This study group is designed exclusively for graduate and undergraduate students and accompanying professors whose work with students at colleges and universities is influenced by the Reggio Emilia Approach®.
It fits well with short term faculty led study abroad programs and independent study, offering students practical international experience to support their corresponding academic coursework. Angela Ferrario, U.S. Liaison for Study Groups to Reggio Emilia, works closely with participating professors to accommodate the requirements at their college/university. She also facilitates communication across the group prior to departure and while in Reggio Emilia.
Students should be familiar with the history and fundamental principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach® so that they have some contextual framework before being immersed in the actual experience. Opportunities for dialogue and exchange among the group and with educators in Reggio Emilia will offer students many possibilities for gaining a deeper understanding of the history, challenges, strategies and accomplishments of the Municipal Infant Toddler Centers and Preschools.
World Renowned Schools
The experience of the Municipal Infant Toddler Centers and Preschools of Reggio Emilia is the subject of interest, research and exchange on the part of students, teachers, teacher educators, researchers, administrators, and political and cultural figures from all over Italy and throughout the world.
The context and history of this community is highly regarded, rooted in not only pedagogical choices but also political, cultural and ethical choices made following WWII in support of a new democratic society.
U.S. Students and Professors Study Group
Reggio Emilia, Italy
March 23-28, 2024
Please Note: Reggio Children also offers Fall and Spring International Study Groups that are open to US educators. Information will be available at: www.reggiochildren.it
-
Introductory meeting and welcome lunch on Sunday March 24, 2024.
-
Understanding the history, identity and principles of the educational project including essential elements of daily life in the schools.
-
Visiting the exhibitions and spaces of the Loris Malaguzzi International Center and the Documentation and Educational Research Center.
-
Presentation of research projects and documentation made by teachers, atelieristas and pedagogistas working in the Preschools and Infant-toddler Centers.
-
Participating in Ateliers for first hand exploration of the 100 Languages
-
Opportunities for discussion and reflection among students and professors to share information about their own context and Reggio-related coursework taking place at their respective colleges and universities.
-
Visit to a Preschool or Infant-toddler Center. *
-
Encountering the city and community of Reggio Emilia and the social, cultural and educational context.
*Visiting an Infant-toddler Center or Preschool will be possible only and exclusively if the health conditions in force in Italy at the time of the visit together with the authorization decided and issued by the Preschools and Infant-toddler Centers Institution of the Municipality of Reggio Emilia will allow it.
Reggio Children Fee includes:
- 22 hours of professional development with teachers, pedagogistas and atelieristas of the Infant-toddler Centers and Preschools of Reggio /Emilia
- 2 hours of Atelier at the Loris Malaguzzin International Center
- An online reserved area with information and materials
- A welcome bag
- Bus transportation when required by the program
- English-Italian translation when required by the program
- Coffee breaks and 3 buffet lunches at Pause “Atelier of Tastes” located inside the International Center
- Certificate of Participation
Program Highlights
Hotel Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 nights are included from check-in on Saturday, March 23, 2024 to check-out on Thursday, March 28, 2024.
To accommodate our group, blocks of rooms have been reserved at several hotels within a 20-minute walking distance of the Loris Malaguzzi International Center.
To reserve a space, submission of Registration Form and $500 deposit per person is required.
Please complete the registration form online or print and mail to: Angela Ferrario, 15 Beach Street Extension, Milford, MA 01757.
Payment may be made by PayPal, credit card or check made payable to International Study Tours, LLC.
Confirmation and Invoice for Balance Due will be sent. Balance payment is due upon receipt of Confirmation and Invoice but no later than February 23, 2024.
Registration & Payment
$1,950 per person in a Shared Double Room
$2,250 per person in a Single Room
The cost includes the program fee to Reggio Children, hotel accommodations for 5 nights, services provided by Angela Ferrario, U.S. Liaison for Study Groups to Reggio Emilia and by International Study Tours, LLC.
North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA) members receive a $100 discount. For membership information please visit: www.reggioalliance.org.
Buffet style breakfast is offered daily at all hotels. In addition to the welcome lunch on Sunday, lunch is provided on the 3 days during the program.
Cost
“I want to thank you for all your hard work, support, and knowledgeable guidance during my time in Reggio Emilia... I learned so much and will return to my college with a renewed belief in the principles and philosophy in which I was so fortunate to be immersed.”
Arrival & Departure
Participants are responsible for booking their own flights and travel arrangements. Airfare is not included. Bologna Marconi is the most convenient airport to reach Reggio Emilia. Alternatively, you can fly into Milan Malpensa or Milan Linate.
Participants should arrange to fly on Friday, March 22, 2024, arriving in Reggio Emilia on Saturday, March 23, 2024 (departure from the U.S. is one day prior to arrival in Italy).
Our first group gathering in Reggio Emilia is the welcome meeting I host on Sunday, March 24.
The Program begins Monday morning and ends on Wednesday, March 27 at approximately 4:30 p.m. Hotel check-out is Thursday, March 28 by 11 a.m.
Airport Pick-up Service
Assistance with making private ground transportation arrangements between the airport and Reggio Emilia for individuals or for groups traveling together is available upon request. Cost is additional.
Photography & Videotape Policy
For privacy issues, participants are not allowed to photograph or videotape inside the infant-toddler centers and preschools, inside the Exhibition area and the Ateliers at the Loris Malaguzzi International Center, as well as during the presentations.
Reggio Children’s policy allows the possibility to audio record the presentations.
All payments are refundable in full minus a $100 processing fee until February 23, 2024. For cancellations received after February 23, 2024, no refund will be due.
Refund Policy
It is recommended to be at the airport at least 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight departure time.
If driving from Reggio Emilia, it takes approximately 45 mins. to reach Bologna Airport and 2 ½ hours to reach Milan Malpensa or Linate Airports depending on traffic conditions.
Allow more time if traveling from/to either airport by public transportation and check train schedules in advance.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
All US Citizens require a passport that is valid a minimum of 6 months after their return date to the US. (For example, if you are departing from Italy on April 1, 2023 your passport must be valid through October 1, 2023.) Routine U.S. passport processing times are estimated to be 8-12 weeks. If you are applying for or renewing a passport, plan accordingly and apply well in advance. Non-U.S. citizens should check entry and visa requirements
TRAVEL NOTES
International Meeting Place
Our venue is the Loris Malaguzzi International Center, which opened in February 2006 and now encompasses an International Preschool and Primary School, a Book Shop and Pause Restaurant. As described by Professor Carlina Rinaldi . . .
"It was created to give greater value to a strong and distinctive characteristic of Reggio Emilia; the ability to lend listening, visibility and support to the rights and requests of children, young people, families and teachers. The Center is a dedicated meeting place where professional development and research intersect for people in Reggio Emilia, Italy and the world who wish to innovate education and culture. “
