Health in the Context of Italian Culture
2009 Exploration Seminar in Vicenza, Italy

THIS PROGRAM IS FULL AND NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. PLEASE CONSIDER ANOTHER EXPLORATION SEMINAR PROGRAM!

Program Director: Janet Lenart ~ Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems
Dates of Instruction: August 29 to September 18, 2009

Access to health care is guaranteed in the Italian constitution.  What is the historical and contemporary context for this right? How is universal access to health care implemented today?  How does Italy minimize health disparities among vulnerable populations such as new immigrants? What is the role of the European Union in relation to health outcomes in Italy? How do health professions differ between Italy and the United States?  Is the Mediterranean diet a reality in Italy and how does it impact health outcomes? What other characteristics of the Italian culture impact health outcomes?  How do health behaviors and outcomes compare between Italy and the United States?  These issues will be explored in this seminar.

This seminar will provide a cross-cultural experience in which health outcomes and health systems in Italy are examined in the context of recent Italian history, the socio-cultural environment, and the European Union. This cross-cultural experience will enable participants to develop a greater understanding of their own culture and perspective on health. Evaluations of this seminar by students in the past 3 years were very positive. See slideshow at: http://lecture.son.washington.edu/p89958880.

Vicenza is a small city in Northern Italy, famous for its Renaissance architecture.  Talks will be given by local scholars, health professionals, and community members. Students will visit the public hospital, family-run cheese, salami and olive oil factories and historical locations in Vicenza, Padova, Verona, and Venice.  Readings and participation in an online discussion are required during Summer quarter to prepare for this Exploration Seminar.

Classes will be taught in English.  Italian language proficiency is not required, however an introductory Italian course is highly recommended. Interviews and selection of applicants will begin in  January 2008. Acceptance into the course is based on a written application and interview. 

Participants will earn 5 credits of UCONJ 410, Health in the Context of Italian Culture.  Participants should check with their advisors to determine how these credits count towards departmental requirements.

Student Costs:

• $ 2,300 Program fee
• $ 200 International Programs & Exchanges Fee
• Click here for a Estimated Budget of Student Expenses (for financial aid requests)
• The Program fee covers 21 nights of lodging in three-person apartments with a kitchenette and bathroom, 3 multi-course meals, 16 days of activities including lectures by local speakers, local transportation, guided visits for several cities in northeast Italy and visits  to small factories where  olive oil, cheese and salami are made. Expenses not covered are round trip travel to Vicenza, health insurance, meals (except 3 meals included in the program fee) and personal expenses.
  
  
  
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