Office of International Education and Development

Program Dates: May 28, 2024 - June 11, 2024

Experience the wonders of Florence, Italy, with its rich culture, bustling businesses, breathtaking landscapes, phenomenal cuisine, and famous masterpieces and architecture. This hybrid, experiential program will focus on the study of Intercultural and Organizational Communication within the workplace in and around Florence. We will learn the best practices for communicating effectively and efficiently in a professional environment by combining classroom learning, company visits, cultural activities, and excursions within industries such as Hospitality, Commerce and Retail, Culinary Arts, and Tourism. Do not miss this chance to engage with professionals and small business owners in an international setting and the opportunity to earn 6 college credits while studying in this stunning location. This will be an unforgettable experience. All majors are invited to participate.

Location

Florence is the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, and is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. The city, located about 145 miles northwest of Rome, is surrounded by gently rolling hills that are covered with villas and farms, vineyards, and orchards. Due to Florence's artistic and architectural heritage, Forbes ranked it as the most beautiful city in the world in 2010. One of its most iconic sights is the Duomo, a cathedral with a terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi and a bell tower by Giotto. The Galleria dell' Accademia displays Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture. The Uffizi Gallery exhibits Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “Annunciation.” The city is an important cultural, economic, political, and artistic force in the modern era, setting trends in political administration (especially under Mayor Giorgio La Pira in the 1950s and early ’60s) and cultural innovation.

Modena is a city in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. It’s known for its balsamic vinegar and opera heritage, plus Ferrari and Lamborghini sports cars. The Enzo Ferrari Museum has exhibits on the life and work of the car designer, in his childhood home, plus iconic models in a futuristic building.

Siena is a city in central Italy’s Tuscany region. It is distinguished by its medieval brick buildings. The fan-shaped central square, Piazza del Campo, is the site of the Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall, and Torre del Mangia.

Academics

Faculty Leaders

Debra Poulos

Senior Lecturer, Communication Studies

Department of Communication

poulosdg@appstate.edu

Debbie Poulos has taught at App State since 1999. She is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Communication. She teaches Public Speaking, Nonverbal Communication, Intercultural Communication and Communication Studies Senior Capstone, and is on the Chair Advisory Board for the Communication Department. Prior to teaching, Debbie ran her own Recruiting Company, Rehab Plus, placing Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist and Speech Pathologist throughout the United States. Debbie received her BS in Communication from Appalachian State University and her MA in Leadership and Higher Education from Appalachian State University. She has extensive international travel experience and has led seven study abroad trips to Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, and Dominican Republic.

Carey Maple

Senior Lecturer, Communication Studies

Department of Communication

maplec@appstate.edu

Carey Maple has taught at App State since 2015 and is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Communication. She teaches Thinking through Communication, Public Speaking and Communication in Organizations, and also heads up the Department’s annual alumni networking event, Spring Forward. Prior to moving to Boone, Carey worked in sales and marketing for CNN, Turner Broadcasting, CNN.com and Starz Encore Group in Atlanta, GA. Carey received her BA in Communication from Mercer University and her MA in Communication from Auburn University. She has extensive international travel experience and has studied abroad in Russia, Finland, England, France, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Program Cost: Ranging from $4198 - $5198 (to be determined by enrollment)

A potential increase in enrollement will decrease the program cost. Program costs includes lodging and most meals. 

Please note - Students are responsible for the total program cost upon submitting the application and deposit. Refunds are contingent upon meeting the minimum enrollment of the program. If a student decides to withdraw before departure, that student may be eligible for a refund if the program has met minimum enrollment and is therefore viable. 

Non-billable costs are estimates only and will be affected by personal spending habits, currency fluctuations, etc. Prices listed in USD unless otherwise noted.  Students are encouraged to start planning for their study abroad program costs well in advance. 

Appalachian reserves the right to cancel or alter the program format or to change costs in case of conditions beyond the university's control.  Further details about Appalachian's withdrawal/cancellation policy can be found at this link.

Application Process

1. In order to apply for this program, you will need to contact one of the program leaders and provide your Banner ID and email address. Program leaders may request additional information or a meeting to discuss the details of the program and your interest.
2. When permission to apply for the program is granted, you will receive an email from your program leader with instructions to apply.
3. Apply to the program following the instructions from the program leader.
4. Print, sign and drop off your application at the Office of International Education and Development at Plemmons Student Union (PSU), Suite 321 ( 3rd floor), 263 Locust Street Boone, NC 28608. Your application will be considered complete when you have submitted your digital application, paid the $300 deposit, and dropped off your printed and signed application. The fee cannot be paid until it appears on your student account. Please note that it may take 2–3 business days for it to post to your account. You will receive an email with Instructions for paying the deposit fee. Instructions can also be found in the application.