International Business, Art/Architecture and Italian Studies
The Program
The Torino program offers a high-quality educational experience in three diverse academic areas: international business, art/architecture and Italian studies. These programs are not exclusive of one another; you may choose courses from any area. However, all students are required to take an intensive Italian language course during the first six weeks of the semester. The city of Torino provides an ideal setting to gain a working knowledge of the Italian language and to experience its rich cultural heritage away from English-speaking tourist centers.
As an integrated market, Europe is becoming increasingly important to the future of American business. Torino is home to many prominent international companies. The Torino program is an excellent opportunity for you to meet European students and business people in a leading center for European business and business education.
The main square of the city center, Piazza Castello, reflects the entire architectural history of Torino from its ancient Roman roots to the industrial giant it is today. While the Civil War was happening in the United States, the noble Savoy family (a dynasty that reigned in Piemonte for 9 centuries) established Torino as the capital of a newly united Italy. The Savoys demonstrated their wealth and power in their urban plan and palaces, employing illustrious architects to redesign the city in the 17th and 18th centuries. Torino’s rich combination of old and new styles makes the city the perfect location to study art and architecture. Not only is the city the home of FIAT, but leading car designers (such as Giugiaro and Pininfarina) have helped put Torino on the map as well. Torino’s strategic geographical location makes other European centers (Rome, Paris, Berlin and Zurich) easily accessible.
The Torino program combines academic coursework with practical learning, tours, and field trips to create an integrated cultural experience. Previous students have reported that the yearlong program was especially helpful in terms of language study and integration in the culture. However, you may choose to attend fall or spring semester only. (Please request a summer catalog if you are also interested in the USAC Italy summer programs.)
The Torino program has a Resident Director who is responsible for the USAC office abroad and overall operations of the program: hiring outstanding faculty, organizing field trips and optional tours and overseeing students’ well-being.
Dr. Alyssa Nota, a United States native, is the Resident Director for the Italy program. Alyssa earned her Ph.D. from Boston College and is fluent in Italian and English. Alyssa and her staff will meet the group flight at the airport, provide an on-site orientation, and take you to your program housing. The entire USAC staff has experience living and studying abroad and Program Coordinators Eliana and Daniele will provide friendly, knowledgeable and reliable assistance during your stay in Torino. Local Italian university students will also serve as your language tutors and assistants in language classes and lab.