Italy FAQs

Absolutely. A short-term, faculty-led program can provide students with a structured way to experience international travel while learning alongside classmates and participating in organized academic activities. You don't need to be an experienced international traveler, you need to be curious, adaptable, professional, and ready to learn.

The program is scheduled for May 8–16, 2027.

We will fly into Milan and conclude by flying back to Cleveland via Florence. There are scheduled business experiences in each city and during the journey between the two cities. 

This is an academic global business experience where Italy becomes your classroom. The itinerary combines guest lectures, guided visits, business and factory experiences, workshops, a capstone presentation, cultural exploration, and free time.

You will explore several areas of business, including the Italian economy, sports management, food production, automotive business, craftsmanship, sustainability/upcycling, and global competitive advantage.

The current itinerary specifies 3-star hotel accommodation in Milan and Florence. Specific hotels and room arrangements have not yet been identified in the itinerary and should be communicated once finalized. 

The current itinerary includes breakfast at the hotels throughout the scheduled program days after arrival. Welcome and farewell dinners are also scheduled, and lunch is included with the balsamic vinegar producer visit. 

No. Some meals are specifically included in the itinerary, while others will be on your own. This gives students opportunities to experience local restaurants and food culture independently (and at their own cost). Please be prepared to pay for at least six lunches and five dinners (plus food at the airports on travel days). We recommend bringing at least $300 for these meals.

Students should plan to bring business-casual attire suitable for professional visits and presentations. Think polished and professional rather than formal: slacks or appropriate skirts/dresses, collared shirts, blouses, sweaters, and comfortable professional shoes. Specific dress requirements have not yet been provided by the program's business hosts, so final guidance should be communicated before departure.

Since this will be the start of Summer in Italy, think light fabrics such as linen and cotton.

 

The current itinerary does not specify a suit or formal business attire requirement. Students should, however, bring at least one polished outfit appropriate for professional meetings and the capstone presentation. 

 

Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Students should expect considerable walking in Milan and Florence. It is also wise to bring a second pair appropriate for business visits and presentations.

Treat every business visit as a professional opportunity. Students should arrive on time, dress appropriately, remain engaged, ask thoughtful questions, and show respect to hosts, employees, faculty, guides, and fellow students. Remember: you are representing yourself and Cleveland State University.

Yes. The itinerary includes a free day in Milan on May 12 and free time in Florence on the evening of May 14, and the afternoon of May 15. 

 

Our travel partner will be providing information on recommended activities in the cities when free time is indicated. Specific expectations regarding independent travel, check-ins, geographic boundaries, buddy systems, or curfews will be addressed during pre-departure orientations. 

The itinerary includes group transportation upon arrival in Milan, private-coach transportation from Milan toward Florence, and group transportation to the Florence airport for departure. Additional local transportation arrangements will be discussed before departure. 

Italian language proficiency is not a requirement. Students are nevertheless encouraged to learn basic Italian greetings and travel phrases as part of being respectful and engaged international visitors.

 

Students will participate in a three-hour capstone presentation session in Florence on May 15. Details regarding teams, topics, grading, and presentation requirements will be discussed in the BUS 493 Current Topics course.

Students should plan to have a phone or other approved device for program communication, something for taking notes, and any materials specified by faculty. Because this is an academic program, students should be prepared to capture observations and connect their experiences to business concepts throughout the trip.

 

Students should check with their mobile carrier before departure regarding international coverage, roaming, or international data plans. An international eSIM may also be an option for compatible phones. Final technology recommendations will be discussed during pre-departure orientation.

 

Yes. All travelers leaving the USA are required to have a passport with validity until November 2027 or later. 

Pack light and think versatility: comfortable walking clothes, business-casual outfits, a polished presentation outfit, comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate layers, personal medications and toiletries, charging equipment/adapters, and required travel documents. A detailed packing list will be provided closer to departure.

 

Because we're changing hotels and traveling from Milan to Florence by bus, packing efficiently will make the experience significantly easier. Specific airline baggage limits and program luggage requirements will be distributed when available but plan on 1 carry-on item, a person item and 1 checked bag of less than 50 lbs. 

 

Students should disclose dietary needs on their pre-departure forms prior to departure or discuss any concerns with the Program Director. Because several experiences involve food producers and group meals, advance communication will be especially important. 

Students who require academic, mobility, dietary, or other accommodations should contact the Program Director, the CISP, or ODS as early as possible so available accommodations can be arranged before travel. The earllier you start the conversation the better. Please do not wait until you arrive in Italy. 

Students should expect some flexibility. The official itinerary is identified as tentative, and dates or events may change because of local availability, weather, or other circumstances. 

On this program you're not simply going to Italy you're gaining access to Italy as a business classroom. The program combines professional learning, business visits, academic experiences, organized transportation and programming with opportunities to independently experience Milan and Florence.

You'll return with concrete international experiences you can discuss in interviews: observing business operations, interacting with professionals, experiencing different industries, navigating another culture, working with classmates, and applying business concepts outside the classroom. 

 

Italy is a popular international destination, and students can enjoy Milan and Florence safely by using the same good judgment expected in any major city. Stay aware of your surroundings, follow program guidance, travel with others when appropriate, and keep important belongings secure.

Pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas, public transportation, train stations, and crowded attractions. Keep your phone, wallet, passport, and other valuables secured rather than in an open bag or back pocket. Be especially attentive when boarding public transportation or moving through crowds.

