For a second time, IES Abroad is fully funding a 10-day study abroad program to Italy for a 10-student cohort from Arrupe College of Loyola University of Chicago. This year's study abroad program, which departs in early May, was postponed due to COVID-19 and travel restrictions, but students and faculty are looking forward to the opportunity to study abroad in Italy.
How the Partnership Began
The partnership began with a July 2019 program that took 10 students to Spain to follow the path of St. Ignatius (Loyola University’s namesake).
Arrupe College is a two-year college of Loyola University Chicago that continues the Jesuit tradition of offering a rigorous liberal arts education to a diverse population, many of whom are the first in their family to pursue higher education. IES Abroad and Arrupe College share a commitment to diversity and experiential education making the collaboration a perfect fit for such a program, which is also the first of its kind for IES Abroad. Additionally, Arrupe College is connected to Loyola University, a valued member of the IES Abroad Consortium.
Program Details
The “Culture & Regionalism in Italy” program was developed by IES Abroad’s Customized & Faculty-Led Programs team, based on the Arrupe College course “Finding Purpose and Identity: A Journey in the Spirit of St. Ignatius.” It will take a group of ten students and two faculty to Italy May 16-26, 2022 for a 10-day program, along with three Arrupe faculty leaders, Dr. Jennifer Boyle, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; Fr. Tom Neitzke, SJ, EdD, Dean & Executive Director; and Sarah Shabaan, Associate Dean for Student Success.
Based in Rome, the cohort will visit the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Musei Capitolini, Colosseum, the Forum, Palatine Hill, the Pantheon, as well as take day trips to Assisi and Venice. During the program, and in keeping with Loyola University’s Jesuit tradition, Arrupe College students will focus on sites associated with Saint Ignatius throughout Italy and in the city of Rome.
The students will also experience an on-site orientation in Rome once they arrive. Additionally, the students and accompanying faculty will have access to the IES Abroad Rome Center and staff, as well as cultural events and excursions, and 24/7 emergency support. IES Abroad is providing its full support and quality resources to make this program possible. Everything from the students’ airfare and housing to stipends and meals are covered.
The program will serve as a version of Arrupe College’s sophomore seminar, which gives students and opportunity to explore and practice Ignatian spirituality. This study abroad program in Italy was developed to reflect the intentions of the seminar, as well as the uniqueness of the Jesuit principles. The students will earn credit for their seminar taken abroad.
To be considered for one of the 10 spots on the program, students were asked to write a reflective essay on how they would benefit from the study abroad experience. A committee, made up of Arrupe College faculty and staff, reviewed the submissions and carefully selected the students.
In preparation for the program, members of the IES Abroad Customized & Faculty-Led Programs team visited Arrupe College to meet with the students and provided instruction and funds for students to obtain or renew their passports.
Learn more about our Customized & Faculty-Led Programs, or submit an Interest Form to start customizing your own program.
