Final program admissions decision is made by USAC.

Application Deadline

Applications for the Fall and Academic Year are due on February 24.

Applications for the Spring session are due on September 24.

Applications for the Summer session are due on March 4.

Health & Safety Planning

In addition to submitting their Confirmation of Participation form, students should review the following:

Passports and Visas

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Students are also encouraged to complete the PDFHealth Preparation Guide for International Travel form with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Visa

U.S. passport holders should follow the Visa batch process instructions provided by USAC. These can be found in your USAC Gateway account in the Documents tab. Make sure to submit all required documents by the submission deadline. Otherwise you will have to apply for your student visa independently.

The closest Consulate available to UI students is the Chicago consulate.

U.S. Citizens will need a student visa if they are going abroad for a semester, or academic year. Typically, they will not need a visa for the summer sessions.

Non-US Citizens- should refer to the Italian Consulate Website for more information on Italian visa requirements.

UI Study Abroad will hold advising appointments and/or information sessions to provide details on the visa application process. UI Study Abroad staff can provide some assistance on the Italian visa application process, but ultimately the individual traveler (the student) is the person who is responsible for providing correct information on the visa application and securing the visa and all other required documentation prior to travel.

Prior to starting the visa application process check in with USAC for more information; they have a preferred timeline that students need to follow.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider. See below for more information.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs ICON course "Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation" prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals, and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions, you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu

Program-Specific Orientation

This orientation will be facilitated by your study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one depending on your type of planned activity abroad. Your study abroad advisor will send you more information about this mandatory in-person session.

Predeparture Resources

USAC will provide you with a variety of pre-departure resources to prepare you for your study abroad experience. These will include a packing list, cultural information, housing instructions, etc. Ensure that you thoroughly review any information provided to you by USAC and refer back to it if you have any questions.

These materials may be periodically updated to reflect new program information prior to departure. Be sure to check your USAC Gateway Account often.