Italy Winter 2026 | Glendale Community College

Program Description

This 5-week program explores the geography, society, culture, and cuisine of Italy. It begins with a week of online instruction followed by a week of preparatory lectures and cooking demonstrations on the GCC campus. We then embark on our adventure to Italy, starting with four nights in Rome to explore the Eternal City’s distinctive foods, architecture, art, and history. We’ll visit key sites of interest including the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and a visit to the Jewish Quarter for a traditional meal.

We then take a high-speed train to the city of Bologna, our base for the next 15 days and home to what many Italians consider to be Italy’s culinary capital. While in Bologna we will explore the city’s rich history (home to Europe’s oldest continuous university), indulge in the city’s unique culinary traditions, and learn to prepare several Bolognese dishes. The program includes three daytrips to explore the marvels of Venice, Florence, and Modena and to discover the delicious regional foods of these cities.

Students will enroll in two courses. In Geography 171 (Global Issues – three units), taught by GCC Prof. Darren Leaver, students will explore the current social, political, environmental, and economic issues facing contemporary Italian society. In Culinary Arts 48 (Culinary Field Studies – two units), taught by Chef Derek Flores, students will explore the preparation and appreciation of regional Italian cuisine.

Friends and family members are welcome to apply to join the program. The program will include online lectures and activities, classroom lectures and discussions, field observations, hands-on cooking classes, restaurant visits, and time to explore independently. All participants are required to enroll and actively participate in the two courses, which encompass a combined 90 hours of lectures, online activities,

Program Dates & Highlights

Italy Winter 2026: Preliminary Shell Itinerary

Itinerary Note: While in Italy, expect changes and go with the flow.

Some of the key destinations are:

Rome
Bologna
Florence
Venice
Modena

*Excursions and class session times TBA. Some events will be subject to weather conditions.

DATE DESCRIPTION

DATE	DESCRIPTION
Mon 1/5/26 to Fri 1/9/26	Online instruction and activities
Mon 1/12/26 to Fri 1/16/26	Classes and activities on the GCC campus
Sun 1/18/26	Depart LAX to Rome (FCO), Italy
Mon 1/19/26	Arrive and begin our exploration of Rome
Fri 1/23/26	Take the fast train from Rome to Bologna and settle in. Bologna will be our base for the next 15 days as we also explore the nearby cities of Florence, Venice and Modena.
Fri 2/6/26	Depart Bologna (BLQ) for LAX, arriving the same day.

Program Costs

PROGRAM COSTS

$3,795 based on a minimum of 24 students
* Inquire about scholarships for regularly enrolled GCC students

Prices are based on the current USD/Euro exchange rate of approximately 1€ = $1.08. The price would need to be adjusted should there be a significant change in this foreign exchange rate.

Program Fee Includes:

Four nights of accommodation in a centrally located hotel in Rome based on 2-4 students per room with a private bathroom and daily light breakfast.
14 nights of accommodation in a four-star apartment-hotel in Bologna based on two students per room with a private bathroom and access to a kitchenette.
Group Airport Transfers (must arrive into Rome and depart Bologna at the same time as the group)
Rail transportation between Rome, Bologna and the cities of Florence, Venice and Modena.
Entry fees to selected cultural sites as part of the program itinerary.
Daily breakfast in Rome. Breakfast is not included in Bologna, but each room has access to a kitchenette with refrigerator and a market is located next door.
Welcome lunch in Rome.
Welcome dinner in Bologna.
Lunch in Florence.
Lunch in Venice.
Culinary tour with lunch in Modena.
Farewell dinner in Bologna.

Not Included:

Airfare LAX-Rome and Bologna-LAX (estimated under $1,000 if purchased by September 2025)
GCC tuition for five units of coursework (non-residents are required to pay out-of-state fees)
Single room option (limited availability) additional $1,700
Mandatory travel insurance (estimated $100 depending on coverage limits and age)
Textbooks
Most meals and beverages
Visas (needed for most travelers)
Any quarantine expenses (if required following a positive Covid test while abroad)
Personal expenses
Excursions and entry fees beyond the official program itinerary
Anything not specified as “included”

Payment Schedule

DATE	REQUIRED
First-come, first-served	Application & Interview
Within 10 days after acceptance into program	Deposit of $595 due
August 1, 2025	Coordinate with Prof. Mack to purchase airfare AND make the second payment of $1,200
October 1, 2025	Final payment of $2,000 for the travel portion of the program
December, 2025	Payment for the 5 units of coursework

Notes:

Students who will be enrolling at GCC during the Fall 2025 semester may be eligible to apply for one of several scholarships typically ranging from $250 to $500 or more. Details to follow.

If you cancel, all payments are considered non-refundable. However, if we find a qualified replacement for your space, a refund will be issued minus any non-recoverable costs.

Space is limited to approximately 24 students, so act quickly.

Additional charges may be incurred for late payments or returned checks

Program Courses

As part of this program, students must enroll in these courses (five credit units):

Geography 171 (Global Issues) 3.0 Units taught by Prof. Darren Leaver.
The focus will be on the observation and understanding of contemporary global issues, especially those affecting Italian society.
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC

Culinary Arts 48 (Culinary Field Studies) 2.0 Units taught by Chef Derek Flores Prieto
The focus will be on the observation, appreciation and creation of regional Italian cuisine.
Transfer Credit: CSU

Program Faculty Director

Program Requirements

Students are required to complete a formal application. The application may require a character reference, an academic reference, and personal information. Complete applications with the required deposits are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Most participants will be 18 years or older. On certain programs accommodations can be made for those under 18 with parental permission and recommendation from a counselor.
A pre-departure conference with each student by the Study Abroad program director must be held. When a concern is raised, an instructor can ask the Study Abroad Director to conduct the conference before a student is admitted to a program.
Students are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and no history of disciplinary action at GCC or any other campus. Exceptions may be granted by the Study Abroad Director.
Students will be notified promptly in writing should they not be accepted into a program.
Program participants will be required to read and sign several forms including a “General Release of Liability” and “Assumption of Risk for Participation in Voluntary Activity.”
Students do not need to have a declared major in the classes they are taking abroad and there are no language prerequisites for the programs unless a specific course has its own requirement.