Discover Italy beyond the typical tourist destinations with the Intensive Italian Language Program in Lecce! Ideal for students seeking to improve their Italian language skills while experiencing authentic Italian culture, this program offers a unique, immersive study abroad experience in the charming city of Lecce, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy's Puglia region. Through personalized language instruction, local excursions, and engaging cultural activities, you will gain a deeper understanding of Italian traditions, history, and daily life. Perfect for beginners to advanced learners, this study abroad program provides a supportive environment to rapidly improve your Italian, all while exploring one of Italy's most stunning and historically rich regions in the "heel of the boot".
Intensive Italian Language in Lecce
Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophomore or Above
Location: Europe, Italy
GPA: 2.5
Program Overview
Dates and Deadlines
| Term | Year | Deadline | Arrival Date | Departure Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | 2025 | 3/15/2025 | 7/7/2025 | 8/29/2025 |
This program is less than 90 days. Students with a US passport will be traveling to Italy under the Schengen Visa waiver program and do not require a travel visa for this program, and GEO is unable to assist U.S. citizens in obtaining a visa. If you are not a U.S. Citizen: Notify your GEO Advisor. Students who are not U.S. citizens should contact the Italian consulate in their country of residence about visa requirements, no matter the duration of the program of study.
Academic Details
The academic program in Lecce offers a full sequence of courses in Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Italian language. You can earn the equivalent of a full year of Italian language (e.g. 201, 202, and 203) in just two months. All courses are taught in Italian by local faculty who are experts in teaching Italian to non-native speakers. Classes are held at the Scuola d’Italiano per Stranieri (School of Italian for Foreigners – SIS) in the Università Lum Jean Monnet School of Management. The class building is conveniently located in the city center, within walking distance of cafes, restaurants, historic buildings and monuments.
You will also choose from a variety of supplementary cultural activities in such areas as cooking, stone carving, pottery, and traditional dance (offerings may vary by term and student interest). These extracurriculars provide an opportunity to apply your language skills in a relaxed and fun environment. All associated costs are included in the program fee.
Excursions to sites of cultural interest near Lecce are an integral part of the academic program. You will experience beautiful and interesting places like the historic towns of Otranto and Gallipoli, and the sparkling Adriatic sea.
Course Equivalencies
UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.
Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.
Additional Requirements
For 1st-year/Beginner Italian: No language requirement.
For 2nd-year/Intermediate Italian: Prior completion of Italian 103 or equivalent.
For 3rd-year/Advanced Italian: Prior completion of Italian 203 or equivalent.
For 4th-year/Advanced Italian: Prior completion of three 3rd-year Italian courses.
NOTE: There must be a minimum enrollment of 5 students per class for 1st and 4th-year Italian. Students will be notified after the commitment deadline whether or not their language level will be offered.
Faculty and Staff
University of Oregon Italian faculty leaders provide pre-departure and on-site orientations, guide journal activities, and offer academic and student support. Experienced local faculty teach the language courses are taught at the Scuola d’Italiano per Stranieri (SIS) by who specialize in teaching Italian as a foreign language. Other SIS staff members assist you with housing, handle administrative details such as registration and residency permits, and organize group excursions and outings.
Housing Description
Accommodations are provided by Scuola di Italiano per Stranieri (SIS) from the arrival date through the departure date of the program. You will be housed in apartments within the city center of Lecce. Apartments are integrated as much as possible, with a mix of Italians and students from other countries, along with GEO students. Most apartments will be within easy walking distance of your classrooms, extracurriculars, and many cafes and shops. Transportation will be provided for excursions that go to nearby cities and sites.
There are a few different housing options to choose from. You will select your preferences in a housing survey, and your housing fee will be based on your placement. Basic cost differences are described in the posted student budget. We do our best to match everyone to their preferences, however we cannot guarantee the type of housing you choose will be available.
Housing Types:
- Standard double room in shared apartment
- Single room in a shared apartment
- Double room in a shared apartment with air conditioning
All apartments are equipped with furniture, cooking facilities (including dishes, pots and pans) and a washing machine for laundry; in southern Italy, clothes are usually hung on the line to dry. Bedding and towels are available to rent from SIS, or you may bring/purchase your own. No matter which option you choose, a housing director will meet you when you arrive at the Lecce train/bus station and accompany you to your housing location.