|
|
|
Undergraduate Study Abroad > Semester Program > Special Activities - Semester UG |
Extra-Curricular Activities |
 |
 |
|
Students pose in front of the Canova museum. |
CIMBA believes in a total-learning environment, not just classroom education. The staff at both the University of Kansas and in Italy both work to make sure a student’s experience is well-rounded and supported at many levels. Below are some activities students can expect during the semester program.
Orientation
Travel Orientation
Company Tours & Guest Speakers
Faculty Advisory Groups
Career-Development Seminars
Recreational Activities
Language Exchanges
Cultural Field Trips & Dinner Excursions
Orientation
Orientation begins the first day students arrive on campus. The initial meeting focuses on campus issues, and students are introduced to the CIMBA staff and professors. They also receive an introduction to the living environment including meal times, housing, health care and other issues related to the campus. In subsequent meetings, orientation covers topics such as safety, immigration, academic practices and policies including the mandatory attendance policy. Orientation contains valuable and necessary information and, therefore, is mandatory for all students.
back to the top
Travel Orientation
Prior to the first travel weekend, the CIMBA staff will meet with the students to discuss travel tips. Topics covered include budgeting wisely, using European trains, reading train and bus schedules, safety, places to visit, and avoiding petty theft. The staff also will discuss what to do in the case of an emergency. This orientation is mandatory.
back to the top
Company Tours and Guest Speakers
During the semester, students will be required to participate in company tours. Students will visit leading Veneto businesses in a variety of fields such as food production, information technology, fashion, manufacturing, communications and sales. The tours provide students with exposure to real-world operations, and allow the professors to incorporate information learned into the classroom setting. Students also will learn and understand more about the importance of the Veneto region in relation to Italy and Western Europe. There also will be periodic guest speakers who visit campus to talk with students and lecture on relevant topics. Click here for a list of recent company tours.
back to the top
Faculty Advisory Groups
One of the unique aspects of the undergraduate program is the close interaction between faculty, staff and students. Student comments reflect the strong, positive feelings associated with having access to faculty and staff on a daily basis. To further enhance this interaction, each professor will be assigned a small group of students. The groups help students to branch out and meet people from other states, other majors and other interests. Students with questions regarding school, travel and studying abroad are encouraged to seek out their faculty mentor. The CIMBA staff helps organize outings and activities for the groups.
back to the top
Career-Development Seminars
As part of CIMBA's philosophy that students should have a complete learning experienc while abroad, students can partipate in the Career Development Seminar series during the semester programs. Attendance at these events is optional but encouraged. Guest speakers include members of the CIMBA staff, visiting professors and professionals from the community. The seminars vary from semester to semester but have included topics such as: Resume and Cover Letter Writing Workshop, Finding a Job Overseas, Life in the Peace Corps, Starting Your Career Early: How to Get an Internship, Interviewing Skills Workshop, Beating the Case Interview, Getting an Advanced Degree, Getting an MBA, and Careers in Journalism and Communication.
back to the top
Recreational Activities
Every semester there are organized sports matches including ultimate Frisbee, ping pong, volleyball, soccer and basketball. Activities can vary depending on the level of student interest and participation. Tournaments include study abroad students and Italian students attending the boarding school. In addition to providing reminders of home and encouraging health and fitness, tournaments allow American students to interact with their Italian counterparts in the universal language of sports. More information is found in the surrounding area section of the Web site.
back to the top
Language Exchanges
Students who take the Italian language classes will meet regularly with the Italian students to speak Italian either for their own practice or English to help the Italians practice their language studies. It is a terrific way for both groups of students to enhance their language skills in a relaxed setting while meeting new people and learning about different cultures. Students from both groups learn to appreciate new things, including different cultures.
back to the top
Cultural Field Trips & Dinner Excursions
Throughout the semester, there will be field trips to various locations that have a cultural or historical focus. The trips provide students with the opportunity to learn more about the Veneto region and northern Italy. The trips usually are to smaller towns and unique places not found in most major guidebooks, thus allowing students to explore areas they would not normally find on their own. Excursions vary from semester to semester but are included in every program. Every semester includes three special dinner outings where students, professors and staff all dine at a formal Italian restaurant. Students practice the skills learned in etiquette presentations while enjoying a traditional Italian meal.
Students also participate in local cultural events. In the past, student highlights have ranged from olive picking on the Grappa Mountains and touring local wineries to learning to toss a pizza at a local pizzeria. The events allow students to have hands-on experience with traditions that make the Veneto Region unique.
back to the top |
|
|
