FAQ for “Italy’s Heritage: Past is Present”
(see the google doc)
When should I arrive at the airport?
You need to be at the airport at least 4 hours before our scheduled take off. Our course begins in the airport, so it is important to be there on time.
How many bags should I bring?
You should pack as lightly as possible. I repeat, you should pack as lightly as possible. You can bring one suitcase of a reasonable size. If you have a HUGE suitcase, please bring something smaller. You need to be able to carry your own suitcase, sometimes up flights of stairs and sometimes up hills. Really.
You can have ONE carry-on bag. We would recommend something like a back-pack rather than a roller bag. We know that 1) the airline allows two carry-ons and 2) that roller bags are popular carry-ons, BUT our coaches/ buses in Italy only have room for one back-pack-sized carry-on. This means, that if you’re bag is too big to stash overhead on the bus or under the seat in front of you, you will have to carry it on your lap. Total bummer when you are trying to catch a little bit of sleep while en route to locations.
Should I bring my laptop?
Since you will not need laptops for assignments, we generally discourage students from bringing their laptops. They are a lot to carry around and at risk for theft and damage.
Will I need to know Italian? Will I be learning Italian?
We will teach you a few helpful phrases and encourage you to use them while we are abroad, but generally you will not need to know Italian. Also, this is not a language course, so you will not learn a lot of Italian; however, if you’ve taken Italian this is a great opportunity to use your skills.
What are the hotels like?
The hotels we stay in are clean, safe and in good locations. Like a lot of European hotels, the rooms are small in comparison to US hotels. The hotels sometimes have wireless (often a common computer that you have to pay a small fee to use) and generally do NOT have fitness rooms. They do, however, all serve a decent European breakfast (pastries, rolls, cheese, fruit, coffee, etc.).
Can we have study sessions or group get-togethers in our hotel rooms?
You can hang out in your room with your roommates, however, the hotels do not like to have groups gather in rooms. It is better to meet in the hotel lobby or in a café. Remember, however, that these are public places so the rules of decorum apply! (FYI: it is illegal to have a non-hotel people in the rooms, so do not invite anyone up to the room . . . even other Elon students studying abroad.)
What will the weather be like?
Since it will be winter, expect it to be chilly-cold and rainy. Sometimes we have experienced light snow and ice, but rain is most common. It is often wise to bring a small travel umbrella and a rain-proof coat. Also, you should have shoes that are water-proof.
Do I need a “dress” outfit?
You might want to take one nice pair of pants or skirt in case there is an opportunity to attend a special event. Whatever it is, it should be relatively modest, since special events are often in churches.
Will there be ATMS?
Yes. There are usually ATMS, although sometimes you may have to scout them out. It is easly to use Debit and Credit cards in Italy, but you should let your bank/ credit card company know that you are traveling out of the country and the dates of your travel in order to avoid them putting a hold on your card because of being abroad. You might also want to inquire about fees, if there are charges for withdrawing money overseas.
Will I be able to do laundry?
We don’t have a lot of time to visit laundry-mats, so there might not be a chance to do laundry. Hotels sometimes have laundry service, but it is rather expensive. It is probably best to hand wash in your room in the evening, so bring some packets of detergent, etc.
Will I have any free time?
Admittedly, we keep folks pretty busy on this course, but we do have a couple free days worked into the course and typically you should have free time in the evenings. Of course, you will often have to prep for the next day (readings, etc), but you’re prepping in ITALY!
Will my phone work in Italy?
It really depends upon your phone and your provider. Some providers offer international calling and data plans, but some require you to rent a global phone. Many of our students have enjoyed the opportunity to “unplug” and not deal with a phone, email, etc. The course faculty always have their phones handy in case of emergencies.
What if I get sick in Italy?
If you just have a cold or a mild illness, it is possible to get cold medicine or other “over-the-counter” medicines at pharmacies. If you have a more serious illness, it may be necessary to take you to an Italian hospital. Italian healthcare is modern and reliable. Because of socialized medicine the price of visiting the hospital is usually reasonable.
What about getting prescriptions in Italy?
You should take necessary prescription medication with you into Italy, instead of trying to get it there. You should carry it in your carry-on bag in the bottle with the prescription on it for security purposes.
What about drinking in Italy?
The drinking age in Italy is 16. While the legal drinking age is lower in Italy than the US, getting drunk is considered inappropriate at any age. In fact, Italians sometimes consider US students a bad influence on Italian students because of the perception that US students are only interested in getting drunk. (Jersey Shore in Florence surely didn’t help this perception.) So, you should be aware that this perception exists and try not to foster it. Please remember that Elon’s policies about alcohol and drug use apply while abroad.
In Italy we’ll probably have to go to a lot of churches, if I’m not Catholic or Christian will this be a problem?
No, this will not be a problem. In Italy there is generally the recognition that churches, synagogues and other worship spaces, in addition to being places of worship, are cultural centers and places of historical importance. People from a variety of traditions are welcome.
When worship services are not being conducted they are available for visitors to discuss and appreciate. Of course, it is important for us to be respectful, especially if worshippers are present. It is generally considered polite for men to remove their hats in churches and in synagogues men will be asked to wear a hat or a kippah (which will be provided). The instructors will definitely alert you to any traditions related to a particular site.
I’m a vegetarian/ vegan, will I be able to find anything to eat?
Generally, vegetarians have an OK time finding food in Italy, although there might not be much variety. Pasta with tomato sauce and pizza margherita (sauce, cheese and basil) are ubiquitous. Vegans will have a more difficult time, since cheese is found in many dishes. If you are vegetarian or vegan, you may want to do a little pre-travel research looking for the names of dishes that fit your diet and/ or appropriate restaurants in the cities we are visiting.
