Yes. Students are welcome and encouraged to travel independently during their free time, as long as they do not have scheduled classes or mandatory program events. We strongly recommend waiting until after arrival in Bologna to make personal travel plans, since students will receive their final program calendar and class schedule then. Any personal travel affected by class attendance or required program activities will be the student’s responsibility, and related costs will not be reimbursed.

Yes. Program-sponsored travel is a required part of the Italy Center experience, and all students are expected to participate. Because these trips are built into the program, students may not opt out of the travel or the associated fees.

No. Program-sponsored trips are a required and integral part of the Spring Hill College Italy Center experience. Students are expected to participate in the full trip and may not leave early or miss any portion of the program-sponsored travel.

Program-sponsored travel includes transportation to, from, and within the destination, housing, two meals per day, and scheduled group excursions and activities. Students should plan to bring additional spending money for meals not included, souvenirs, and any personal activities during free time.

Students are accompanied on program-sponsored travel by program coordinators, the travel coordinator, and faculty leader(s). In the event of an emergency, program coordinators maintain their usual 24/7 availability and work closely with on-site staff and faculty leaders to support students and respond appropriately.

We strongly recommend that students wait until after arrival in Bologna before booking independent travel. Final class schedules, mandatory events, program travel, site visits, and exams may not be confirmed until students arrive. The Italy Center is not responsible for reimbursing students for personal travel that conflicts with required academic or program commitments.