Since 2007, Gustolab International partners with the University of Illinois to provide interdisciplinary study and intern abroad programs focusing on Food Culture, Media and Communication, Sustainability, Nutrition, Food Business and Marketing in Rome.
Courses are experiential. They include curricular activities, practicums, meetings with specialists and experts, and tastings. Project work with local students is included.
Overnight field studies include organized trips to the south or north of Italy.
Students can complete a customized academic internship combined with courses or as a stand-alone.
All courses & the internship are pre-approved by University of Illinois for credits.
Students live in shared apartments in the Rome city center experiencing daily Roman life.
SPRING SEMESTER
The Food and Culture in Rome spring program (January to May) focuses on the critical study of culture, systems and politics of food in Italy. Students will study the food culture of Italy, food media and communications, architecture of ancient Rome, art history, social dynamics, economy, and the language and culture of Italy. In-class learning is complemented with visits to specific sites and locations, meetings with producers and experts, the production of a short documentary, cooking lessons, and group work with other students from Italian universities in Rome. Designed, promoted and managed by Gustolab International and UIUC. Language Courses provider: Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Rome.
SUMMER SEMESTER
During the summer program (May – June), students learn to analyze Italian food and wine, study nutrition, explore local and global food communication trends and work on a video project, and learn the Italian language. An important part of the program is intercultural and experiential learning, which allows students to learn about the cultural aspects of the food system through visits, excursions and meetings with professionals, Italian students and community members. After the program, students have the option to continue on to do a 4-week (June-July) internship in various locations throughout Italy . The summer term program is designed, promoted and managed by GLi and UIUC. Language Courses provider: Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Rome.
FALL SEMESTER
The fall term is dedicated to the study of sustainable Italian food systems, hands-on learning about the production of olive oil, wine and cheese, a critical review of the Italian food marketing and the tourism industry; and the nutritional aspect of the Mediterranean diet. Excursions in regional farms and wineries throughout Italy give students the opportunity to learn more about food through direct contact with local people, farmers and entrepreneurs. The fall term is designed, promoted and managed by GLi and UIUC. Language Courses provider: Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Rome
This program was the best decision I ever made. Gustolab International is a great school that helped immerse me into the Italian culture while also teaching me about nutrition and sustainability.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
HOUSING
During the program, students live in shared apartments in the Rome city center experiencing daily Roman life.
SUPPORT
Students have access to the Gustolab International Academic advisor, a GLi staff member who coordinates all the academic aspects of the program and is in touch with the university study abroad staff and the student’s academic advisor at Illinois, if necessary. Additionally, a learning facilitator is always available to support students in their new life studying abroad and to provide cross-cultural education and mediation. Learn more about the list of services that students generally receive.
COURSES & CREDITS
All courses are pre-approved by the University of Illinois. Course availability, descriptions and information about credits can be found at the following links
COST
Costs are available by contacting the LAS International Programs office.
HOW TO APPLY
UIUC students apply directly through the UIUC application portal at the links below:
PROGRAM SUPERVISOR
Dr. Pier Alberto Merli, GLi CEO & Resident Director in Rome for UIUC programs.
As cliché as it sounds, studying abroad really does change your life. For me, Gustolab has opened my eyes to the world of incredible wine, olive oil and food production in general. Sustainability is definitely something I want to implement in my life and in my diet. Come with an open mind and allow yourself to be blown away by the Italian language, food and vital environmental issues.
WITHDRAWAL POLICY FOR SPRING & FALL SEMESTERS
TUITION: The withdrawal fee immediately after commitment and up to 60 days before the beginning of a semester program is $1500. Refunds after the commitment to a semester program are as follows:
- A 50% refund will be made if students withdraw 30-60 days before the beginning of the semester program.
- No refunds will be made if withdrawal is made within 30 days of the beginning of a semester program.
- Upon arrival in Italy, no refund will be made for any reason whatsoever in case the student decides to withdraw from the program, or change the number of courses or cancel, change or vacate the assigned housing.
HOUSING: After commitment to the semester program, the following refund policy will apply if a student withdraws from the program:
- A 100% refund if withdrawal is 60 days before the start date
- A 50% refund if withdrawal is between 31-59 days before the start date
- No refunds if withdrawal is made between the start date – 30 days before the start date
WITHDRAWAL POLICY/CHARGES FOR SUMMER COURSES & ACADEMIC INTERNSHIPS
| Program Withdrawal Charges | Date of Withdrawal |
| $1,000 regardless of individual student’s program costs | Time of commitment up to 60 days prior to program start date |
| 50% of individual student program costs | 60-30 days prior to program start date |
| 100% of individual student program costs | 30 days prior to program start date |
Upon arrival in Italy, no refund will be made for any reason whatsoever in case the student decides to withdraw from the program, or change the number of courses or cancel, change or vacate the assigned housing