Students should follow all program guidelines regarding independent activities. When exploring, know where you're going, stay aware of your surroundings, keep your phone charged, and make sure someone knows your plans. Traveling with another student is a smart choice, particularly at night or in unfamiliar areas.

Students should follow the program leader's guidance regarding when original identification is required and how passports should be secured. Avoid casually carrying important documents when they aren't needed and keep backup copies of essential travel information in a secure location

Public transportation is a normal part of getting around Milan and other Italian cities. Stay alert at stations and on crowded trains, trams, and buses, secure your belongings, confirm your route before traveling, and avoid becoming so focused on your phone that you lose awareness of your surroundings.

Use good judgment and remember that program expectations and rules (including the Student Code of Conduct) still apply during free time. Stay with people you trust, have a plan for getting back to the hotel, keep your phone charged, and avoid leaving a friend behind. Never accept an unknown ride or put yourself in a situation where you cannot safely make decisions or return to the group.

A friendly interaction isn't automatically a cause for concern, but students should feel comfortable declining unsolicited assistance, purchases, transportation, or invitations. Be particularly cautious if someone is distracting you while another person is nearby or if you're being pressured to act quickly.

Don't panic or start wandering in search of the group. Use the program's established communication procedures, contact the designated program representative or the Program Director, and go to the agreed meeting location if one has been established. Students should keep essential program contact information accessible throughout the trip.

Stay aware. Stay connected. Look out for one another. Students should know the day's schedule, keep their phones charged, secure their belongings, follow the leaders' guidance, and speak up whenever something doesn't feel right.

Part of studying abroad is learning to navigate a new environment independently. Stay aware, make smart decisions, look out for your classmates, and remember that SAI's onsite team and 24/7 emergency support are available when you need assistance.

Italy uses the euro (€). U.S. dollars are not accepted for everyday purchases, so students should plan to pay in Euros (coins and paper currency) or use an internationally accepted debit or credit card.

Bring both. Credit and debit cards are widely useful, but having a modest amount of Euros is helpful for smaller purchases, cafés, markets, tips, or situations where cards may not be convenient.

You do not need to carry a large amount of Euros before departure. Students may choose to obtain a small amount before traveling for immediate expenses after arrival. ATMs can also be used in Italy, depending on your bank and account.

Many U.S. cards can be used internationally, but students should check with their bank or card issuer before departure. Ask about international transaction fees, ATM fees, daily withdrawal limits, and international usage policies.

Use ATMs associated with established banks whenever possible, rather than unfamiliar standalone machines in heavily traveled areas. Review any displayed fees before completing a transaction and protect your PIN when using the machine.

 

Students may encounter a choice between being charged in U.S. dollars or the local currency. Generally, selecting Euros allows your card network or financial institution to perform the currency conversion rather than accepting the merchant's offered conversion. Students should understand their card's fees before traveling.

Participants should plan to have approximately $500 but the actual amount you'll spend depends on your personal spending habits. Some meals and scheduled program activities are included (breakfasts, one lunch and two dinners), but students should budget for meals not included in the program, snacks, personal transportation during free time, shopping, souvenirs, and independent activities.

No. Avoid keeping all of your cash, cards, and identification together. Carry what you reasonably expect to need and securely store backup payment options separately.

Contact the card issuer immediately to freeze or cancel the card and notify the program leaders. Before departure, students should know how to contact their financial institutions from outside the United States and have access to a backup payment method.

Mobile payments can be convenient, but they shouldn't be your only payment method. Bring at least one physical card and have access to some cash in case your phone is lost, its battery dies, or mobile payment isn't accepted.

Tipping customs in Italy differ from those in the United States. Students will receive cultural and practical guidance before and during the program and should not assume that U.S. tipping practices apply in every situation. The program fee includes tips for the tour operator and bus drivers engaged on this program. 

Exchange rates fluctuate. Students should check the current U.S. dollar-to-euro exchange rate shortly before departure and use it as a general guide when budgeting rather than expecting the rate to remain fixed. Use a website like ONADA or XE.com

Check your bank's international fees, know your PIN, have more than one way to pay, and don't keep all your cash and cards in the same place. A little preparation can prevent a money problem from becoming a travel problem.

No. You’re abroad, but you will not be on your own. From the pre-departure preparation to onsite staff and 24/7 emergency support, the tour operator and the Program Director will share resources designed to help students navigate their international experience safely and confidently.

Students have access to unlimited 24/7 emergency support while onsite, including a tour operator emergency phone line. Additionally, International SOS also has a Milano call center dedicated to assisting clients like CSU 24/7. The tour operator also provides a dedicated onsite point of contact and representatives who can assist students and accompany them to appointments when needed.

The tour operator maintains a network of English-speaking doctors, medical professionals, and counselors. Onsite representatives can also help students navigate medical needs and accompany students to appointments as appropriate.

Yes. Basic international health insurance is provided automatically to all approved CSU students. You're encouraged to review the policy before departure and understand what is and what is not covered. The purchase of an additional primary international health insurance is encouraged.

Students receive pre-arrival communication, a customized Pre-departure Guide, and a program Pre-departure Orientation. An additional onsite orientation is provided after arrival so students understand local expectations, resources, transportation, emergency procedures, and available support.

Yes. The tour operator provides experienced and trained onsite staff, a dedicated onsite point of contact, and representatives who can assist students throughout the program. Students also have access to 24/7 emergency support through the tour operator and International SOS.