Research & Outreach - The ESSE Study Abroad Program
FAQ:
Can two students stay with the same family?
It is expected that students live alone with their host families. This enables the student to more quickly adjust to the new environment and begin forming a relationship with the host family.
Do I have a choice of grade level placement?
Once program participants are chosen, they are able to express their choice of grade level placements. All efforts are made to honor their requests.
Why is this program more expensive than most study abroad programs?
The UGA/Modena Schools program is committed to providing the most rewarding and safe program possible for our participants. The experience includes a variety of experiences and opportunities not available in other programs, while offering 24/7 support for all participants. Travel within Italy is reserved on fast, safe modes of transportation, and accommodations on the weekend excursions are in secure facilities. The Department of Elementary and Social Studies Education has student safety as our first priority, which often comes at a higher cost.
Can I travel on my own to Italy or do I have to travel with the group?
It is not mandatory that all students travel together to Italy. However, in order to travel on a non-stop flight, it is necessary to fly into Milan which is approximately 3 hours from Modena. Part of the program fee includes ground transfer to and from the Milan airport. If a participate travels on his/her own to Italy he/she would be responsible for the ground transfer fee which can be very expensive. We prefer that students travel to Italy together.
Can I travel on my own in Europe once the program ends?
Yes. Each year there have been several participants who have continued their travel plans once the program ends. The arrangement of these details is left up to the student. The department accountant arranges all flight details and arrangements for the round trip. It is up to participants to make changes in their itineraries if they wish to continue their travel plans.
Do host families and teachers speak English?
Victoria Language and Culture, the agency in Italy that assists with finding host families and school placements, works to find families in which at least one person speaks some English. In families with middle or high school age children, it is often the children who are the English speakers. In most instances one or both parents speak enough English to aid communication. The teachers often do not speak English. However, each school has an English teacher who is available to help with communication.
