Undergraduate Research Summer Study Abroad Program in Italy

SIT (School for International Training) Italy - Food Cultures and Sustainability

The Office for URaCE application deadline for this program is 11 pm on Sunday, November 23, 2025.

Funding is available to help offset the program costs.

Dates: This is a 6-week program, which runs from June 1 - July 13, 2026.

The following information is excerpted from the SIT website: 
SIT and Dickinson College have partnered to create a one-of-a-kind program in Italy, open to all students. Italy offers an unparalleled setting for exploring the connections between food, culture, and sustainability. Experience Italian food systems, from the culinary traditions of Bologna to the innovative urban food systems of Turin and the Venice lagoon ecosystem. Through these regions, you'll gain an understanding of how geography, history, and culture shape Italian cuisine and influence sustainable agriculture practices.

Program Eligibility

Student Applicants must:

• Be current, degree seeking undergraduate students in good academic and judicial standing at the time of application, and during the program. Applicants must be enrolled UTC undergraduates with a graduation date of December 2026 or later.
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Successfully complete all application steps listed below.

Before You Apply

Visit the SIT website for full program details including program length, credits, housing, and scholarship information. The program includes an intensive research experience. Before you apply, please carefully review the program website and make certain this is the type of experience you are seeking.

Application Materials

Save application materials (items 1 and 2 below) as either PDF or Microsoft Word files. You will submit your statement and CV or resume with the electronic application.

1. Statement of Interest

Submitted with the e-application form.

The statement must address the 4 items listed below.

• Background Information: Include your major, academic interests, extra/cocurricular activities, involvement in clubs and organizations, and any other non-academic information or accomplishments you wish to share.
• Why do you want to participate in a summer research-intensive program and how do you see your participation "fitting in" with current and future academic and professional goals?
• What can you contribute to this program? Describe your skills relevant to this experience. For example, you may address your time management, communication, or organizational skills.
• Explain why you selected this program location and topic area. Also address how you will prepare to study abroad in the selected location. What do you know about this location?

2. A copy of your CV or Resume

Submitted with the e-application form.

Application Process

1. Review and make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above. Review and make sure you can fulfill all the participant responsibilities listed below.
2. Submit your Office for URaCE program application form.
3. Once your application is reviewed, and if you meet the application criteria, you will be contacted for an interview with program directors Laura Livermore, UTC Study Abroad, and Dr. Lisa Piazza, Office for URaCE.
4. Submit the UTC Office of Study Abroad application. NOTE: Applicants will receive the study abroad application link via email once stems 1-3 above have been completed.

 Students selected to participate in the program must:

• Submit the UTC Office of Study Abroad application. NOTE: Students selected to participate in the program will receive the Study Abroad application link via email once steps 1-3 above have been completed.
• Complete and submit Office for URaCE directed assignments in Canvas between April - August 2026. Canvas assignments are submitted at various points between April and August. Participants must also attend an in-person orientation meeting in late April or early May. Before you apply, please make sure you are available to dedicate time to this program from April - August 2026.

The Office for URaCE application deadline for this program is 11 pm on Sunday, November 23, 2025.

Application link will be available at the beginning of the fall semester.

Program Participant Responsibilities

Prior to Departure (April - June 2026)

• Attend in-person group meetings and events scheduled in April and/or May.
• Attend in-person pogram orientation.
• Complete pre-experience training via Canvas.
• Complete all pre-departure training and attend meetings as assigned.
• Attend Office of Study Abroad pre-departure orientation (Study Abroad 103).
• Other items/activities as assigned.

During the Research Study Abroad Experience

• Follow UTC policies and Code of Conduct.
• Successfully fulfill all responsibilities and requirements of the experience, and complete Office for URaCE Canvas activities.
• Attend virtual check-in meetings with program directors during the program.

At the Conclusion of the Research Study Abroad Experience

• Submit post-experience materials to the Office for URaCE.
• Prepare a presentation about your experience for the virtual UTC Fall Research Conference (Fall 2026).
• Complete Office of Study Abroad Post-Study Abroad Scholarship Requirements.
• Attend a debrief.

Questions? Contact Dr. Lisa Piazza ([email protected]) OR send a message to the URaCE mailbox ([email protected]).