When should I arrive at the airport?
You need to be at the airport at least 4 hours before our scheduled take off. Our course begins in the airport, so it is important to be there on time.
How many bags should I bring?
You should pack as lightly as possible. I repeat, you should pack as lightly as possible. You can bring one suitcase of a reasonable size. If you have a HUGE suitcase, please bring something smaller. You need to be able to carry your own suitcase, sometimes up flights of stairs and sometimes up hills. Really.
You can have ONE carry-on bag. We would recommend something like a back-pack rather than a roller bag. We know that 1) the airline allows two carry-ons and 2) that roller bags are popular carry-ons, BUT our coaches/ buses in Italy only have room for one back-pack-sized carry-on. This means, that if you’re bag is too big to stash overhead on the bus or under the seat in front of you, you will have to carry it on your lap. Total bummer when you are trying to catch a little bit of sleep while en route to locations.
Should I bring my laptop?
Since you will not need laptops for assignments, we generally discourage students from bringing their laptops. They are a lot to carry around and at risk for theft and damage.
Will I need to know Italian? Will I be learning Italian?
We will teach you a few helpful phrases and encourage you to use them while we are abroad, but generally you will not need to know Italian. Also, this is not a language course, so you will not learn a lot of Italian; however, if you’ve taken Italian this is a great opportunity to use your skills.
What are the hotels like?
The hotels we stay in are clean, safe and in good locations. Like a lot of European hotels, the rooms are small in comparison to US hotels. The hotels sometimes have wireless (often a common computer that you have to pay a small fee to use) and generally do NOT have fitness rooms. They do, however, all serve a decent European breakfast (pastries, rolls, cheese, fruit, coffee, etc.).
Can we have study sessions or group get-togethers in our hotel rooms?
You can hang out in your room with your roommates, however, the hotels do not like to have groups gather in rooms. It is better to meet in the hotel lobby or in a café. Remember, however, that these are public places so the rules of decorum apply! (FYI: it is illegal to have a non-hotel people in the rooms, so do not invite anyone up to the room . . . even other Elon students studying abroad.)
What will the weather be like?
Since it will be winter, expect it to be chilly-cold and rainy. Sometimes we have experienced light snow and ice, but rain is most common. It is often wise to bring a small travel umbrella and a rain-proof coat. Also, you should have shoes that are water-proof.
Do I need a “dress” outfit?
You might want to take one nice pair of pants or skirt in case there is an opportunity to attend a special event. Whatever it is, it should be relatively modest, since special events are often in churches.
Will there be ATMS?
Yes. There are usually ATMS, although sometimes you may have to scout them out. It is easly to use Debit and Credit cards in Italy, but you should let your bank/ credit card company know that you are traveling out of the country and the dates of your travel in order to avoid them putting a hold on your card because of being abroad. You might also want to inquire about fees, if there are charges for withdrawing money overseas.
Will I be able to do laundry?
We don’t have a lot of time to visit laundry-mats, so there might not be a chance to do laundry. Hotels sometimes have laundry service, but it is rather expensive. It is probably best to hand wash in your room in the evening, so bring some packets of detergent, etc.
Will I have any free time?
Admittedly, we keep folks pretty busy on this course, but we do have a couple free days worked into the course and typically you should have free time in the evenings. Of course, you will often have to prep for the next day (readings, etc), but you’re prepping in ITALY!
Will my phone work in Italy?
It really depends upon your phone and your provider. Some providers offer international calling and data plans, but some require you to rent a global phone. Many of our students have enjoyed the opportunity to “unplug” and not deal with a phone, email, etc. The course faculty always have their phones handy in case of emergencies.
What if I get sick in Italy?
If you just have a cold or a mild illness, it is possible to get cold medicine or other “over-the-counter” medicines at pharmacies. If you have a more serious illness, it may be necessary to take you to an Italian hospital. Italian healthcare is modern and reliable. Because of socialized medicine the price of visiting the hospital is usually reasonable.
What about getting prescriptions in Italy?
You should take necessary prescription medication with you into Italy, instead of trying to get it there. You should carry it in your carry-on bag in the bottle with the prescription on it for security purposes.
What about drinking in Italy?
The drinking age in Italy is 16. While the legal drinking age is lower in Italy than the US, getting drunk is considered inappropriate at any age. In fact, Italians sometimes consider US students a bad influence on Italian students because of the perception that US students are only interested in getting drunk. (Jersey Shore in Florence surely didn’t help this perception.) So, you should be aware that this perception exists and try not to foster it. Please remember that Elon’s policies about alcohol and drug use apply while abroad.
In Italy we’ll probably have to go to a lot of churches, if I’m not Catholic or Christian will this be a problem?
No, this will not be a problem. In Italy there is generally the recognition that churches, synagogues and other worship spaces, in addition to being places of worship, are cultural centers and places of historical importance. People from a variety of traditions are welcome.
When worship services are not being conducted they are available for visitors to discuss and appreciate. Of course, it is important for us to be respectful, especially if worshippers are present. It is generally considered polite for men to remove their hats in churches and in synagogues men will be asked to wear a hat or a kippah (which will be provided). The instructors will definitely alert you to any traditions related to a particular site.
I’m a vegetarian/ vegan, will I be able to find anything to eat?
Generally, vegetarians have an OK time finding food in Italy, although there might not be much variety. Pasta with tomato sauce and pizza margherita (sauce, cheese and basil) are ubiquitous. Vegans will have a more difficult time, since cheese is found in many dishes. If you are vegetarian or vegan, you may want to do a little pre-travel research looking for the names of dishes that fit your diet and/ or appropriate restaurants in the cities we are visiting.
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